At the lower edge of the Sasso Caveoso the city opens towards the gorge. From here the path leads down into the Gravina – and the view across is unobstructed by any row of houses.
Where the city stops
Porta Pistola lies where the built terraces of the Sasso Caveoso end and the slope drops steeply to the Gravina. It is one of the few points where you look straight into the gorge from the edge of the city, with no houses in front. It is therefore also the place where it becomes clearest how close to the drop people built here.
Starting point for the gorge
From here paths begin down to the valley floor and across to the Murgia – for instance to the Belvedere Murgia Timone. If you plan the descent, wear sturdy shoes, take water and in summer avoid the middle of the day; there is hardly any shade on the way, and the return is uphill.
Even without going all the way, you can walk a little way down and turn back – after a few minutes you see the city from below, which nobody expects from up here.
The view
In the late afternoon the sun sits well over the plateau opposite and the rock faces take on a warm tone. There is noticeably less going on here than at the well-known terraces of the upper town – if you want the sunset without a crowd, this is the place.
Take care
The edges are not secured continuously and the rock is slippery when wet. With small children this calls for particular attention.
Read on
- Gravina di Matera – the gorge below
- Sasso Caveoso – the district above
- Parco della Murgia Materana – the other side of the gorge
