Palombaro Lungo, Matera

Attraction, Historic Site and Reservoir in Matera

Palombaro Lungo
Palombaro Lungo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt

Palombaro Lungo is Matera's most surprising “hidden” landmark: a vast underground cistern carved into the rock beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, right at the gateway between the modern city and the historic Sassi. Stepping down into the cool, echoing chamber feels like entering a subterranean cathedral, with stone arches, carved walls, and water still visible below.

It's an easy add-on to a walking tour of Matera because it sits in the city's central square and pairs perfectly with viewpoints over the Sassi, nearby churches, and a slow wander through the lanes that drop toward the ravine. If you're choosing just a few stops, combine Palombaro Lungo with Piazza Vittorio Veneto itself and a sunset viewpoint over Sasso Barisano.

History and Significance of the Palombaro Lungo

Matera's dramatic landscape and porous limestone made water management a matter of survival. Over centuries, residents developed an ingenious system of channels, cisterns, and underground reservoirs to capture rainwater and store it for dry periods. Palombaro Lungo is the most monumental expression of that tradition, built to serve the growing city and to stabilize water supply in a challenging environment.

What makes it significant isn't only its size, but the way it connects directly to Matera's identity as a place shaped by adaptation. The Sassi are famous for cave dwellings and rock-cut architecture above ground; Palombaro Lungo shows the same creativity below ground, where engineering and daily life met in a single, essential structure.

Visiting today adds context to everything you see on the surface: the sloping streets, the drainage routes, and the way buildings seem to stack and fold into the terrain. It's one of the clearest, most tangible ways to understand how Matera functioned before modern infrastructure.

Things to See and Do in the Palombaro Lungo

The main experience is the descent into the cistern and the first wide reveal of the chamber: a dramatic volume of stone, arches, and carved surfaces that feels far larger than you’d expect from the busy square above. Take your time to look for the textures in the rock and the way the lighting picks out the geometry of the space.

As you move through the visit route, focus on the waterline and the sense of scale. Even a short visit can be memorable if you pause, listen to the acoustics, and imagine the cistern filled and functioning as part of a citywide network.

Afterward, linger in Piazza Vittorio Veneto for a coffee and then continue on foot toward the Sassi. The best “next step” is to follow the natural downhill flow into Sasso Barisano, where you'll notice how streets, stairways, and rooftops mirror the same logic of working with the landscape.

How to Get to the Palombaro Lungo

The nearest major airports are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (often the most convenient) and Naples International Airport; from either, you'll continue to Matera by a mix of shuttle, bus, or train connections depending on your route. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Matera on Booking.com.

By rail, Matera is commonly reached via connections through Bari (with onward services to Matera's stations), then you can walk or take a short taxi ride to Piazza Vittorio Veneto in the center. 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.

If you're driving, Matera is straightforward to reach by road from Basilicata and Puglia, but parking is easier on the edges of the center; plan to park once and walk into Piazza Vittorio Veneto. 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Palombaro Lungo

  • Official website: https://www.palombarolungo.it/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €3; Minors: free; School groups: €1.50.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 10:00–13:00 & 15:00–18:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a calmer experience, or in late afternoon to pair it with golden-hour views over the Sassi afterward.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes including any short wait at the entrance, plus extra time if you’re combining it with a walking loop through the Sassi.
  • Accessibility: Expect stairs and uneven surfaces; it’s not ideal for visitors with limited mobility, and strollers can be cumbersome.
  • Facilities: Keep essentials with you; facilities are limited inside, but you’ll find plenty of cafés and rest stops immediately above in the piazza.

Where to Stay Close to the Palombaro Lungo

Base yourself in or just beside the historic center near Piazza Vittorio Veneto so you can walk everywhere and enjoy early mornings and evenings in the Sassi.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa Aquatio is a splurge-worthy pick for travelers who want a true Matera experience, with rooms integrated into the rock and an on-site spa for recovery after long stair-filled days.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel Chosen for its refined, classic-luxury feel and a location that makes sunrise and late-night strolls through the Sassi feel effortless.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita This is the atmospheric, design-forward option: candlelit cave rooms and a sense of stepping into a curated version of Matera’s past.

Hotel San Domenico al Piano A practical, comfortable base close to the center, ideal if you want easy access to Piazza Vittorio Veneto and a straightforward hotel setup.

Locanda di San Martino A strong mid-range choice with character, offering a Sassi-style stay without going fully ultra-luxury, and a great launch point for walking routes.

Is the Palombaro Lungo Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want more than postcard viewpoints. It’s one of Matera’s most “aha” attractions because it explains how the city worked, not just how it looks, and the sheer scale below the square is genuinely surprising.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike stairs, tight underground spaces, or you’re already packing your day with multiple cave churches and museums, you can skip it without missing Matera’s core beauty. In that case, put the time toward a longer Sassi walk and a ravine viewpoint instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (11,919)

Subterranean cistern carved from rock beneath a busy plaza in the 19th century, with guided tours.

Krzysio Kryszt
3 weeks ago
"Matera is one of the most unique and unforgettable cities in Italy. Famous for its ancient Sassi districts, the city feels like an open-air museumcarved directly into the rock. Walking through Matera is like traveling back in time, with stone houses, churches, and narrow streets creating an incredible atmosphere, especially at sunset. I visited Matera in November, and the weather was perfect — not too hot and not too cold, which made walking and sightseeing very comfortable. The city is clean, well preserved, and surprisingly calm, allowing visitors to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace. Local cuisine is excellent, and the city is well prepared for tourists, with clear signs, beautiful viewpoints, and friendly locals...."
Pablo Abian
a month ago
"The whole Matera town is incredible! People have been living in those cave-houses for thousands years. Something surprising we learned was that thosehouses did not have water, sewers nor heating until ~60 years ago... "The shame of Italy!"..."
Shanit Raphael
6 months ago
"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 peradult 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 tu el 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 the elements...."

