visit matera

An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

Matera: all you need to know to plan a visit to Italy’s unique cave town and its otherwordly landscapes

All you need to know to plan a trip to Matera, Basilicata, one of the most peculiar and unique towns in the world and unique UNESCO site in Italy.

Matera is a city like no other.

Entirely carved out of the rocky slopes of a mountain in Basilicata, a region in the South of Italy, it is one of the most ancient cities in the world and a place with an appearance and a history so unique, it defies belief.

Matera came onto the world stage in 2019, when it became the European Capital of Culture and finally got all the attention a place as beautiful and as interesting as this deserves.

We visited over the course of several days and fell in love with this unique, otherwordly yet welcoming town.

This is all you need to know to plan a visit.

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Why visit Matera

Matera is a small town in the region of Basilicata, a rather remote and often overlooked part of Italy, in the South of the peninsula.

It is not particularly well connected to the rest of the country; however, Matera is one of the most beautiful places you can ever see in Italy and has a story so unique, it will be hard to forget.

Matera is a city entirely carved out of rocks, the so called ‘ sassi ‘.

The geography here is harsh and the steep mountain flanks made it difficult for locals to build traditional homes.

Therefore, they came up with a solution: they carved their houses out of the rocks and lived in caves!

The caves were kitted out to welcome families and animals and this may sound like a pretty standard dwelling for ancient times, if it wasn’t for one not-so-small detail: Matera’s caves have been in use until the 1950s and are still in use now, albeit recently fully restored and upgraded!

A visit to the caves is the main reason to visit Matera but I don’t want you to think the town is for culture lovers only.

Matera is stunning, so while its history and uniqueness make it stand out, its sheer beauty is also reason enough to come here.

The visual impact of this city of rock is powerful and the rupestrian churches, the cave churches locals used for religious ceremonies, are unique in the world.

Good to know : a rupestrian church is a church carved out of a rock. Matera has several of them, some easier to visit than others, and they are so unique they are now UNESCO World Heritage site .

The best things to do in Matera

Matera developed over the slopes of a steep mountain shaped like a natural amphitheater and is, as such, divided into three main parts.

At the top of the mountains lies the more modern part of town, the districts of Piano and Civita: beautiful and flat, this part of Matera has nice shops, palazzi, museums and some interesting churches.

Along the slopes of the mountain lie the real gem of Matera, the part of the town carved out of rock.

Part of the amphitheater is called Sasso Barisano and the other park Sasso Caveoso and they are divided by a road that meanders at the bottom of the valley: Via Fiorentini

All these parts have beautiful landmarks and things to see.

These are the best things to see and do in Matera.

Learn the history of Matera with a guided tour of the city

Matera is a city with a story so peculiar you will not be able to fully grasp it (or believe it!), without a local guide.

Ours allowed to put into context some very interesting facts about the city.

Matera is one of the most ancient cities in the world and precisely, it is said to be the third most ancient after Aleppo and Gerico.

It seems to have been inhabited since the Neolithic and the first trace we have of the word ‘sassi’ to indicate its neighborhoods and dwellings dates as far back as the XI century.

For most of its history, Matera has been a place of awful misery.

The caves that we now see as so charming were cold, humid and unforgiving and their position below the main city made the sassi a place of unseen poverty, that both wealthy locals and the Italian State, once created in the late 1800s, could easily ignored.

In 1931, anti-fascist activist and author Carlo Levi was sent in confinement to the area and authored a book that captured beautifully and dramatically the reality of this area and of the Matera Caves.

His book was a turning point for the city: the book defined the sassi an ‘infernal crater’ and this got to to the attention of the Italian authorities who quickly defined Matera ‘vergogna d’Italia’ – Italy’s shame.

In 1952, actions were taken to change the situation.

People were kicked out of the caves and relocated in apartments, and the caves were taken from their inhabitants and made state property.

The work on the ‘sassi’ didn’t bring immediate solutions and it is only in the 1990s that Matera’s fate started to turn.

The inclusion of the ‘sassi’ in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and later the nomination of Matera as Capital of Culture 2019 brought money and attention to the city.

Now, the caves are clean, beautiful and interesting museums, luxury accommodations, wine bars and the whole city sparkles, making its dramatic history hard to believe.

Several tours are on offer. We felt 2 hours was a good length. Check out:

Matera 2-hour walking tour of sassi

2-hour private walking tour of Matera

Matera panoramic tour by Ape

Good to know : while you can easily explore Matera without a guide, the history of the city is so peculiar, I recommend making a conscious effort to learn about it. A tour of the city or a visit to Casa Noah are my favorite ways to get an overview and appreciation of Matera’s uniqueness.

Visit Santa Maria de Idris – the most accessible of Matera’s Rupestrian churches

Probably the most impressive of all sites in Matera is the church of Santa Maria de Idris, which is entirely excavated in Matera’s rock (in the photo below, you recognize it by the cross, the church is the rock under it!)

The church is perched on the top of a rocky formation and you can easily see it from the Sasso Caveoso, just in front. 

It is the most peculiar sight: from the distance, the first impression is that of just a mountain peak with a cross ton op but as you get closer, you can see that it is a proper church, with a door and steps to enter!

Explore Sasso Caveoso and its cave-houses

The Sasso Caveoso is the one of the two amphitheaters with the original rock dwellings, called case-grotte (houses-caves).

You can see the entrance of all of these houses taking a stroll around the Sasso Caveoso but some are open to the public and operate as museums.

We visited two and they are indeed worth seeing. 

