Palombaro lungo — Attraction in Matera

Palombaro Longo: A Journey to Matera's Underground Secrets

Palombaro Longo is more than just a cave; it's a portal to Matera's fascinating past. Stepping down into its depths is like entering another world, a world of ancient ingenuity and unsettling beauty.

A Labyrinth of Stone:

The sheer size and scale of the cave system is breathtaking. Imagine a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved from sheer rock. The intricate network of walkways, built by hand centuries ago, weave a story of resilience and ingenuity. The sense of history is palpable, a reminder of how Matera's inhabitants lived and thrived beneath the city centuries ago.

A Breathtaking Dive into History: Offering fascinating insights into the lives of the Sassi people who lived in these underground dwellings. You'll learn about their unique way of life, their ingenuity in adapting to the rugged terrain, and the challenges they faced.

A Unique Sensory Experience:

The subterranean atmosphere is both cool and hushed, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue. The lack of natural light is a fascinating contrast to the sun-drenched city above, creating a unique experience that is both unsettling and awe-inspiring. The silence, broken only by the drip of water and the occasional whisper, is a profound and contemplative experience.

• For the Adventurous:*

Palombaro Longo is not for the faint of heart. It's a physical journey down into the depths, requiring some effort (😜) and a sense of adventure. But the experience is well worth it. It's a chance to step back in time, to experience a part of Matera that's often hidden from the tourist trail, and to appreciate the city's incredible resilience and history.

A few things to note:

Book in advance: The tour is popular, so booking in advance is essential. Limited accessibility: The tour can be physically demanding, especially for those with mobility issues. Embrace the darkness: Be prepared for a bit of darkness; it's part of the experience!

Palombaro Longo is recommended for anyone visiting Matera. It's a journey that will stay with you long after you leave the...

We decided to visit Palombardo Lungo on a blistering afternoon, more in need of a break from the sun than anything else. Handing over the €3 per adult felt a bit steep for what essentially looked like a stone archway.

We went in with low expectations, and to be honest, the experience didn't really justify the price from a historical or cultural perspective. The name itself, "lungo" (long), gives you the most accurate description: it's a long, shaded passageway that you walk through.

There's not a whole lot to see or do inside. It's a simple, well-maintained tunnel with rough-hewn stone walls and a cool, damp atmosphere. You can hear your own footsteps echoing in the quiet. However, what it lacks in visual spectacle, it more than makes up for in pure, unadulterated relief from the heat. The moment you step out of the blinding sunlight and into that cool, dark interior, it feels like a total reset for your body. It's the most refreshing few minutes you'll spend all day.

So, while I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a must-see attraction on its own merit, if you find yourself walking around under a merciless sun and your energy is starting to fade, Palombardo Lungo becomes a practical, and at that moment, invaluable refuge.

The €3 isn't for the historical significance; it's for the brief, beautiful respite from the heat. It's a great example of how sometimes the best part of a visit isn't what's advertised, but the simple comfort it provides from...

Palombari are huge public cisterns that collected spring water for drinking. Apart from them, people dug their own smaller cisterns for private use for themselves and the live stock which lived with them. Palombaro Lungo was the biggest public cistern active from 16c and enlarged over the centuries. It had a capacity of 5 million liters with a depth of 16 and length of 50 met. The shape is irregular which is a result of digging and joining together several small cisterns around. The cistern walls were sealed with a water proof plaster. People collected water with with aluminum buckets through a well which was on the square, which doesn't exist any more. It was destroyed in 1927 when a national aqueduct was built. However, you can see the mouth of well from the cistern interior. The Palombaro cistern was rediscovered in 1991 during public works on the square. It's located on the main square of Matera. Entry fee is low, 3 Euros, and will consume around 15 min...