Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Step into Matera's ancient past at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a recreated cave dwelling showcasing traditional life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Matera's ancient past at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a recreated cave dwelling showcasing traditional life.
"A fascinating step back in time – an absolute must-see in Matera!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Sassi are full of uneven steps and cobblestones. Comfortable walking shoes are essential!
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush your visit. Exploring the Sassi and Casa Grotta takes time to truly appreciate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Sassi Caveoso
Step back in time in this recreated cave dwelling, showcasing traditional peasant life until the 1950s.
Sassi di Matera
Matera
Explore ancient cave dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Cave Churches
Various locations within the Sassi
Discover ancient rupestrian churches, some of which were later converted into dwellings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Cave Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Sassi are full of uneven steps and cobblestones. Comfortable walking shoes are essential! +1
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush your visit. Exploring the Sassi and Casa Grotta takes time to truly appreciate.
🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)
Wandering through the Sassi is part of the magic. Embrace getting a little lost to discover hidden gems. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Matera offers stunning viewpoints, especially at sunset. Bring your camera! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Sassi are full of uneven steps and cobblestones. Comfortable walking shoes are essential! +1
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush your visit. Exploring the Sassi and Casa Grotta takes time to truly appreciate.
🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)
Wandering through the Sassi is part of the magic. Embrace getting a little lost to discover hidden gems. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Matera offers stunning viewpoints, especially at sunset. Bring your camera! +1
🗣️ Consider an Audio Guide
Audio guides can enhance your understanding of the history and context of the sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario for its authentic portrayal of historical peasant life in Matera's Sassi. The recreated dwelling offers a powerful and humbling glimpse into the past, providing essential context for understanding the city's unique heritage. While some note it can be crowded during peak times, the experience is widely considered a must-do for its educational value and immersive quality. +2
"I will ignore in my rating that it was mid august and totally crowded when I was there. I am sure if you go off the big holiday season that is an even more exceptional experience. You can see that they don't only make money with it, but it is kept in excellent condition just like the whole historical center itself and has very friendly staff all around. The audio guides are well done and available in many languages but I would have appreciated more information out of them. I guess especially during high season they don't want people to spend too much time in each room so they have space for more visitors. All in all I consider it a "Must do" when you visit Matera."
Vincent Fischer
"A Fascinating Step Back in Time - A Must-See in Matera.
Visiting the Casa Grotta nei Sassi was a truly eye-opening experience. It's an amazing place to discover what a traditional peasant home looked like, and it's incredible to think that families lived this way until they were relocated in the 1950s.
The recreation is very well done and gives you a powerful feel for their daily life.
What makes this a fantastic value is that the same ticket also gives you access to two other nearby sites: an ancient snow cave used for storing ice and a small cave church that was later converted into a dwelling.
This is an absolute must-see when you are in the area. It doesn't take long to visit, but it provides incredible context for understanding the unique history of the Sassi. Highly recommended."
Kristjan Raude
"We visited a traditional cave dwelling in the Sassi Caveoso area, and it was definitely worth the stop. Although we had to wait a few minutes before entering, the staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience feel relaxed and unhurried.
The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in these caves until the 1950s. It’s quite remarkable—and a little humbling—to see how entire families shared these spaces not only with each other but also with their animals, including chickens and even horses.
The interior has been thoughtfully restored and laid out, with everyday objects and furniture that help bring the past to life. While you may have read about this part of Matera’s history, standing inside the cave really gives it a whole new dimension. It’s something else entirely to physically be in the space and imagine what daily life was like.
A short but meaningful visit that adds depth to your understanding of Matera’s unique heritage."
wouter vandenabeele
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is located within the Sassi di Matera. You can reach it by walking from the modern part of Matera, or by taking a local bus to the Sassi area. Parking is limited in the Sassi, so public transport or walking is recommended. +1
Matera is accessible by train and bus. The nearest major airport is Bari (BRI), from which you can take a bus or train to Matera.
