Casa Noha is an immersive-film museum at Recinto Cavone 9 in the Civita district of Matera, set inside a sixteenth-century dwelling carved partly into tufa rock, a few steps from the Cathedral and overlooking the Sassi. Donated to the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) in 2004 by the Fodale and Latorre families, it was the foundation’s first property in Basilicata, and travelers use it as an orientation point: a 4K video story that explains how the city grew from cave dwellings into a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to Expect at Casa Noha
The house was once part of the residence of the noble de Noha family, and it keeps the architecture that defines traditional Matera building: rooms hollowed from tufa, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and restrained decoration. The visit is built around an immersive video narrative conceived by Giovanni Carrada, with scientific direction by Rosalba Demetrio and narration by the actress Lella Costa. Following a 2026 refresh of the visit, supported by Fondazione CDP under the call Per l’Italia del Futuro, the story is projected in 4K across the two ground-floor rooms, with the images mapped to the contours of the walls and vaults, so the stone itself becomes the screen.
Because the show tells the long story of the city, from prehistoric settlement and the rupestrian churches to the poverty of the postwar Sassi and the later rebirth of the district, it works best as the first stop of a day in Matera, before you walk down into the neighborhoods it describes. The house also contains a small shop with FAI-selected souvenirs, which is why Google lists it as a souvenir store as well as a local history museum.
- Immersive video narrative: A narrated story of Matera’s history, conceived by Giovanni Carrada and voiced by Lella Costa, told through 4K projections.
- Architecture-mapped projections: Images are shaped to the vaulted ceilings and tufa walls of the two ground-floor rooms.
- Sixteenth-century de Noha dwelling: Rooms carved into the rock with barrel vaults and sober decoration typical of the Civita.
- FAI heritage: Donated in 2004, it was the foundation’s first property in Basilicata and acts as a gateway to the city.
- Civita location: Steps from the Cathedral, facing the Sassi, so the visit connects directly to the views outside.
Casa Noha at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Recinto Cavone, 9, 75100 Matera MT, Italy |
| Neighborhood / Area | Civita, beside the Cathedral and above the Sassi |
| Operating Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sun 10AM-7PM; Sat 10AM-2PM; closed Wednesday |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid, ticketed entry ($ tier); current fares and online tickets on the FAI site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Pedestrian-only historic core; reach it on foot from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with paid parking outside the old town |
| Official Website & Phone | FAI Casa Noha page; +39 0835 335452 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Casa Noha sits within Matera’s limited-traffic historic center, so plan to arrive on foot. The usual approach is from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, followed by a ten to fifteen minute uphill walk through the Sasso Caveoso or Sasso Barisano districts. Visitors driving in should park in the paid lots outside the historic center, since the lanes around the Civita are not open to general traffic. Opening at 10AM is the quietest time, and the Saturday closing at 2PM and the Wednesday closure are easy to miss, so check the schedule and book online through the official FAI page before you go.
The Civita’s cobbled lanes are steep and uneven, which matters for strollers and wheelchairs, so confirm step-free routes with the staff before arriving; FAI is expanding accessible visit formats across its properties, including tactile materials and Italian Sign Language (LIS) options. Within a short walk are Matera Cathedral, the Belvedere of Piazza Duomo with its view across the Sassi, and the rupestrian church of Santa Maria de Idris at the foot of the Monterrone rock, all easily combined into a half-day itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Casa Noha?
Casa Noha opens 10AM to 7PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and 10AM to 2PM on Saturday. It is closed on Wednesday. Arriving at opening time or shortly after lunch generally gives you a quieter viewing room.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Entry is ticketed, and you can purchase tickets through the FAI website, which also lists current prices and any FAI member discounts. Booking ahead is sensible in high season, when the immersive screenings fill up.
How long does a visit take?
Allow roughly 45 to 75 minutes. The video story is the core of the visit, and extra time goes to the vaulted rooms and the shop.
Is Casa Noha suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
The film format suits older children and adults, and the visual storytelling keeps it engaging for families. The surrounding Civita streets are steep and cobbled, so contact the venue on +39 0835 335452 or at [email protected] to discuss step-free access and available accessible formats.
When planning your Matera travel guide or comparing verified attractions and local history museum in Matera, pair this stop with standout local spots including La Lopa, National Archaeological Museum of Siritide, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel, and MUSMA – Museo della Scultura Contemporanea (nearby).
