# Matera

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q13616](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13616)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matera)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matera

## Summary
Matera is an Italian comune located in the province of Matera, part of the Basilicata region. It is known for its unique Sassi di Matera rock formations, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its rich cultural and historical significance.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Matera is situated in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, within the province of Matera.
- **Population:** As of recent estimates, Matera has a population of approximately 60,384 residents.
- **Coordinates:** Matera is located at 40.666666666667° N, 16.6° E.
- **UNESCO Status:** The Sassi di Matera, a cave complex in Matera, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
- **Related Entities:**
  - **Borgo Venusio** – A settlement within Matera.
  - **Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista** – A church located in Matera.
  - **Matera Cathedral** – A historic church in Matera, established in 1230.
  - **Pallavolo Femminile Matera** – A former Italian women's volleyball team, active from 1976 to 2000.
  - **Castello Tramontano** – A castle in Matera.
  - **Matera Centrale railway station** – A railway station serving Matera.
  - **Borgo Picciano A** – Another settlement in Matera.
  - **Zona Paip** – A human settlement in Matera.
  - **Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata** – A cooperative bank headquartered in Matera, established in 1883.
- **Province:** Matera is part of the province of Matera, which is a subdivision of Italy.
- **Country:** Matera is located in Italy, a sovereign state in Southern Europe.

## FAQs
**What is the population of Matera?**
As of recent estimates, Matera has a population of approximately 60,384 residents.

**What is Matera known for?**
Matera is renowned for its Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its historic rock formations.

**What is the significance of the Sassi di Matera?**
The Sassi di Matera is a cave complex that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical importance.

**What are some notable landmarks in Matera?**
Notable landmarks in Matera include the Matera Cathedral, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, and Castello Tramontano.

**What is the province of Matera?**
Matera is part of the province of Matera, a subdivision of Italy.

**What is the country of Matera?**
Matera is located in Italy, a sovereign state in Southern Europe.

## Why It Matters
Matera holds significant cultural and historical importance due to its UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera, which represents a unique and well-preserved example of human habitation in cave dwellings. The site reflects the resilience and ingenuity of ancient communities, offering insights into their way of life and the challenges they faced. Additionally, Matera’s rock formations have inspired artistic and architectural interpretations, contributing to its global recognition. The site’s preservation efforts highlight the importance of cultural heritage in understanding human history and promoting sustainable tourism.

## Notable For
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site:** Matera’s Sassi di Matera is one of Italy’s most significant UNESCO-listed sites, recognized for its cultural and historical value.
- **Historic Rock Formations:** The Sassi di Matera is a cave complex that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
- **Cultural Heritage:** Matera is home to historic landmarks such as the Matera Cathedral and Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, which contribute to its rich cultural heritage.
- **Volleyball Legacy:** Matera was the birthplace of the Pallavolo Femminile Matera, a notable Italian women's volleyball team.
- **Castle and Railway Station:** Matera features the Castello Tramontano and Matera Centrale railway station, which are important landmarks in the region.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Matera is located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, within the province of Matera. It is situated at coordinates 40.666666666667° N, 16.6° E. The city is known for its unique Sassi di Matera, a cave complex that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

### History and Cultural Significance
The Sassi di Matera, a cave complex in Matera, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This site represents a unique and well-preserved example of human habitation in cave dwellings, reflecting the resilience and ingenuity of ancient communities. The Sassi di Matera is also recognized for its cultural and historical importance, contributing to Matera’s global recognition.

### Notable Landmarks
Matera is home to several notable landmarks, including:
- **Matera Cathedral** – A historic church established in 1230.
- **Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista** – A church located in Matera.
- **Castello Tramontano** – A castle in Matera.
- **Matera Centrale railway station** – A railway station serving Matera.

### Related Entities
Matera is connected to several related entities, including:
- **Borgo Venusio** – A settlement within Matera.
- **Borgo Picciano A** – Another settlement in Matera.
- **Zona Paip** – A human settlement in Matera.
- **Banca Popolare di Puglia e Basilicata** – A cooperative bank headquartered in Matera, established in 1883.

### Province and Country
Matera is part of the province of Matera, which is a subdivision of Italy, a sovereign state in Southern Europe. The province of Matera is located within Italy, which is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-246828.pdf)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](http://demo.istat.it/bilmens2016gen/index02.html)
7. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
8. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2017. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2017/index3.html)
9. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
10. GeoNames
11. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
12. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
13. Quora
14. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
15. Seismic classification in Italy
16. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)