The Temples of Oil
The Patriarch Olive Trees
The Oliveti Ritrovati project was born to reclaim abandoned centuries-old olive groves around Matera: trees with over 200 years of history, including the 'Patriarch', an imposing olive tree left close to its natural shape.
We walk among the rows telling the story of pruning techniques, soil care and the grove's biodiversity (including wild orchids), leading to an oil tasting on Matera bread with fresh oregano.
The route continues to Masseria Mandola Lena, an early-1800s fortified farmhouse, with the chapel of Sant'Isidoro, a view over the Gravina canyon, and a rock-cut crypt with inscriptions dated 1637: a rare window onto Matera's oldest and least-known side.
Gallery
Other experiences
Light in the Bread Caves
Christmas in the Sassi
A procession of lights through the alleys of the Sassi, among ancient ovens and the scent of fresh bread.
Light in the Bread Caves
Following the Comet
The night-trekking variant: we leave the Sassi for the Murgia plateau, with torches and lanterns, to a viewpoint over the city.
Matinate of the Neighborhood
Matera's Carnevale
Masks, folk music and the pig-slaughter ritual: Matera's neighborhood Carnevale, experienced from within.