Laboratory Museum of Rural Life — Attraction in Matera

This place is something else. I think it is the first place you should see in Matera. An enormous tribute to Sassi people, their lives and history. A true life "amarcord". Merely 500m2 tells the story of Matera laborers, neigbours, craftmen and their inter dependence. The museum creator, Donato Cascione also brings to our memory the "invisible" jobs - mostly those od Materan women. No one is forgotten, no one left behind. I bow my head in respect and appreciation for Donato, who not only assembled the objects and put them in fascinating order but also beautifully described the life od Materans - especially with the short poems - Dieci chiodi e piu - made me very, very emotional. After 1,5 hrs visiting this museum I felt touched emotionally. I was told the story of poverty and hardship, of life, love and joy and dignity - everything. La volonta de vivere e nella forza dei nostri desideri - as Donato wrote on the first page of the book I bought in the museum. Thank you, now I understand. Yes, buy the book once you there "I raconti del Museo" (also available in English) is a very important supplement - a book of testimonies and memories of those who experienced a life in Sassi. Grazie Donato per aver toccato il...

I can't recommend the Museum of Rural Life in Matera enough. This isn't just a collection of old tools; it's a profound, humanistic tribute to a way of life that is often misunderstood. The owner, Donatello, has created a space that beautifully honours the values and beliefs of peasants. For me, the experience was especially personal as my own family were peasants. The museum's focus on the dignity of their lives—the poems, the stories, the sense of strong community between people and animals—truly resonated with me. It serves as a beautiful reminder that great wealth is not a prerequisite for a rich life. I was incredibly touched when Donatello signed a book for me with a heartfelt inscription. It's a powerful memento from a man who has dedicated himself to preserving and sharing these important values. If you want to feel something deeply and connect with the real heart of Matera,...

What an incredible place! Stuffed full of some much stuff! From magazines from the 1930's to old furniture, from old tools and equipment to a complete 1900's barber shop. If you really want to see how people lived 100+ years ago, skip the queues and overcrowded cave houses and come here. The entry fee is only 4 euro and there is way more to see here than at the cave houses! I stubbled across this place pretty much by accident but besides Matera itself this was best place I visited, so glad I found it. Would highly recommend it and if I am ever in Matera again I would definitely make a repeat visit. If you are visiting Matera you have...