Castello Tramontano

Matera


Situated on a hill near the town centre, this 15th-century castle was left unfinished after the unpopular Count Tramontano, seemingly unaware that high taxes and his habit of bedding every new bride on her wedding night wasn't winning much favour, was killed by rebellious subjects. Four small tiles on Via Riscatto to the left of the cathedral paint a tale of the count's violent death. Unfortunately, the castle isn't open to the public.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Matera attractions

1. Museo Nazionale Ridola

0.19 MILES

This impressive collection includes local Neolithic finds and some remarkable Greek pottery, such as the Cratere Mascheroni, a huge urn more than 1m high.

2. Palombaro Lungo

0.22 MILES

This giant cistern, arguably as magnificent as a subterranean cathedral, is one of Matera's great sights. Lying under the city's main square with arches…

5. Chiesa di Santa Maria di Idris

0.33 MILES

Dug into the Idris rock, this church has an unprepossessing facade, but the narrow corridor communicating with the recessed church of San Giovanni in…

6. Casa-Grotta di Vico Solitario

0.34 MILES

For a glimpse of life in old Matera, visit this historic sasso off Via Bruno Buozzi. There's a bed in the middle, a loom, a room for manure and a section…

7. Cathedral

0.35 MILES

Set high up on a spur between the two natural bowls of the sassi, the wan, graceful exterior of the 13th-century Pugliese-Romanesque cathedral makes the…

8. Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso

0.36 MILES

The only church in the sassi not dug into the tufa rock, Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso was originally built in 1300 and has a 17th-century Romanesque…

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