The first entered was on Vico Solitario and while really interesting, it was so packed with people you could hardly connect with the place at all

The second one we saw, smaller, was on Via dei Fiorentini and truly gave us a sense of what life there must have been like, 

I recommend you make a call about which one of the many to visit depending on the crowds on the day

Admire the church of San Pietro e Paolo al Caveoso

Matera has several wonderful churches and one that truly struck a chord with us for its incredible position is San Pietro e Paolo in the Sasso Caveoso.

The church dates back to the XIII century and opens up onto a large piazza overlooking a deep ravine.

You can visit the church inside and I also recommend you take a stroll around it as the views from there are incredible.

Take an evening stroll in Sasso Barisano

The  Sasso Barisano  faces part of the Caveoso but it is very different. 

Rather than cave dwellings, here you have traditional houses and even palazzi excavated from the rock and the result is beautiful.

Come in the late afternoon to explore its alleys and churches: the sunset over the  Caveoso  from here is magical!

Visit Matera’s Piano and Civita

As well as the Sassi, you should take some time to visit the ‘plain’ of Matera, the part of the city that sits at the top of the Sassi and with a more standard layout. 

This area is beautiful and has many churches, some worth seeing. 

The cathedral of Matera (XIII century), the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi (XIII century) and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a wonderful example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, are just some of the most noticeable ones. 

Take your time in Matera’s Museums

For a small town, Matera packs a punch in terms of museums.

Some worth seeing are the   National Archaeological Museum  and the interesting Casa Noah ( Website in Italian only ), which is a local home now turned museum with incredible films and photos that make the history of Matera come to life.

Check out the miniature sassi

In Via dei Fiorentini, we came across a museum/shop with a beautiful miniature of the Sassi.

This is a wonderful, easy place to visit that gives a great understanding of the geography and topography of Matera: the skills of its makers are also impressive! 

The miniature at the museum entrance is free to see and helps putting in context the otherwise hard to grasp geography of the town.

Visiting Matera with kids: what you need to know

We visited Matera with school aged kids and they adored it.

The town is so peculiar and evocative, with the rocks, the Rupestrian churches and the caves, it sparked their imaginations and a string of questions and they adored being able to run around and climb without the fear of cars (‘sassi’ are mostly car-free).

Very young kids are also likely to enjoy the freedom this city grants however, this is a seriously stroller un-friendly place!

I sassi are impossible with strollers so if you have a baby, you should opt for a carrier.

If traveling with young kids, you may want to check out our tips for using a stroller in Italy here.

Our favorite things to do in Matera with children are:

Strolling around the sassi , a great place to let children lead the way and embrace the maze aspect of this area (no worries, you’ll always easily go back to the main road either up or down the sassi, you won’t stay ‘lost’ for long!

Visit a casa grotta (cave house): the one my kids enjoyed the most is on Via dei Fiorentini, which unlike others we were able to visit without queuing. Visiting a cave house is different from staying in one: while sassi have now been turned into comfortable and often upscale accommodations, cave homes to visit are preserved as they were, as a local history museum. Here, you can see how the space was shared with the household animals, work tools, etc.

See Miniature Sassi : Miniature Sassi is a small but nice attraction, a tabletop reconstruction of Matera as a whole which allows to fully appreciate its truly unique geography. You find them on Via dei Fiorentini, almost in front of the casa grotta.

Visit Casa Noah : a chid-friendly museum with videos explaining and showcasing the history of Matera

Take an ape calessino (electric tuk-tuk) tour : a tuk tuk tour (or Ape tour; Ape is how we call this little vehicle in Italian) is a quintessential tourist thing to do but the vehicle is so fun for kids, we find it a fun way to see the city! Due to the nature of the terrain, there are only some parts of Matera you can see this way, but it is a great way to have an introduction to it!

Unexpected idea: the museum of space! I recently discovered Matera has a space museum. While we didn’t get to it this time, I am leaving you the website with info and this is the type of thing my kids love! https://www.sparkme.space/

Where to eat in Matera

Matera nowadays is full of wonderful restaurants and wine bars and you will have no difficulties finding excellent meals here.

The best of all we had in town was at Bollicine Bistrot , which I highly recommend.

Where to stay in Matera

Matera is now entirely geared towards tourism and offers many different types of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers.

If you want to be in the heart of i sassi like we did, we can recommend Casa del Sole : on a lovely opening right in the heart of Sasso Caveoso, it has lovely apartments view the most incredible views over Matera you can ask for!

If you prefer a more rural location in a masseria (local estate), with beautiful outdoor surroundings, comfortable rooms and breakfast with own products, you may instead love Masseria Torre Spagola , still very close to the town of Matera for easy sightseeing.

Practical tips for visiting Matera

Matera is best reached by car and then explored on foot.

You can see how we included it in our Southern Italy itinerary here .

Parking is available outside of the main sassi area (which is not accessible by car) either on street or in one of the several parking lots around.

The flat part of Matera doesn’t pose mobility issues but the sassi do.

Make sure you have proper walking shoes, do not bring a stroller if you have young kids and do evaluate carefully what you cannot or cannot do if you are at all unsteady on your feet.

Plan for warm summer day but potentially very cold winter days.

Stay a minimum of one night / two days.

I hope you enjoyed this quick travel guide to Matera and it inspired you to go visit. Safe travel planning!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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La Pimpa arrives in Matera and the Municipality dedicates a day to her

Attract and retain talent in your company

The book on the Park of the History of Man in Matera

Madonna dei Derelitti (Madonna della Scordata and San Nicola sulla Murgia dell’Amendola)

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Free city buses for everyone on weekends in December and 6-7 January 2024

18 Dec 2023

Free city buses for residents and tourists, in the coming weekend holidays until December 31, and then for January 6-7, 2024. This is the initiative of the Municipal Administration, wanted by the...