The best way to explore the Sassi is on foot. Be prepared for many stairs and uneven surfaces. Consider wearing comfortable shoes. +1
Yes, taxis are available in Matera, but they can be expensive and may not be able to access all areas within the Sassi due to pedestrian zones.
Driving directly to Casa Grotta is not recommended as the Sassi are largely pedestrianized. There are parking areas outside the Sassi, from which you will need to walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but typically include access to the Casa Grotta and other nearby historical sites like a snow cave and a cave church. Check the official website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
Casa Grotta is generally open year-round, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times.
Yes, the ticket for Casa Grotta often includes access to other nearby historical sites, offering good value.
The Sassi themselves are a living city and do not have an entrance fee. However, individual attractions within the Sassi, like Casa Grotta, do require tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is a historical site that recreates a traditional cave dwelling in Matera, showing how families lived with their animals and limited resources until the mid-20th century.
A visit to Casa Grotta typically takes about 30-60 minutes, but allow extra time if you wish to explore the included nearby sites.
While audio guides are often available, some visitors have reported having wonderful experiences with knowledgeable staff who answer questions. +1
The Sassi offer a wealth of attractions, including numerous cave churches, viewpoints, museums, and unique cave hotels. +1
Due to the nature of cave dwellings and the Sassi's terrain, accessibility can be challenging. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility options.
📸 📸 Photography
Excellent viewpoints include Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, and the area across the ravine (Belvedere di Mugia Timone) for panoramic shots of the Sassi. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photographing the Sassi, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding photo permissions inside the dwelling.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and urban areas. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive Sassi views, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for general exploration. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the Sassi, keep in mind that there are many stairs and uneven paths, so strollers might be difficult to manage. Consider carrying younger children or using a baby carrier. Many of the cave churches and viewpoints offer open spaces where kids can move around safely.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Visiting Casa Grotta with an audio guide or joining a small group tour can be a great way to learn about the history and connect with other travelers. Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with locals or fellow visitors – the community spirit in Matera is often highlighted.
📸 Photographers
Beyond Casa Grotta, explore viewpoints like Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli and the area across the ravine for breathtaking panoramas. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the Sassi and a tripod for low-light conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Sassi di Matera
However, by the mid-20th century, the Sassi were considered a national shame due to poor living conditions, lack of modern amenities, and overcrowding. The government relocated the inhabitants to new districts in the 1950s. It wasn't until the late 20th century that a renewed appreciation for their historical and cultural significance led to a massive restoration effort.
Today, the Sassi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and were designated the European Capital of Culture in 2019. They have been transformed into a vibrant area with boutique hotels, restaurants, artisan shops, and museums, all while preserving their ancient charm. Visiting Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario offers a direct connection to this incredible history, showing how families lived in these very spaces.
Experiencing Life in a Cave Dwelling
The exhibits highlight the resourcefulness required to survive in such an environment. You'll see how they managed water, food storage (including the fascinating use of 'neviere' or snow caves for preservation), and heating. The simplicity of the furnishings and the ingenuity of their solutions offer a profound contrast to modern living.
Visiting Casa Grotta is more than just seeing an old house; it's an immersive historical experience that provides crucial context for the entire Sassi. It helps visitors appreciate the challenges and the unique culture that developed within these ancient cave systems, making the broader exploration of Matera much more meaningful.
Matera's Transformation: From Shame to Gem
The turning point came with a growing recognition of the Sassi's immense historical value. Extensive restoration projects began, transforming the ancient caves into modern, yet characterful, living spaces. This revitalization effort not only saved the Sassi from decay but also breathed new life into the city, attracting tourism and investment.
Today, Matera is a prime example of successful heritage preservation and urban regeneration. The Sassi are a vibrant hub, offering unique accommodations like cave hotels and immersive cultural experiences. This transformation is a testament to the power of recognizing and investing in historical assets, turning a past burden into a present-day treasure.
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