Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina, Matera

Historic Room, Historic Site and Museum in Matera

Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina
Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Camelia.boban

Tucked into Matera's Sassi district, the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina is a dense, hands-on-style museum that recreates the everyday world of rural Basilicata through objects, rooms, and traditional trades. Instead of a single “wow” viewpoint, it delivers hundreds of small discoveries: household corners, workshops, and tools that make the past feel surprisingly close.

It's an excellent stop to weave into a self-guided walk through Sasso Barisano or a guided walking tour of the Sassi, especially if you want context beyond the famous cave houses. Many visitors come here as a quieter, more personal alternative when the headline sights are crowded, and leave feeling they've understood how people actually lived and worked.

History and Significance of the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

The museum was created as a tribute to the material culture of peasant life and the crafts that sustained communities in and around Matera. In a city celebrated for dramatic architecture, this collection focuses on the human scale: the routines, skills, and objects that shaped daily survival and social life.

Its significance lies in how it frames the Sassi not only as photogenic dwellings, but as a living system of workspaces, storage, family life, and neighborhood trades. By organizing the visit through themed rooms and workshop-like settings, the museum helps you connect Matera’s stone environment to the people who adapted to it.

Because the displays are so object-rich, the museum also functions as a memory archive of tools and techniques that disappeared quickly in the 20th century. For travelers, it’s a powerful complement to the Sassi’s architecture: you see not just where people lived, but how they made a living.

Things to See and Do in the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

Expect a room-by-room exploration rather than a single linear exhibition. Highlights often include recreated craft spaces such as a barber setup, shoemaking and metalwork corners, and domestic rooms that show how a home was organized when space and resources were limited.

Give yourself time to slow down and scan the details: labels, small implements, and grouped objects tell stories about seasonal work, repairs, and reuse. If an audio guide or explanations are available during your visit, they can help you decode unfamiliar tools and understand why certain items mattered.

This is also a great “context stop” before (or after) visiting a showpiece cave house. You’ll notice more in the Sassi once you’ve seen the tools, storage methods, and trade equipment that made those spaces function day to day.

How to Get to the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

The nearest major airports are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (often the most convenient) and Naples International Airport; from either, plan onward travel to Matera by bus, train-plus-bus, or car depending on your schedule. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Matera on Booking.com.

Matera's rail connections are limited compared with larger Italian cities, so many travelers arrive by train to Bari and continue to Matera by bus; if you are already in the region, check the best train-and-bus combination for your route and timing. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy..

By car, Matera is straightforward to reach via regional highways, but driving into the historic Sassi can involve restricted-traffic zones and tight lanes, so it's usually best to park outside the oldest areas and walk in. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you..

Once in central Matera, the museum is best reached on foot as part of a Sassi walk; expect steps and uneven stone paving in the surrounding lanes.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

  • Official website: https://museolaboratorio.it/
  • Entrance fee: Check official website.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 09:00–13:00 & 16:00–19:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a calmer, more immersive visit, or late afternoon if you’re building a Sassi walking loop around it.
  • How long to spend: Plan 45–90 minutes; it’s bigger and more densely packed than many visitors expect.
  • Accessibility: The Sassi setting means uneven surfaces and steps nearby; inside, space can feel tight in places, so visitors with mobility needs should call ahead to confirm the easiest entry route.
  • Facilities: Bring water and use nearby cafés in the Sassi for breaks; expect a museum-style visit focused on exhibits rather than extensive on-site amenities.

Where to Stay Close to the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

Base yourself in the Sassi (Sasso Barisano or Civita) if you want to walk everywhere and experience Matera at its most atmospheric in the early morning and after day-trippers leave.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa A standout choice for travelers who want a high-comfort stay inside the Sassi, with a memorable cave setting and an easy walk to key viewpoints and lanes.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime Matera experience, with a strong sense of place and a location that makes sunrise and evening strolls feel effortless.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel A refined option near the Cathedral area, great if you want classic luxury with quick access to both Civita and the Sassi paths.

Hotel Sassi A practical, well-located base in the historic area, especially good for travelers who want convenience and value without leaving the old town.

Pianelle Resort A stylish boutique pick with a calm feel, well-suited to couples and design-minded travelers who still want to be steps from the Sassi.

Is the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you care about understanding Matera beyond the postcard views. The museum's strength is its sheer density and specificity: it turns “the past” into tangible details, showing how homes, trades, and daily routines actually worked in this landscape.

Honest Pivot: if your time in Matera is extremely limited and you only want the headline Sassi viewpoints and one iconic cave-house interior, you might skip it. It's less about dramatic architecture and more about patient looking, so it rewards curiosity more than a checklist style of sightseeing.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (244)

Reviews are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with visitors calling it a hidden gem that feels richer and more authentic than some of the crowded headline cave-house stops. People consistently praise the sheer amount of well-organized material, the room-by-room setups (including traditional trades and domestic spaces), and the sense of human story behind the objects; several mention that it’s larger than expected and good value for money. A minor downside noted is that the collection can feel so packed that it’s hard to take everything in quickly, and a few visitors imply you’ll get more out of it if you use the audio guide or take time to read context.

Matthew Pudduck
a year ago
"What an incredible place! St￭ full of some much stuff! From magazines from the 1930's to old furniture, from old tools and equipment to a complete1900'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 to come here!..."
Maria Dzaleta
5 months ago
"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 wayof 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 co ect with the real heart of Matera, you must visit...."
Dr. Ha a Ekstrom
a year ago
"I ca ot give enough stars to this amazing museum. I wish I could give 10 stars. The museum is organized into rooms, each showing a different part ofa traditional home, a barbershop, Schoemaker shop, a blacksmith workplace, a priests room, just to name a few. The gentleman that assembled this museum collected items from six different homes and they are displayed in an original Sassi home. He himself grew up here, so if you speak Italian, you can talk with him about what it was like. The entrance fee is only four euros… It will be the best four euros you spend here in Matera!..."

