Via Ridola (Ridola Street), Matera

Ridola Street is nearly 657 feet long, connecting Lanfranchi Palace with Francesco Square. The street is named Domenico Ridola. Signore Ridola was a medical researcher and a self-taught archeologist. He was also a mayor of Matera and a senator.

The National Archaeological Museum "Domenico Ridola," named for Doctor Ridola, is housed in the 18th-century Santa Chiara Convent. The museum was instituted by Domenico Ridola's will in 1911. A room in the museum is dedicated to his manuscripts and relics, ranging from Neolithic times to the Magna Grecia era.

In the 18th century, Archbishop Antonio Del Ryos wanted a district built outside the Sassi districts (Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano) and Civita Caves. The area was called "New Houses." The construction was to house employees of the Seminary. The Council of Trent required this development in every diocese. This "18th-century backbone" of Matera would become Ridola Street.

Lanfranchi Palace, completed in 1672, is on Ridola Street. The wide street is lined with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. It separates the Sassi from the new city. Ridola Street houses the bust of Doctor Ridola, the Churches of San Francesco, and the Church of Purgatorio, with the facade of skulls. There are restaurants, bars, and places to enjoy the local cuisine.