Piazza San Pietro Caveoso (San Pietro Caveoso Square), Matera

San Pietro Caveoso Square is a vast square named for the church of Saints Peter and Paul that sits at its eastern edge. The area is a strategic starting point for a walking tour of Sassi (Matera's two districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano). Looking towards Murgia Materana Park is a view of the deep ravine of the Gravina River and the caves facing Murgia rock walls.

For tourists, this is a convenient area for visiting the rock churches of the Madonna of Idris, the Monastery of Santa Lucia alle Malve, the St. Anthony Conviction Church (Convicinio di Sant'Antonio), the Cemetery of the Barbarians (Cimitero Barbarico), and the Grotto House (Casa Grotta). The area can be reached from Bruno Buozzi Street or from the Church of Madonna delle Virtu.

Internal paths will take one to the old lamias (rock homes) in a semi-abandoned part of Sasso Caveoso. These were some of the "houses of national shame." They are yet fascinating for their ancient cellars, stones, gardens, stables, and cave niches. An arch leads to the abandoned farmhouses of peasants and shepherds of the steep ravines.

Visiting the Caveoso is better in the daytime. A guided tour is recommended in the evenings, as the abandoned alleys are not illuminated.