Matera is not a prehistoric city, even if traces of human presence dating back to the Neolithic and Paleolithic have been found in its territory. It dates back to the early medieval period, when the existence of a stable and large community began to be documented.
From the archaeological findings found in the urban area we can affirm that human presence in the city of Matera dates back to approximately three thousand years ago, to the metal age. Subsequently there were influences from the Magna Graecia and Roman cultures.
In the early Middle Ages the Lombards, the Arabs, the Byzantines arrived here and, subsequently, after the year 1000, there were the Normans, the Swabians, the Angevins and the Aragonese.
Matera is truly rich in museums, public and private, all very interesting and useful for getting to know the city more completely.
Here is a list of the most important museums in Matera to visit, based on your curiosities, tastes and cultural orientations.
Many films have been shot in Matera in recent decades, many of them directed by nationally and internationally famous directors. Among the actors who have performed in the streets, squares and neighborhoods of the historic center of the city, there are many stars of Italian and foreign cinema.