Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is a small museum in Matera’s Sasso Caveoso district, furnished to show how a family lived in one of the city’s cave dwellings. Carved into the rock, the home brings domestic life into focus: a bed, kitchen area, tools and space for animals share the same modest interior.
The cave house tells a chapter of the Sassi’s long history that is easy to miss from the scenic viewpoints. By the mid-20th century, overcrowding and poor sanitation had made living conditions in many dwellings extremely difficult. Thousands of residents were relocated to new housing from the 1950s onward; the Sassi were later restored and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
What makes the museum worth visiting is its intimate scale. Furniture and everyday objects help visitors imagine how a household made use of a single room, with people and animals living close together. It is a useful starting point for understanding Matera beyond its dramatic stone streets and rock churches.
Allow around 20 to 30 minutes for a visit, and check current opening hours before setting out. The lanes around the museum can be steep and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time if mobility is a concern. In summer, an early or late-afternoon walk through the Sassi can be more comfortable than exploring at midday.