The “Libro dei privilegi della città (book of privileges of the town)” is in digital format

The book of the privileges of the town, an authoritative piece of Matera’s history, is finally preserved from the degrading action of time, through a digitalization that also allows public...

Parking payment system in Matera. Instructions for users

31 May 2022

As of June 1st, 2022, the new parking payment service has been available in the city of Matera. Click here to read the instructions on how to use the service or go to the following website...

Tutti gli eventi a Matera

Il calendario Matera Welcome Events attinge agli eventi pubblicati dalle stesse Associazioni sulla piattaforma Matera Events materaevents.it realizzata dalla Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019.

IL TEATRO CHE CRESCE 2023/2024

IAC Centro Arti Integrate

A pagamento

Ipogeo Materasum

MATERA L'ARTE CHE UNISCE

Navalny | assenza/presenza.

Palazzo Malvini Malvezzi

Cinema Piccolo

VISITA PALAZZO ACITO

Palazzo Acito

VIVI MATERA DREAMIN

H-owl project.

Rosetta Jazz Club

Spettacolo teatrale

La mongolfiera, donne e motori, kid pass days - casa ortega.

Casa Ortega

Matè e Solisti Lucani - STAGIONE CONCERTISTICA 2024

Vivi matera dreamin', laura marzadori e i solisti lucani.

Palazzo Viceconte

KID PASS days - MUSMA

MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea

Bicincittà Matera 2024

Piazza degli Olmi

AMABILI CONFINI fuori programma

Mostra d'arte contemporanea, (im)possible elements | renovart.

Lega Navale Italiana Matera

AMABILI CONFINI nei quartieri

Piazza Firenze - Villa Longo

Rizomatica. Nuove forme di coesistenza

Ex Convento di SS Lucia e Agata alla Civita

Festival della Parola 2024 | Abitare poeticamente la città

Abitare poeticamente la città | le quattro passioni.

Liceo Duni Levi

Coralmente Matera

Xv rassegna polifonica petra matrix.

Chiesa di San Francesco da Paola

Life(s) of Webs, arachnophobias, arachnophilias, and other stories

PALAZZO LANFRANCHI

Chamber Music

È andato tutto bene. Una mostra di Geometric Bang

T.A.M. - Tower Art Museum

CIO' CHE RESTA

Arti Visive Gallery

Cene con Delitto nei Sassi di Matera

Le Dodici Lune

REMEMBER ME

Galleria Riccardi

San Giorgio Lucano

San mauro forte, scanzano jonico, matera welcome on youtube, matera european capital of culture 2019.

MATERA WELCOME

Matera welcome is also a web app.

Connect from smartphone to the link app.materawelcome.it and find out in the video on the side how to save it on your Home.

Matera, Basilicata's jewel, may be the world's third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement. Natural caves in the tufa limestone, exposed as the Gravina cut its gorge, attracted the first inhabitants perhaps 7000 years ago. More elaborate structures were built atop them. Today, looking across the gorge to Matera’s huddled sassi (cave dwellings) it seems you've been transported back to the ancient Holy Land.

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Experience the real Matera. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Chiesa San Pietro Barisano

Dating in its earliest parts to the 12th century, St Peter's, the largest of Matera's rupestrian churches, overlays an ancient honeycomb of niches where…

Palombaro Lungo

This giant cistern, arguably as magnificent as a subterranean cathedral, is one of Matera's great sights. Lying under the city's main square with arches…

Highly recommended as a precursor to visiting the sassi themselves, this wonderful 25-minute multimedia exhibit, spread across three rooms of a 16th…

Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù & Chiesa di San Nicola del Greci

This monastic complex, one of the most important monuments in Matera, comprises dozens of chambers carved into the tufa limestone over two floors. Chiesa…

Museo della Scultura Contemporanea

The setting of this fabulous museum of contemporary sculpture – deeply recessed caves and the frescoed rooms of the 16th-century Palazzo Pomarici – is as…

For a great photograph of the sassi, take the Taranto–Laterza road (SS7) and follow signs for the chiese rupestri. This road takes you to the Belvedere,…

Set high up on a spur between the two natural bowls of the sassi, the wan, graceful exterior of the 13th-century Pugliese-Romanesque cathedral makes the…

Cripta del Peccato Originale

A fascinating Benedictine site dating to the Lombard period, the Cripta del Peccato Originale (Crypt of Original Sin) houses well-preserved 8th-century…

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Wild Junket

15 Cool Things to Do in Matera, Italy

Last Updated on March 8, 2024

Matera is my absolute favorite city in Italy! Here’s a carefully curated list of the best things to do in Matera.

Matera is madly photogenic: Houses tumble down the hillsides, stacked on top of one another, perched on the edge of a ravine. Its hilltop tangle of caves and sand-colored alleys backdropped by a steep ravine has an almost biblical setting.

But Matera wasn’t always this elegant. In the 1950s, Matera was branded “ the shame of Italy ”. People here lived in caves with their livestock, without electricity, plumbing nor running water. But a writer Carlo Levi changed Matera’s fate with his book.

