An archaeological site that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a distant era and appreciate the ingenuity and tenacity of our ancestors. Perched atop Murgia Timone, about 4 km from the historic center of Matera, lies the Trincerato Village, an invaluable archaeological site dating back to the Neolithic period (6th millennium BC). This ancient settlement is a tangible testament to the way of life and construction skills of the prehistoric communities that inhabited the area.

The Trincerato Village, characterized by an irregular oval shape, was surrounded by a deep ditch and an artificial earthwork, elements that served as fortifications against attacks from wild animals and enemies. Inside the village, circular huts built with wooden poles and mud plaster were arranged around a central open space.

The abandoned caves became burial sites, where bodies were laid in a fetal position and surrounded by funerary objects. One of the tombs features a central column, highlighting humanity’s understanding of the need for structural support. The archaeological artifacts from the site are exhibited at the Domenico Ridola Museum, dedicated to the pioneer who discovered this Neolithic village, bearing witness to our connection with history and nature.