In the heart of Sasso Barisano

The most authentic location in Matera

Le Dimore dei Mercanti si trovano nel cuore pulsante del Sasso Barisano, the largest and most vital district of the Sassi di Matera, just 250 meters from Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Our strategic position allows you to completely immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the UNESCO heritage, living the authentic experience of staying where ancient history meets contemporary life.

Because Sasso Barisano is special

Sasso Barisano takes its name from the direction it leads towards Bari and develops on the slope north-western of the Gravina. Compared to the Sasso Caveoso, wilder and more archaic, the Barisano has a greater presence of:

• Restored historic buildings with decorated facades and sculpted portals
• Stately buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries built on top of the ancient cave houses
• Artisan workshops and design shops that enhance tradition
• Cave restaurants serving authentic Lucanian cuisine
• Popular hotels and charming accommodation facilities integrated into the rock architecture

The district develops in a way linear along the rocky ridge with a "comb-like" urban layout, creating a fascinating labyrinth of alleys, stairways and small squares where getting lost is part of the charm.

Pedestrian area and access

Sasso Barisano is pedestrian area protected, part of the UNESCO historic centre. Cars cannot drive in the alleys, therefore:

1. You will have to leave your car in one of the nearby car parks
2. Reach the property on foot (5-10 minute walk)
3. Bring unwieldy luggage (slippery floors and quaint steps)

We will provide you detailed and precise directions via email before your arrival, with maps and reference points to reach us without difficulty.

Lively and authentic neighborhood

Staying in Sasso Barisano means experiencing Matera from the inside:

• During the day: stroll among tourists and residents, discover hidden corners at every turn
• At sunset: witness the magic of the Sassi which are colored pink and orange
• In the evening: enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the illuminated alleys, with the cave restaurants that welcome diners
• The night: sleep in the ancient silence of the stone, surrounded by 9,000 years of history

Places of interest nearby

La posizione strategica delle Dimore dei Mercanti ti permette di raggiungere a piedi i principali luoghi d’interesse (clicca sul collegamento ipertestuale per aprire la mappa di Google con il percorso consigliato):

Sassi di Matera (UNESCO) — you're in it!
TripAdvisor – Google

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi are the ancient nucleus of the city, a suggestive mix of cave houses, rock churches and alleys carved into the rock. Ideal to explore on foot, they offer spectacular views at sunset and numerous panoramic viewpoints. During the year they host guided tours, cultural events and thematic itineraries on the history and rebirth of Matera.

Laboratory Museum of Rural Civilization — 210 m
TripAdvisor – Google

A widespread museum housed in ancient Sassi houses, it tells the story of daily peasant life through objects, tools and reconstructed environments. The exhibition allows us to understand how Matera families lived until the mid-twentieth century, between shared spaces and ingenious domestic systems. The atmosphere is engaging and makes the visit an authentic dive into the memory of the city.

Church of San Giovanni Battista — 300 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Elegant church in the heart of the historic center, it is a jewel of medieval architecture with Romanesque and Gothic influences. On the outside, the façade with a sculpted portal and details in local stone is striking, while the interior with three naves maintains a cozy and essential atmosphere. It is an ideal stop for a silent stop between one walk and another in the Sassi.

Long Diver — 350 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Imposing underground cistern under Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it is one of the largest historic public cisterns in Europe. The guided tour allows you to descend into the cavities dug into the rock and discover the ingenious water collection system of Matera. The underground environment, artfully lit, makes the experience particularly evocative.

Noah House — 350 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Bene FAI housed in an ancient house, offers a multimedia journey that tells the story of Matera from its origins to its contemporary rebirth. Immersive projections on the walls and in the rooms help to understand the historical, social and urban context of the Sassi. It is recommended as a first stop to orient yourself and give meaning to your visit to the city.

Convent of Sant'Agostino — 500 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Complex overlooking the Gravina canyon, it combines a church and an ancient convent in a panoramic position on the Sasso Barisano. The baroque façade and sober interior spaces are accompanied by one of the most scenic views of the ancient city and the Murgia Park. It is an ideal place for photographs and to appreciate the morphology of the area.

Church of San Francesco d'Assisi — 550 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Overlooking Piazza San Francesco, this baroque church impresses with its richly decorated façade and its scenic position between the historic center and the Sassi. The interior houses altars, works of sacred art and a strong devotional atmosphere. It is often included in walking tours that connect the main churches and squares of Matera.

Piazza Duomo - Cathedral of Matera — 750 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Located on the Civita, it is a panoramic square that dominates both Sassi, offering a wide view of the ancient city and the Gravina. Here is the Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna and Sant'Eustachio, the main church of the city, with an interior rich in artistic elements. It is one of the most photographed places in Matera and a reference point for orientation during visits.

MUSMA Museum — 1000 m
TripAdvisor – Google

The MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture) is housed in ancient underground environments and Sassi palaces, creating a unique dialogue between contemporary art and rock architecture. The collection includes sculptures, installations and graphic works by Italian and international artists. The layout on the different levels carved into the rock makes the visit a very particular artistic and spatial experience.

Church of San Pietro Caveoso — 1100 m
TripAdvisor – Google

Church overlooking the edge of the Gravina, it is recognized by its simple façade with statues and the bell tower which dominates the square below. From the square of San Pietro Caveoso you can enjoy one of the most iconic views of the Sassi and the rocky landscape. The intimate interior preserves sacred works and contributes to the intense atmosphere of the Caveoso district.

Historic Cave House in Vico Solitario — 1200 m
TripAdvisor – Google

An ancient cave house furnished as it once was, it allows you to see up close how daily life was organized in the Sassi until the 1950s. The sleeping area, stable, work tools and domestic objects are concentrated in a single environment, offering an immediate overview of the living conditions of the time. It is a short but very effective visit to understand the social history of Matera.