Forced to improve the situation here, the Italian authorities relocated residents to a nearby rural development. The creatives then moved in and made it their mission to uphold Matera’s cultural traditions. After a transformation from slum to cultural hub, Matera was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Matera

How to get around matera, how many days in matera, best time to visit matera, 1. stay in a cave hotel, 2. get lost in sasso barisano, 3. explore the palombaro lungo cistern, 4. visit museo laboratorio, 5. see matera in miniature, 6. admire matera’s cathedral, 7. visit musma, 8. explore sasso caveoso, 9. visit casa noha, 10. hike across the ravine, 11. get the best views at belvedere di murgia timone, 12. experience the museum of medieval art, 13. take in night views at piazza pascoli, 14.try local wine in a cave bar, 15. watch a materan film in la lopa, la grotta nei sassi, il terrazzino, where to stay in matera, enjoy your trip to matera, matera travel guide.

The nearest airport to Matera is Bari Airport. There are plenty of budget flights to Bari from major cities in Europe like London and Paris. We got our  flights from Amsterdam to Bari on Transavia for just €150 (US$180) round trip.

We visited Matera as part of a Puglia road trip . The Puglia region is made for road trips, with great infrastructure and scenic coastal drives. Car rental in Puglia is affordable, with prices starting from US$30 per day. If you don’t drive, there are trains that leave regularly from the Bari FAL train station to Matera (1.5 hours and costs €5).

But once you get to Matera, avoid driving your car as roads in the Sassi are only open to residents. The best way to explore Matera is on foot as you can walk everywhere easily (albeit with lots of steps).

If you’re driving, be sure to ask your hotel or Airbnb for instructions on the nearest spot to park. Our host was super helpful and recommended us to park along Via Tommaso Stigliani, right outside the old town. We found free parking easily. Other spots with parking nearby are Via Gramsci and Via Castello.

Most people spend 3 days in Matera , but I definitely recommend longer as it’s such a special place. The old part is bigger than you’d expect and you can easily spend days and days just wandering around, enjoying delicious Italian food and wine . I recommend combining a visit to Matera with nearby Alberobello and Ostuni for a 1-week Southern Italy trip .

In general, the  best time to visit Matera is  April – June, and October – November . There are less people and prices are lower. Plus the weather will still be sunny and relatively warm.

We visited Matera at the end of October, and temperatures were around 73°F (or 23°C) during the day and 55°F (13°C) at night. During the day, we could wander around with just a t-shirt or dress. We just needed a small jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.

Things to Do in Matera

After local inhabitants were forced to move out of Matera in the 1960s, many caves were converted into stunning boutique cave hotels. If you’ve never stayed in a cave hotel, this is definitely your chance to try it. Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel has rooms that are carved into the side of a cliff and even a heated swimming pool embedded in natural rock.

To see a full section of my hotel recommendations, scroll to the bottom of this post.

The old part of Matera is known as Sassi di Matera (Sassi literally means “the stones”), made up of two districts: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. They compose of cave dwellings carved out from the rocky slopes of La Gravina ravine.

Most caves in Sasso Barisano have been restored and you’ll find more cave hotels, shops and museums here. The best way to explore Sasso Barisano is to ditch your GPS and just get lost! Take your time to roam its narrow alleyways, interconnected loops and cave-converted-spaces. You’ll find lots of hidden corners and spectacular views around each bend.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the main square in Sasso Barisano, and it’s full of life especially in the morning. Enjoy a nice cup of espresso and breakfast here before heading to the panoramic viewpoint where you can catch a view of the Sassi.

Right next to the viewpoint is the entrance to Palombaro Lungo , an underground cistern with impressively tall columns and arches. This was the largest water reservoir of Matera, dug under the main square as part of the rock church of Santo Spirito. Entrance is 3 euros.

At the bottom of Sasso Barisano (close to Via Fiorentini), you’ll find the Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina (Museum-workshop of the Peasant Culture), an ethno-anthropological museum. Get an idea of how local artisans and peasants used to live, through the museum’s replica of a typical cave home and workshop.

Another interesting spot to visit is Sassi in Miniatura , a workshop and museum (free entry) with impressive limestone miniature models of the old town. Local craftsman Eustachio Rizzi has spent decades recreating the unique architecture of Matera in miniature and they’re all on display here.

Located on the highest point of Matera, Matera’s Cathedral (Duomo di Matera) stands at the point that divides the two Sassi: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso.

Most people come here for the spectacular view of Matera, but the Cathedral itself is worth a visit too. Built in the 13th century in Puglian Romanesque style, the Cathedral features a Latin cross ground plan, gilded stuccoes and frames.

Next to the Cathedral stands MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture), a stunning museum located inside the 17th-century Palace Pomarici. It’s internationally recognized for its unique cave exhibition spaces, and is the most important museum entirely dedicated to sculpture in Italy. The museum displays works of art which tell the story of Italian and international sculpture from the late 1800s to today.

Once you leave the Cathedral, you’ll find yourself in Sasso Caveoso, the other neighborhood that makes up old Matera. In contrast to Sasso Barisano, this area is less developed and you will get to see caves that are left entirely intact (especially those dug into the area that runs into Via Casalnuovo).

From the main piazza, the beautiful  Church of San Pietro Caveoso is a gorgeous landmark worth visiting. It’s perched on a clifftop overlooking the ravine. Right above it is the rock church of Santa Maria de Idris , which is carved into a huge rock pinnacle jutting from the gorge. Climbing to the top of the rock is an experience on its own!

Raved as the #1 thing to do in Matera, Casa Noha has a multimedia exhibition spread across three rooms of a 16th-century family home funded by two local families. It tells the astonishing and often painful story of Matera. We sadly missed it as it was closed on Mondays. Entry is €5 per person.

Sasso Caveoso overlooks the steep ravine that locals call “La Gravina”, that was created by a river. From the main piazza, you can see the vertiginous cliff walks plunging down to the river bed and zigzag hiking trails that weave their way up and down the slopes.

