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| Province of Matera | |
|---|---|
| Name | Matera |
| Native name | Provincia di Matera |
| Region | Basilicata |
| Capital | Matera |
| Area km2 | 3449 |
| Population | 200581 |
| Population as of | 2016 |
| Communes | 31 |
| Established | 1927 |
Province of Matera is a province in the southern Italian region of Basilicata with its capital at Matera. It borders the provinces of Potenza, the regions of Puglia and the Ionian Sea, and includes the Alta Murgia and parts of the Lucanian Apennines. The province is noted for the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera, prehistoric cave dwellings, and for serving as a filming location for films such as The Passion of the Christ and The Gospel According to St. Matthew.
The province occupies the southeastern portion of Basilicata between the Bradano River, the Basento River, and the Ionian Sea. Its terrain ranges from the Murge plateau to the rugged ridges of the Lucanian Apennines near Monte Pollino National Park and the Monte Vulture area. Coastal municipalities like Metaponto and Bernalda front the Ionian Sea and are adjacent to archaeological sites linked to Magna Graecia such as Metapontum. Inland, the provincial capital Matera perches above ravines known as the gravina and is surrounded by karstic formations and cave systems similar to those at Matera Sassi and the Crypt of the Original Sin in Pisticci. Climate zones include Mediterranean coastal climates near Metaponto and continental influences in highland towns like Aliano and Grottole.
The area was inhabited by Paleolithic communities and later saw settlements under Magna Graecia with colonies such as Metapontum. During antiquity it passed through the hands of the Roman Republic, the Byzantine Empire, and the Lombards, with Norman rule established after the Battle of Cerami period and integration into the Kingdom of Sicily and later the Kingdom of Naples. Feudal baronies such as Roccagloriosa-era holdings and noble families like the Caracciolo and Sanseverino influenced medieval development. The area experienced seismic events including the Earthquake of 1857 in Basilicata and social reforms under the Risorgimento and the Unification of Italy. In the 20th century the province was affected by the policies of the Kingdom of Italy, land reforms promoted after World War II, and national initiatives such as the works of Giovanni Gentile-era institutions; more recently Matera hosted the European Capital of Culture designation in 2019 and attracted international film productions like The Passion of the Christ.
The province is administered from Matera and comprised of 31 comuni including Bernalda, Pisticci, Policoro, and Metaponto. Administrative reforms influenced by the Constitution of Italy and laws such as the Delrio Law affected provincial competencies and relations with the Regione Basilicata. Local governance involves elected provincial councils and mayors from municipalities including Matera; coordination occurs with organizations like the Prefettura and regional agencies linked to Regione Basilicata. Provincial planning interfaces with conservation authorities for sites like the Sassi di Matera and with heritage bodies such as UNESCO.
Population centers include Matera, Pisticci, Policoro, and Bernalda, with demographic trends shaped by internal migration to cities like Bari and Naples and emigration to countries such as Argentina, France, and Germany. The province has communities with historical ties to Greek-speaking enclaves from the Byzantine era and cultural minorities influenced by migrations during the 20th century. Religious life centers on dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina and parish networks dating to medieval establishments. Demographic challenges include aging populations similar to patterns in Southern Italy and repopulation initiatives connected to cultural tourism after the European Capital of Culture (2019) program.
The provincial economy combines agriculture, tourism, and light industry. Agricultural production features crops associated with Metapontum plains such as durum wheat, olive oil, and vineyards producing wines under regional denominations linked to Basilicata wine and DOC appellations. Agro-industries process products from farms around Pisticci and Grottole, while coastal areas like Policoro support fisheries and aquaculture with access to the Ionian Sea. Tourism driven by sites like the Sassi di Matera and archaeological parks at Metapontum bolsters hospitality sectors, with investments tied to projects promoted by the European Union and national agencies such as the Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali e del Turismo. Infrastructure projects, including regional connectivity initiatives funded by the European Regional Development Fund, support local economic diversification.
Cultural heritage centers on the Sassi di Matera cave dwellings, rupestrian churches such as Santa Maria de Idris, and prehistoric art in sites like the Crypt of the Original Sin. Museum institutions include the Casa Noha, the Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata, and archaeological collections from Metapontum and Heraclea. Festivals link to religious calendars celebrated in Matera Cathedral and towns like Pisticci and Bernalda, while cuisine features regional specialties such as peperoni cruschi and lamb preparations with ties to Lucanian pastoral traditions. The province figures in literature and film through works by directors such as Pier Paolo Pasolini and films like The Gospel According to St. Matthew, and music and artisan crafts maintain links to traditions showcased during the European Capital of Culture 2019 events.
Transport infrastructure includes the Matera Centrale railway station connections to the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane network, road links via the SS7 and SS106 highways, and proximity to the Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Airport. Local public transport serves municipalities such as Pisticci and Policoro, and port facilities on the Ionian Sea handle fishing and small-scale commercial traffic. Utilities and preservation projects coordinate with agencies like the Agenzia del Demanio for conservation of heritage sites and with regional authorities for water management affecting the Bradano River basin.