All of them were moved to the adjacent new Matera following a law passed by the Italian government who were effectively shamed by the poverty in the Sassi as post war Italy began to boom.

What was considered a good thing then, became a cause for concern 30 years later as it became apparent this unique cultural location was literally crumbling to pieces.

To encourage the rehabitation of the area, a new law was passed in the mid eighties allowing private ownership of the old buildings on 99 year leases. This is still in place.

Today, the Sassi are a symbol for the city and even a symbol for the rest of Europe. They remind us all of how European urban culture used to be - sustainable and identifiable.

RECOMMENDED LINKS
www.mosa.matera.it
www.comune.matera.it/en/tourist-information

The art Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, Musma, is located within the impressive framework of the 16th century Palazzo Pomarici, in the heart of the Sassi of Matera. The Museum exposes a permanent collection of over 250 artworks donated by internationally renowed artists and also hosts temporary exhibitions.