It looks daunting but the walk down into the ravine and the return back up isn’t too difficult. Take the stairs at Porto Pistola and cross the Tibetan bridge and you’ll find yourself across the ravine. On the other side of the ravine, you’ll find several paleolithic caves that have existed for over 7,000 years!

Alternatively, you can also drive across the ravine to get to the paleolithic caves (just 10 minutes away). Above the caves, you’ll find a big carpark and viewpoint. The Belvedere di Murgia Timone is easily the best photography spot in Matera and the best time to come here is at sunset.

This was also where the crucifixion scene in The Passion of Christ was filmed — and you can easily see why they chose this spot as Matera looks almost biblical in the background.

Back in Sasso Caveoso, head to the pedestrianized Piazza Pascoli. History buffs will love the Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata , which showcases medieval art work. It is housed in an 18th century palace. Here, you’ll find ancient mosaics and paintings, including the 44 paintings of Carlo Levi (the most famous of which is the panoramic mural Lucania 61).

At the viewpoint next to Piazza Pascoli, you’ll find what I consider the BEST view in Matera. In the evening, see the meandering alleys and network of cave houses are lit up in gold. From this viewpoint, you can see the sloping city backdropped by the ravine. It’s a gorgeous sight and definitely one you don’t want to miss!

Wine connoisseurs will be happy to know that there are several aperitif bars and stores in town that serve locally produced wine. One of the best places to go for an aperitif is Agriristories , located in a beautiful underground cellar where you can taste local cheese, olives and wine! Vicolo Cieco is another cave bar offering excellent prosciutto and cheese, with a vintage retro setting.

One of the best restaurants in Matera, La Lopa , is more than just a dining establishment. Set in an underground cave, La Lopa stands out from the rest because of its cozy cave cinema, where diners can watch films set in Matera for free. With a warm atmospheric setting, La Lopa serves authentic, gourmet Materan dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Check out my guide to the best dishes to try in Italy .

Where to Eat in Matera

There is no shortage of atmospheric restaurants in Matera — but what makes them special is their setting in restored caves. Most of them offer Puglian specialities made with local produce and paired with the perfect wine.

La Lopa really takes it up a notch with its otherworldly setting. They serve Materan dishes and wine using only locally sourced ingredients. And it also has the cutest little cinema that plays movies set in Matera! Book a table.

We had one of our best meals in Matera here. Tucked behind a low bridge, overlooking a grand view of the Sassi, is this modern restaurant. Don’t miss the roast lamb with pistachio and tomato orecchiette. Read reviews.

This highly recommended restaurant is a fixture in the local culinary scene. With gorgeous outdoor views of the Sassi, this landmark restaurant serves a huge array of dishes as well as daily specialties. Read reviews here.

Restaurant Soul Kitchen

Another hugely popular restaurant in Sasso Caveosa, Soul Kitchen dishes up traditional Materan cuisine with a modern twist. Everything is made with local produce. Book a table here!

We definitely recommend staying in a cave hotel, as there are not many places in the world that offer such unique accommodation. They are not too expensive, with even affordable cave houses that fit budget travelers.

Airbnb: La Casa di Giò

With a panoramic terrace overlooking Matera’s historical center, this loft-style apartment has one of the best views in Matera. Featuring an all-white interior, the apartment is fully equipped and spacious. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Cave Rooms Sassi

Set in several locations in Sassi Barisano, this guesthouse has cave rooms that have excellent locations. We stayed at one near the main piazza and walked everywhere. The owner was extremely welcoming and helpful.  Check rates here.

Luxury: Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa

Easily one of the  coolest hotels in the world , the property (pictured) is home to 35 rooms that are carved into the side of a cliff. Its biggest draw is the spa, which includes a heated swimming pool embedded in natural rock (pictured). Check rates here.

I hope you’ve found this list of things to do in Matera useful. If you have one week, I definitely recommend exploring more of the Basilicata and Puglia regions. For those who are planning to travel the rest of Italy, I have written quite a few articles on other parts of Italy. Check them out before and let me know if you have any questions!

Read my articles on Italy below:

• Italian Food Guide: Best Dishes to Try in Italy
• 1-Week Southern Italy Itinerary
• My Detailed Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• A 4-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
• Path of Gods: Trekking from Bologna to Florence

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Greg & Silvia

What a lovely post about our home town!! Thanks so much! Hope you don’t mind if we add our special cooking class experience, Matera Cooking Class, to your list of cool things to do whilst here! We’re based at our beautiful farmhouse and olive grove and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and show them the art of traditional Southern Italian cooking! :) http://www.materacookingclass.com

That sounds wonderful, wish we had known about your cooking class when we came! Will definitely keep you in mind on our next trip to Matera!

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Visit Matera: Top 13 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

The best things to do and see in matera, italy.

You’re planning to visit Matera, in Italy , and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

Visiting Matera in the southern part of Italy (Basilicata region) means discovering one of the oldest cities in the world.

Just like Alberobello in Puglia , it’s unique and has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its very particular houses: the Sassi.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the best things to do in Matera , with all must-see attractions and points of interest.

At the end of the article, you will also find the 3 best places to visit near Matera as well as my suggestions of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Matera? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

History and Culture: What is a Sassi?

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Each year, thousands of visitors are attracted to Matera for its unique charm, attributable to its typical dwellings, the Sassi.

However, if you hadn’t heard of Matera before planning your stay in Puglia and Basilicata , a small explanation is in order: what is a Sassi?

The Sassi di Matera (which translates to “Stones of Matera”) are troglodyte dwellings .

Initially simple caves carved out by the stream that flows at the bottom of the ravine, these sites have been occupied since the Paleolithic era , making Matera one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the oldest archaeological sites!

