The National Ridola Museum of Matera, named after Senator and archaeologist Domenico Ridola who founded its collection, is one of the most significant archaeological museums in southern Italy. Located near the famous Sassi di Matera, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the prehistory and ancient history of Basilicata, highlighting findings from surrounding areas.
Inaugurated in 1911, the Ridola Museum houses collections ranging from the Paleolithic to the Roman era, with exceptionally valuable items such as stone tools, pottery, jewelry, and votive statuettes illustrating daily life, funerary practices, and artistic activities of the civilizations that inhabited this area.
One of the museum’s strengths is its collection of Neolithic artifacts, including the famous “Matera steles,” carved stones depicting human figures, which are among the oldest examples of figurative art in Europe. These artifacts not only visually narrate the beliefs and rituals of those ancient communities but also serve as important evidence of the spread of agricultural cultures in southern Italy.
The exhibition path is well-structured and utilizes modern educational technologies, such as touch screens and interactive information panels, enhancing the visitor’s experience and making learning accessible to everyone, from young children to scholars.
The rooms dedicated to the Bronze and Iron Ages display a variety of materials ranging from bronze weapons to everyday objects made of ceramics and metal, showcasing the evolution of craftsmanship techniques and cultural exchanges with other Mediterranean areas.
The museum also serves as a research and archaeological studies center: it houses a specialized library and organizes conferences and seminars that contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of ideas among experts in the field.
Over the years, the Ridola Museum has expanded its exhibition offering, including a section dedicated to the topographical aspects and history of Matera’s landscape and the surrounding region, with maps and reconstructions that help understand the environmental and human changes over time.
The importance of the Ridola Museum for Matera and Basilicata is crucial, as it significantly contributes to the cultural identity of the region, promoting awareness of its rich archaeological past and attracting visitors from around the world interested in discovering the historical roots of these lands.
Visiting it allows one to appreciate not only Matera’s archaeological history but also to explore the connections between past and present, highlighting how ancient civilizations have influenced modern life in the region. With its well-curated collections and active participation in cultural life, the Ridola Museum remains a fundamental pillar for understanding the historical and cultural heritage of Matera.