For Different Travelers

Palombaro Lungo is a short, high-impact stop that fits many itineraries, but it lands differently depending on your pace and priorities. Think of it as a context-builder: it makes the rest of Matera more meaningful.

Families with Kids

Kids who enjoy “secret tunnels” and underground spaces often find this visit exciting, especially because it feels like discovering a hidden city beneath the piazza. Keep expectations simple: it’s more about the wow-factor of the space than interactive exhibits.

Plan a reward afterward in Piazza Vittorio Veneto with gelato and a relaxed stroll. If your family is sensitive to dim lighting or echoes, do a quick in-and-out and save energy for open-air exploring.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Palombaro Lungo is a memorable contrast to Matera's sunlit stone streets: cool, quiet, and dramatic in a way that feels cinematic. It also works well as a “between meals” stop that doesn't take over your day.

Pair it with a slow walk into the Sassi and a sunset viewpoint for the most romantic payoff. The underground visit adds a shared sense of discovery before you head back above for aperitivo.

Budget Travelers

This is a budget-friendly highlight because it's quick, central, and doesn't require transport once you're in Matera. It's also a great way to add depth to a self-guided walking day without paying for a long tour.

To keep costs down, build your day around free viewpoints and long walks through the Sassi, using Palombaro Lungo as your one paid “anchor” attraction. Bring water and good shoes so you're not forced into frequent café stops.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the cistern connects engineering, daily life, and the evolution of the city. It’s a physical reminder that Matera’s story isn’t only about cave homes, but also about systems that made those neighborhoods viable.

Use the visit as a lens for the rest of your itinerary: watch for drainage channels, rooflines that double as streets, and the way buildings stack to follow the terrain. The more you notice, the richer Matera becomes.

FAQs for Visiting Palombaro Lungo

Getting There

Yes, it’s in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a central square that many walking routes pass through. From the Sassi, you’ll generally be walking uphill to reach it.
Yes, once you’re in Matera it’s a walkable attraction in the center. Taxis are useful if you’re arriving with luggage or staying outside the historic core.
Use Piazza Vittorio Veneto as your destination. The entrance is in/near the square, so you can orient yourself with the main piazza landmarks.

Tickets & Entry

Typically no, and many visitors buy tickets on arrival. If you’re visiting during a busy holiday period, arrive earlier to reduce waiting.
Often yes, and children may be free depending on age. Check the posted ticket information at the entrance or on the official site before you go.
Card payment is commonly available, but it’s smart to carry some cash in Italy for small-ticket attractions. If card systems are down, cash keeps your visit stress-free.

Visiting Experience

It’s underground, but the main chamber is large and open-feeling rather than narrow. If you’re sensitive to enclosed spaces, go slowly and stay near the entrance area until you’re comfortable.
It can feel cooler than the street above, especially in summer. A light layer can be helpful if you get chilly easily.
Yes, it’s a good rainy-day stop because it’s indoors and central. Just watch your footing on any damp steps.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

A guide adds context about Matera’s water system and makes the visit more meaningful. If you’re self-guiding, read the on-site information carefully and then connect it to what you see in the Sassi.
Do it in the morning, then walk into Sasso Barisano and continue toward viewpoints in the afternoon. It works well as a quick “reset” stop between long walking stretches.
Some tours include it while others focus on the Sassi streets and churches. If it’s a must for you, confirm the itinerary details before booking.

Photography

Usually yes for personal use, and the arches photograph beautifully. Be considerate of other visitors in narrow areas and avoid blocking the path.
Low light is common underground, so a phone with night mode or a camera with good stabilization helps. Avoid flash if it disturbs others or washes out the stone textures.
Often they’re discouraged in tight visitor routes because they create obstacles. If you need one, visit at a quiet time and be ready to pack it away quickly.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, expect stairs down and back up. If stairs are a challenge, consider prioritizing viewpoints and surface-level sights instead.
Access can be difficult due to steps and the underground layout. If accessibility is essential, contact the site directly before planning your visit.
Restrooms may be limited at the attraction itself. Plan a café stop in Piazza Vittorio Veneto before or after.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, Piazza Vittorio Veneto has plenty of cafés within a minute or two on foot. It’s one of the easiest places in Matera to take a break.
Yes, the location is ideal for building a meal stop into your route. Aim for a reservation if you’re visiting in peak season.
Yes, bring a small bottle, especially in summer. Just keep it secure while walking on steps.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a managed attraction, but take care on stairs and any damp patches. Wear shoes with decent grip.
Earlier visits are usually calmer. If you arrive right after a tour group, waiting a few minutes can make the experience feel much more spacious.
Palombaro Lungo has set visiting hours rather than being open late like the piazza above. Plan it for daytime, then enjoy Matera’s evening atmosphere afterward.

Nearby Attractions to the Palombaro Lungo

  • Piazza Vittorio Veneto: Matera's central square, perfect for people-watching and an easy starting point for walking into the Sassi.
  • Sasso Barisano: A photogenic section of the Sassi with layered streets, cave homes, and frequent viewpoints.
  • Matera Cathedral (Duomo): A landmark church with panoramic views and a dramatic position above the Sassi.
  • Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista: A beautiful Romanesque church close to the center and easy to pair with a Palombaro visit.
  • Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli: One of the classic viewpoints for wide, postcard-worthy views over the Sassi.

The Palombaro Lungo 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!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 10:00-13:00 & 15:00-18:00.

Price:

Adults: €3; Minors: free; School groups: €1.50.

Address: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Matera: 0 km
Telephone: +39 339 363 8332
Official Website

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