Over the centuries, the caves were transformed into proper houses . Since the rock is very soft, it was only natural for the inhabitants of Matera to dig their homes into it and live there.

The extracted rock was then used to shape the facades of the dwellings and, over time, a real city was born .

Today there are nearly 3,000 habitable caves as well as several churches carved in the rocks or within caves . They served as refuges for Byzantine monks in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Unfortunately, by the 1950s , the Sassi were nothing more than a vast slum housing the poorest families. Living conditions were miserable, and the Sassi were utterly unsanitary .

Many diseases spread, and the infant mortality rate soared to 50%!

Towards the end of the 1950s, the government initiated a large-scale evacuation program for the Sassi , and the population was rehoused in modern neighborhoods of Matera.

The Sassi were then left to decay until the 1980s when a restoration program was launched to preserve this unique cultural heritage. In 1993, the Sassi di Matera were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Most of the Sassi today house guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

In Matera, you will find thousands of Sassi. The historic center is divided into 2 districts to visit:

• Sasso Caveoso
• Sasso Barisano , which hosts the Civita district, the oldest part of Matera

Matera can only be visited by foot, as some areas are completely restricted to cars, and other parts are exclusively reserved for residents.

To visit Matera and not miss out on any of the things to do and see , you should head to one of the tourist offices around the city (there are several) to pick up a city map . There, you’ll find 3 suggested routes , of varying lengths, to ensure you catch all the interesting spots in Matera.

So, what are the best places to visit in Matera? Here are 11 sites you shouldn’t miss:

1) The Duomo or Cathedral of Matera: Built in 1230, the cathedral was fully renovated recently when the city was named European Capital of Culture in 2019. Its exterior façade is quite simple, typical of the Romanesque style from Puglia.

Inside, you’ll be able to admire a magnificent medieval fresco: “The Last Judgment.” From the square of the Duomo, you will also enjoy a stunning view of Matera and the Sassi.

2) The Church of San Pietro Caveoso , built right on the edge of the ravine of Matera, offering a great panorama.

3) The rock-hewn church of the Madonna de Idris, carved into the rock, it overlooks the ravine of Matera.

4) The Casa grotta di Vico Solitario, a small museum that recreates and displays the living conditions in the Sassi with period furniture and objects.

5) The Convicinio di Sant’Antonio , a complex that houses 4 rock churches.

6) The MOOM, Matera Olive Oil Museum, a tiny museum where they explain olive oil production.

7) The Palazzo Lanfranchi which houses the Museum of Modern Art. Also, be sure to check out the viewpoint from the Piazzetta Pascoli for a panorama over the Sassi and the ravine.

8) The Church of St. Francis of Assisi located in the square of the same name.

9) The Monastery of Sant’Agostino .

10) The National Archaeological Museum to understand the origins of the city of Matera and its surroundings.

11) Tramontano Castle, started in 1501 by the Count who ruled over Matera, was never finished. The residents, unhappy with the amount of taxes they had to pay, indeed killed the Count in the street, just outside the cathedral!

Matera has been a filming location for many famous movies: Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ in 2004, as well as Ben Hur in 2016 and Wonder Woman in 2017.

The best way to discover all Matera’s highlights (especially if you want to learn more about the history of the city and the Sassi) is to book a guided tour.

The best guided tour of Matera is a 2h30 walking tour that will allow you to explore the different districts and visit the interior of a cave house as well as a rock church.

The guide, Giuseppe, is very friendly and knowledgeable!

To book your guided tour to the Sassi of Matera , you just need to click on the green button below:

As I mentioned earlier, the main and best way to explore Matera is on foot, but if you’re not up for too much walking, there are 2 other ways to see parts of the city:

• Ride the open-top tourist minibus. Your ticket also includes entry to Casa Grotta. Click here to book!
• Take a panoramic tuk-tuk tour.

The 3 Best Things to Do Around Matera

If your visit to the Sassi of Matera doesn’t take up your whole day, here are the 3 best places to visit around Matera.

During your visit to Matera, you must have noticed people wandering on the opposite side of the ravine, in Murgia Materana Park , also known as the “Park of the Rock Churches of Matera”.

You should really go there, if only to see Matera from a different angle at Murgia Timone lookout located in the park. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Matera .

Alternatively, you can also reach the other side on foot by descending stairs at Piazza Postergola and crossing a suspension bridge.

The lookout is the perfect spot to capture a stunning panorama of all the Sassi!

Spanning 8,000 hectares, Murgia Park is ideal for hiking . Here you can discover some of the 150 rock churches currently identified in the area.

For more information, head to Matera tourist office to get a map of the trails. Some are even suitable for mountain biking.

It’s also possible to book a guided tour of Murgia Park with a specialized guide. The transfer from Matera and tickets for the churches are included in the price.

You need to book your guided tour of Murgia Park here:

This is definitely one of the must-see places around Matera!

You’re going to Matera?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Matera on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Matera.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Matera, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Matera!

In Puglia, there is a canyon that winds through several villages offering stunning viewpoints .

From Matera, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the nearest village, Laterza. The other villages crossed by the Puglia canyon are:

• Ginosa and its medieval castle
• Castellaneta , where a belvedere offers a great view of the ravines
• Massafra, a village completely split in two by the canyon and connected by a bridge

Even though the villages are quite small, and there aren’t specific monuments to see, it’s pleasant to wander around and admire the various panoramas over the canyon .

All located near Matera , you’re very likely to pass them if you’re coming from Taranto or Alberobello . Be sure to stop there for a bit!

