Located in southern Italy and known for its historic settlements carved into rock, Matera is a city that has carried the memory of stone for centuries. The rock dwellings known as the “Sassi,” which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent the most powerful expression of the city’s architectural identity. In Italian, the word sasso means “stone,” and here it is not merely a building material but a cultural bridge connecting past and present.
At the heart of this historic fabric, Enoteca dai Tosi, located within a rock cavity dating back to the Paleolithic Age, offers a contemporary interpretation of Matera’s deep-rooted heritage. The project was realized following an invited architectural competition. Five distinguished architecture offices competed to design the three-level wine bar, and the winning proposal came from the Belgian-based studio Architecten De Vylder Vinck Taillieu.
The architectural approach is understated yet powerful. The aim was to make the Sassi livable again while introducing a contemporary spirit to Matera. The resulting design is shaped by cultural humility and refined simplicity. The space has been treated almost like an archaeological excavation, where layers are carefully revealed; the original rock texture is left visible, while new interventions are integrated with deliberate respect.
Within the project, stairs made from local tuff stone extend throughout the interior like a fluid spine. Stone seating elements, inspired by ancient amphitheaters, are arranged in stepped formations. This flexible layout allows groups of different sizes to gather, creating a shared experience centered around wine and conversation.
One of the most striking details of the design is the use of vivid jade green tones. This bright color appears in the lamps, railings, and stools, referencing the original color of the entrance door of the Sasso. At the same time, it reflects the hues of wine bottles, creating a visual harmony within the space. All original openings have been preserved, while the floors have been reinterpreted with herringbone-patterned tile flooring. Descending the main staircase, visitors are welcomed by the bar area highlighted with glossy green pendant lamps. At a lower level, a wine cellar positioned behind a glass partition becomes visible.
The method of wine storage is another distinctive feature of the project. The stone brick surfaces have been carved so that the bodies of the bottles fit perfectly into the cavities. Although this technique may leave slight marks on the bottles, the design team embraces it as a conscious choice. In this way, each bottle becomes part of the space, almost as if it carries a personal engraving belonging to a wine emerging from a Sasso in Matera.
The adaptive reuse of buildings that were once abandoned or neglected has always represented an exciting transformation in the architectural world. In the case of Enoteca dai Tosi, this transformation has been carried out with a respectful, measured, and refined approach to its historic context. As Matera’s stone memory is brought back to life through the language of contemporary design, the value of the space is further enriched by the experiences shared over fine wine.
.
+90 532 585 51 95
+90 532 585 51 95