Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo is a small cave-dwelling museum in Matera’s Sassi, where a rock-cut home offers a glimpse of everyday life before the old quarters were largely abandoned. Its furnishings and tools make the story tangible: sleeping, cooking and working all took place in a compact space once shared with animals.
Families lived in Matera’s cave homes for generations, often in crowded, damp conditions with little sanitation. From the 1950s, residents were relocated to new neighbourhoods, and the Sassi gradually emptied. Once associated with poverty and neglect, the districts were later restored and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
The museum is a useful counterpoint to the sweeping views from Matera’s terraces. Inside, the cool air and rock walls show how the dwelling was shaped by its surroundings. It’s a short stop that adds context to a walk among the Sassi’s stairways, cisterns and rock churches.
Wear shoes with good grip for the uneven stone lanes and steps. Low doorways and stairs may make access difficult for visitors with limited mobility or pushchairs. Check opening times and ticket details before visiting, as they can change seasonally.