Time needed for the visit: Between 1 hour if you only wish to visit a single village and an afternoon if you want to see everything.

Castel Del Monte is another tourist site you should see near Matera.

Located roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Matera, the castle is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Built in the 12th century atop a hill, it now stands isolated in the countryside . The site is worth a detour to admire its flawlessly shaped architecture .

You can also tour the interior for around ten euros, but there’s not much to see. The exterior will impress you much more!

Visiting Castel Del Monte is a good idea if you are planning to continue your trip towards Gargano National Park. In that case it won’t be a huge detour from Matera.

It’s also close to Trani (40 minutes) and Bari (1 hour).

Time needed for a visit: You’ll probably stop for about 15 to 30 minutes, long enough to take some photos! Allow a little more time if you wish to visit the inside.

To visit Matera (the city itself), I recommend planning half a day .

The Sassi are clustered in a specific area but the site is rather large and has many stairs . And as it’s really nice, you will want to make some photo stops and take your time!

You can choose to follow the routes provided by the tourist office or simply wander the streets as you please. You can’t get lost!

ideally, you should visit Matera in the afternoon and stay overnight . In the evening, the city lights up beautifully , creating a very special atmosphere. A spectacle you shouldn’t miss in Matera!

And the next morning, when you leave, don’t forget to make a stop at Murgia Materana Park to enjoy the view.

• Matera in Vacanza: Located just 3 minutes on foot from the Sassi area. Spacious and very clean double room starting at 90€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location for exploring Matera on foot, the warm welcome.
• Thymus Residence nei Sassi: Located 5 minutes from the Matera Cathedral. This hotel offers double rooms set in Sassi, starting at 160€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the chance to experience sleeping in a Sassi, perfect location. My favorite for its excellent value for money in Matera.
• Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae: Located in the heart of the Sassi. Double room with wooden furniture and vaulted ceilings in a Sassi from 200€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the indoor pool, valet service, comfortable bedding, the charm of the place. This is  my choice for a romantic stay in Matera!
• Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel: Located in a former palace, just meters from the Piazza del Duomo. This 5-star hotel offers tastefully decorated double rooms starting at 480€, breakfast included. Strong points: the excellent breakfast, charming staff, location, spa. Simply the best luxury hotel in Matera!
• AltraPizza: Located on Via Giambattista Pentasuglia. This is the ideal spot for enjoying a good wood-fired pizza in Matera! There’s a wide variety to choose from, the portions are generous, and the prices are really affordable.
• Kapunto: Located on Via Lucana. I highly recommend this restaurant if, like me, you’re a big fan of pasta! The pasta is freshly made on-site and displayed in the window. You then choose your type of pasta and your preferred sauce, and you’re all set! Delicious and not too expensive!
• Dedalo – Sensi sommersi: If you’re looking for a more upscale restaurant, head to Dedalo. Located in a Sasso, it offers original and high-quality cuisine in a beautiful setting.

• From Bari: The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Starting from Bari, there are also shuttles that take you to Matera. You can find all the information about these bus transfers by clicking here!

• From Taranto: You will reach Matera in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• From Alberobello: It’s a 1-hour and 10-minute journey to Matera.

Matera was a very pleasant surprise. There’s very little about it online, so I hadn’t seen many photos before visiting.

I was amazed by the expanse of the old town and the impressive number of Sassi. Everything has been wonderfully restored, and the city has managed to retain its authentic charm. Discovering Matera was one of my favorite experiences during my tour of Puglia!

Matera is a tourist hotspot, but unlike Alberobello (also a UNESCO World Heritage site and unique in the world), the souvenir shops and hotels are less “overpowering.”

You can walk around peacefully and fully immerse yourself in the ambiance.

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to Do in Puglia – All the best places to visit
• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Puglia – The perfect short-stay itineraries
• Itinerary: A week in Puglia – The ultimate itinerary for visiting Puglia in 7-8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Puglia – How to visit Puglia in 10 days and not miss a thing!
• Alberobello : Visit the trulli village with my definitive guide!
• Bari: Top 12 things to do and see
• Gargano : The 10 best places to visit
• Lecce : The 12 must-sees attractions
• Matera: The definitive guide of Matera!
• Ostuni : Top 10 things to do and see

Rest of Italy

• The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!
• Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
• Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
• Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
• Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
• Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
• Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
• Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)
• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence
• 4 days in Florence
• 5 days in Florence
• 2 days in Milan
• 3 days in Milan
• 4 days in Milan
• 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
• 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
• One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary
• 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips
• Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
• Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay
• Omnia Card: The definitive guide
• Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
• Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
• Rome’s Hidden Gems : The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
• The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!
• Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
• Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

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MY WANDERLUSTY LIFE

#TimeBudgetTravel

One Day in Matera, Italy: The Perfect Simple Matera Itinerary

Last Updated: November 30, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 4 Comments

I first decided to spend one day in Matera after plotting out my next Italy destinations the way I often do—by choosing which cities on the map have the bigger font. I’ve chosen lots of destinations this way ( Tivoli , Aosta , Turin , for example) and it’s helped me find so many cool places.

When I followed up with a search of things to do in Matera, I found nothing but interesting history surrounded by awesome scenery, in a city that was so unlike all the others! So, it was settled—I would squeeze a day in Matera into my greater southern Italy itinerary.  

This post contains everything you need to know about spending one day in Matera . I’ll give you my super chill 1-day Matera itinerary, let you know the best place to stay, the best places to eat, all the things to do in Matera in just one awesome day, and everything else you need to know to visit Matera.

Table of Contents

Also check out my post on the best day trips from Salerno on the Amalfi Coast (of which Matera is one).

