CASTELLO TRAMONTANO
The Tramontano Castle that was begun in the early sixteenth century by Gian Carlo Tramontano,
Count of Matera, is probably the only other structure that is above ground of any great significance
outside of the Sassi.
However, the construction remained unfinished after his assassination in the popular riot of 29 December
1514. It has three large towers, while twelve were probably included in the original design.
During some restoration work in the main square of the town, workers came across what was believed to
be the main footings of another castle tower.
However, on further excavation, large Roman cisterns were unearthed. Whole house structures were dis-
covered where one can see how the people of that era lived. Found under the main square of the modern
city was a large underground reservoir, complete with columns and a vaulted ceiling.
Matera was built above a deep ravine called Gravina of Matera that divides the territory into two areas.
Matera was built such that it is hidden, but made it difficult to provide a water supply to its inhabitants.
Early dwellers invested tremendous energy in building cisterns and systems of water channels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matera