1Mysterious Name
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The origin of the name of the Matera is still unknown. It is believed that the name was coined from the word ‘Mata’ which translates to ‘a pile of stones’ in English. Some historians believe it was coined from ‘Meteoron’ which means ‘starry sky’ due to the lightning of the interior of the cave which bears a semblance with the starry sky. Others believe it was coined from ‘Madre terra’ which means ‘Mother Earth,’ ‘Terah’ which means ‘clear water.’ It is intriguing to know that some locals believe it was coined from ‘Matterah’ which means ‘Prison.’
