National Archaeological Museum “Domenico Ridola” in Matera
The history of mankind in Matera’s surroundings is exhibited at the national archaeological museum, the oldest museum in Basilicata, established in 1911 by Domenico Ridola, a physician with a keen interest in archaeological research. The rich prehistoric collection displays a wide variety of stone tools and potteries, narrating the evolutionary path of man in the city of the Sassi, from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Upper Neolithic. The hall dedicated to the museum’s founder has preserved the charm of its original setting and displays documents attesting Ridola’s activities as physician, politician and archaeologist. The Rizzon Collection is particularly remarkable: an exceptional collection of Lucanian and Apulian red-figure vases dating back to 4th century BC, bearing testimony to the evolution of ancient Greek pottery.