Murgia Materana Park – Between canyons, caves and sacred silences in the heart of Basilicata. The Murgia Materana Park, established in 1990, extends for over 8,000 hectares between the ravines of Matera and Montescaglioso. It is one of the most evocative rock landscapes in Europe: deep canyons, caves inhabited since prehistoric times, plateaus covered with wild herbs, and over 150 frescoed cave churches. A place where nature and spirituality come together, between millenary silences and breathtaking views. ⛰️ Ravines and wild horizons: The park is dominated by the Gravina di Matera, a deep karst furrow dug over millennia by the stream. Along its slopes there are caves, ancient rock villages and sheer walls from which to enjoy extraordinary views of the city of the Sassi and the arid Murgia. 👉 Tip: Walk the Belvedere Murgia Timone Trail at sunset: the view of Matera illuminated is among the most exciting in Southern Italy. ⛪ The rock churches of the peasant faith: The park preserves a unique heritage of rock architecture: small churches carved into the rock, frescoed between the eighth and thirteenth centuries, often hidden and silent. Among the most famous: San Falcione, Santa Lucia alle Malve, Madonna delle Tre Porte. 👉 Tip: Rely on a local guide to discover the lesser-known churches and understand their symbolic and artistic value. 🌿 Mediterranean flora, fauna and landscapes: The Murgia is a seasonal color palette: wild orchids in spring, fragrant shrubs in summer, and endless varieties of aromatic plants. The fauna includes foxes, buzzards, bee-eaters, lesser kestrels and rare reptiles. 👉 Tip: Bring binoculars and a nature guide - the area is ideal for bird watching and nature photography. 🎒 Trekking, cycling and slow tourism: The Murgia Materana Park is crossed by paths suitable for all levels, which can be traveled on foot or by mountain bike. Exploring it slowly means savoring its silence, the sounds of the wind among the grasses and the traces left by man and time. 👉 Tip: Try the circular route from Murgia Timone to Jazzo Gattini for a complete immersion in nature and rock archaeology. 📚 Educational and cultural experiences: The park is also a place of research, environmental education and spirituality. Here we organize workshops, guided excursions, photographic workshops and thematic itineraries related to botany, archaeology and spirituality. 👉 Tip: Take part in a night hike under the stars or a meditative walk at dawn: unique experiences to connect with the landscape. 🛌 Where to stay: The park is easily accessible from Matera, where you will find numerous accommodation facilities: hotels in the Sassi, B&Bs overlooking the ravine and farmhouses in the Murgian countryside. 👉 Tip: Stay in a restored cave house for an immersive experience between nature and rock history. The Murgia Materana Park is a journey into silence, stone and light. A sacred landscape where nature sculpts time and man has left deep and poetic traces.