For Different Travelers

This museum fits neatly into a Sassi day because it adds meaning to what you're already seeing outside. Think of it as a “decoder ring” for Matera: after this visit, the city's stone rooms and lanes feel more human and less like a film set.

Families with Kids

Kids who like “treasure hunt” museums tend to do well here because there’s so much to spot in every room. Turn it into a game: find the strangest tool, the oldest-looking object, and the room that feels most like a real workshop.

If your family prefers interactive exhibits, set expectations: it’s primarily a look-and-learn experience. Pair it with a gelato stop and a short viewpoint walk to keep the day balanced.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, it’s a quieter, more intimate counterpoint to the busiest Sassi interiors. Visiting together can spark great conversations because the displays naturally invite “What do you think this was for?” moments.

It also works well as a mid-day reset between panoramic viewpoints and a long lunch. Afterward, stroll toward a belvedere for golden-hour photos with a deeper sense of the lives behind the scenery.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong value stop in Matera: it can deliver a lot of cultural context without the premium pricing that sometimes comes with the most famous cave-house attractions. If you're prioritizing meaningful experiences over big-ticket entries, it's an easy win.

Budget travelers will also appreciate that it’s walkable from central areas, reducing transport costs. Build a DIY itinerary: museum, viewpoint loop, and a picnic-style snack from a bakery.

History Buffs

History lovers will enjoy the museum’s focus on social history and material culture rather than grand events. The object groupings and recreated spaces help you imagine timelines of change, especially across the 20th century.

It’s also a useful companion to reading about the Sassi’s story: you’ll see the practical realities behind broader narratives of hardship, adaptation, and community life.

FAQs for Visiting Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

Getting There

Yes, it’s best reached on foot as part of a Sassi loop. Wear shoes with grip because the surrounding lanes can be uneven.
A taxi can get you close, but final access may still require a short walk due to narrow lanes and traffic rules. If you have mobility concerns, ask your driver for the easiest drop-off point.
Yes, it fits well between a cave-house visit and a belvedere walk. Plan it as your “context stop” so the rest of the day makes more sense.

Tickets & Entry

Usually you can visit without pre-booking, but it’s smart to check the official website if you’re visiting on a holiday or with a group. If you arrive and the main door seems closed, follow posted instructions.
Discount policies can change, so check the official website or ask at entry. If you’re eligible, bring ID.
Payment options vary at smaller museums, so carry some cash as a backup. If card payment is important, confirm ahead of time.

Visiting Experience

It can be either, but it rewards slow looking because there are many small details. If you like social history, you’ll likely stay longer than planned.
It’s different: less about architecture and more about objects, trades, and daily life. It complements a cave-house visit rather than replacing it.
Many visitors still enjoy it visually, and you can infer a lot from the room setups. If an audio guide or English materials are available on the day, use them to add context.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Before is great for context; after is great for reinforcing what you learned. If your tour is architecture-heavy, this museum balances it with everyday life.
Yes, especially if you focus on one Sassi area plus one viewpoint. It’s a strong choice when you want depth without a long detour.
Start with a morning Sasso walk, visit the museum mid-day, then finish with a belvedere for late-afternoon light. Add a long lunch in between if you want a relaxed pace.

Photography

Policies can vary by room and exhibition, so look for signage and ask staff if unsure. Be respectful of other visitors in tight spaces.
Yes, especially if you like detail shots of tools, textures, and recreated rooms. It’s more about intimate scenes than wide-angle drama.
Typically not in small museums due to space and safety, but rules can differ. If you need special equipment, request permission in advance.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility can be challenging in the Sassi due to steps and uneven paving. Contact the museum ahead of time to discuss the easiest access route and any interior constraints.
Facilities vary, so it’s wise to plan a café stop nearby as a backup. If you need guaranteed access, confirm before you go.
Small museums often have limited storage space. Use your hotel storage or a city luggage service if you’re visiting between check-out and departure.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Sassi area has plenty of cafés and small restaurants within a short walk. Plan a break before or after to avoid rushing.
Yes, carrying water is a good idea, especially in warmer months. Just be careful around exhibits and follow any posted rules.
Grab a pastry or focaccia from a bakery in the historic center, then head to a viewpoint. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to extend the experience.

Safety & Timing

It’s often calmer than the most famous Sassi interiors, which many travelers find refreshing. Still, peak weekends and holidays can be busier.
Matera is generally comfortable for evening walks in central areas, but the Sassi has uneven steps and low lighting in places. Take your time and watch your footing.
This can happen even during opening times at smaller sites. Look for instructions and use the bell if indicated.

Nearby Attractions to the Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

  • Sasso Barisano: A beautiful maze of lanes and cave façades that’s perfect for a self-guided walk.
  • Sasso Caveoso: The more dramatic, amphitheater-like side of the Sassi with iconic views.
  • Casa Noha: A strong storytelling stop that helps you understand Matera's history through multimedia.
  • Matera Cathedral (Duomo): A landmark on the Civita ridge with great surrounding viewpoints.
  • Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio (Piazzetta Pascoli): One of the easiest panoramic terraces for classic Sassi photos.

The Museo-Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Matera!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 09:00-13:00 & 16:00-19:00.

Price:

Check official website.

Address: Via S. Giovanni Vecchio, 60, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Matera: 1 km
Telephone: +39 0835 344057
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs