A new space to discover the natural heritage of the region, in the heart of the Sassi
In the millennia-old heart of the Sassi of Matera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a new cultural and environmental landmark has been inaugurated: “Porta dei Parchi”, a permanent exhibition curated by the Murgia Materana Park Authority and hosted in the evocative setting of the Palazzotto del Casale.
This new installation is more than just a display: it’s a vision. A symbolic and physical gateway offering a glimpse into the extraordinary protected areas of Basilicata – a region rich in natural heritage, much of it still undiscovered.
“Gateway to the Parks” showcases all the national and regional parks of Basilicata — from the Pollino National Park, the largest in Italy, to the Appennino Lucano – Val d’Agri – Lagonegrese National Park, and from the Gallipoli Cognato – Lucanian Dolomites Regional Park to the Vulture Regional Nature Park. It offers an immersive experience through images, sounds, interactive maps and thematic paths, highlighting biodiversity, local cultures and opportunities for sustainable tourism.
Matera thus becomes a narrative and informational hub, connecting a green network that spans the entire region. Visitors exploring the Sassi can ideally (and literally) begin here a journey into the most authentic Basilicata — made of trails, forests, canyons, volcanic lakes, timeless villages, and deeply rooted traditions.
A journey through Basilicata’s parks
The Palazzotto del Casale: a symbolic location
The recently restored Palazzotto del Casale provides an ideal setting for this initiative: a place rich in history and identity, at the crossroads of city and nature. Its location within the Sassi — among communal courtyards, rock-hewn churches, and breathtaking views over the Murgia — makes it a perfect starting point for those wishing to understand the deep bond between people and landscape in Basilicata.
“Porta dei Parchi” is also envisioned as a center for coordination and promotion, enabling collaboration between park authorities, tourism operators, schools, local governments and associations. It is a place for dialogue and planning — a space where educational activities, communication campaigns, seasonal events, and integrated tourism itineraries can take shape.
