Park of the Murgia Materana

Over time, nature has modelled the territory of the Murgia Materana and created canyons, valleys and caverns in the tuff, including the Gravina di Matera, a deep limestone canyon at the bottom of which flows the Gravina stream. Man settled there as far back as prehistoric times, digging into the rock to create caves (e.g. the Grotta dei Pipistrelli), villages and rock churches, as well as often fortified masserias testifying to the area's rural past. There are more than 100 rock churches, dating back to the early Middle Ages.

The Murgia Materana Park is also characterised by a rich and varied natural environment with a large number of plant and animal species.