The Assembly of the Italian Institute of Prehistory and Protohistory (IIPP) unanimously accepted the application for membership in its association formalized by the Natural Historical Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches of the Materano in April 2024.
The Italian Institute of Prehistory and Protohistory (IIPP), currently directed by President Andrea Cardarelli, constitutes a pole of excellence for the study of Italian prehistory and protohistory, recognized by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of University and Research, which also contribute in part to support it financially, together with the Region of Tuscany and the Fondazione CR Firenze.
The Ente Parco Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano (Historical and Natural Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches of Matera) will be represented at the Institute’s assembly, as an ordinary member, by the organization’s board member Vinicio Camerini. With this important recognition continues the Park Authority’s activity aimed at the enhancement of the prehistoric archaeological heritage located within the perimeter of the Park through an articulated cultural offer able to bring out the enormous potential arising from the palethnological heritage of which the territory of Matera is very rich.
“In particular, the Park Authority as part of the project called Matera Prehistorica, which is being defined and perfected,” stressed President Giovanni Mianulli, “is preparing a wide-ranging program capable of enhancing some of the most important and significant prehistoric sites in the Park territory and, at the same time, of putting the entire complex of Neolithic entrenched villages of Matera on circuit through an appropriate proposal of fruition for those who, whether fans of prehistoric studies or tourists, come to visit the city of Matera and the surrounding area. In this sense, the membership of the Italian Institute of Prehistory and Protohistory (IIPP) will make it possible to enrich the activities that the Natural Historical Archaeological Park Authority of the Rock Churches of Matera will put in place for the enhancement of the prehistoric archaeological heritage of the city of Matera.”