Where is Matera?

The city of Matera, Italy is located in Italy’s Basilicata region , down near the heel of Italy’s boot. It’s a:

• 1-hour drive from Bari
• 1 hour and 15 minutes from Polignano a Mare
• 2.5-hour drive from Salerno
• 3-hour drive from Naples
• 3.5-hour drive from Sorrento
• And almost a 5-hour drive from Rome

This was my first time in the Basilicata region and it totally blew my mind. The whole area feels remote and empty but is so green and lush! The landscape is filled with rolling green hills dotted with enormous wind turbines, all under an impossibly blue sky.

Is Matera worth visiting?

Visiting Matera is definitely worth it if you’re after something completely different from the Italy you’re used to. If you’d like to visit a cool historic town that’s full of beautiful architectural scenes and a relaxing vibe, visit Matera.

But if you’re seeking out Italy’s top destinations for museums or food or a long list of bucket list experiences. Matera is the perfect destination if you want to add a chill day trip to a neat town to your itinerary, but it’s not exactly the most exciting and noteworthy place to visit. Just trying to curb your expectations here.

If you have a day to fill in your Italy itinerary and want to visit a cool town that’s different from the rest , Matera is definitely worth a visit. (Especially if you’re a James Bond fan—the 2021 film No Time to Die takes place in Matera. You can view a clip of it here .)

How many days to spend in Matera?

That being said, you really only need one day in Matera to get the idea. Sure, you could technically spend a few days here to squeeze in all the things to do in Matera, but you don’t really need to.

Many of the ‘top things to do in Matera’ are just different versions of the same thing. For instance, you don’t need to visit all the belvedere lookout points. Eventually, it all starts to look the same. Choose two and you’ve got the gist.

However, I do recommend more than just a day trip to Matera. I definitely think you get the whole awesome experience if you stay here overnight so you can experience the city from sunrise to sunset and beyond. More on that in a minute.

How to spend one day in Matera

During your one day in Matera you’ll visit some of the top lookout points (belvederes), visit the most popular churches, eat some amazing local foods, and stay in one of the coolest B&Bs you’ve ever stayed in.

With just one day in Matera you’ll be able to cover all the Matera basics and get a good sense of what this unique town is all about.

The Matera Sassi

Regarding the history of Matera, you’ll hear and read a lot about the “Sassi di Matera” during your visit. “Sassi” refers to the two areas of Matera that are characterized by their ancient cave dwellings. You’ll immediately be able to tell the “Sassi” from the newer parts of town.

Matera’s Sassi began as a prehistoric settlement where residents lived in caves that were carved out of the area’s rocky mountains. There’s almost no organization to the whole thing and you’ll see many buildings on top of others, some dwellings under the roads, and much more of the same.

The term “Sassi” comes from the Latin word for hill or rock. The Sassi of Matera was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and was recently dubbed the “2019 European Capital of Culture” which is a superlative I didn’t even know existed until now.

Things to do in Matera

Below this I’m going to give you my morning-to-night one day in Matera itinerary that covers all the best stuff. But if you’re still deciding on whether or not you even want to spend a day in Matera, here’s what you can expect:

• Checking out the best views of Matera from many different lookout points
• Visiting historic churches carved into the rock
• Eating hyper-local foods with historic meanings
• Spending a lot of time underground and/or in caves
• Strolling around at a leisurely pace
• But also, climbing up and down tons of stairs

Now, here’s the order you can do all that in…

Map for your one day in Matera

How to use this map

Click on the tab in the top left to see or hide different layers, then check or uncheck the boxes to the left of each section title. To get more information, photos, etc. on each site, click on any of the location markers on the map.

Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save this map in your Google Maps. To use on your phone when you get to Matera: open Google Maps, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”

One day in Matera itinerary

When you start and end your one day in Matera might look different from this, but I’m going to start at the beginning.

But first, coffee

As you always should in Italy, start your day at a café with a quick espresso (or cappuccino if you’re like me). If you stay in a B&B, they will either provide breakfast for you or will have a place they recommend that might be included.

Our stay at Al Vico B&B included breakfast at a pastry shop nearby, but some other popular cafés in Matera include:

• Caffé Schiuma
• Caffe Tripoli

Otherwise, stopping at the nearest café to wherever you are when the mood strikes should work just fine. Drink your coffee standing up at the counter to save a few euros.

Palombaro Lungo

Start your one day in Matera off at Palombaro Lungo , the city’s historic underground cistern . Underneath central Matera is a super huge, manmade cistern where they used to store all the water for the city.

The space was excavated back in the 16 th century for the purpose of collecting rainwater for use by Matera’s residents through a collection of fountains and wells. While there were cisterns like this all over town, this is Matera’s largest.

This subterranean cistern holds 5 million liters of water but is no longer used for its original purpose. Now, it’s open for tourists who can descend into Matera’s dark underworld to check out the historic structure but also to get some much-needed relief from the summer heat. (Perhaps the height of summer isn’t the best time to visit Matera, but luckily it’s super cool and refreshing down here.)

As large as the place is, it will only take you about 10 minutes to visit the whole thing.

Palombaro Lungo translates to “the Long Diver” and references the length of this particular well.

Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei “Tre Archi”

After you emerge from Matera’s underground, cross the street and head over to the Belvedere of Luigi Guerricchio (Three Arches) . From this viewpoint just off Piazza Vittorio Veneto you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of the sassi of Matera.

In fact, of all the amazing views of the city I saw in Matera, the view from here is my favorite . When I visited in May 2023 there was also an unbelievably talented guitar player entertaining us all under the portico. It was the perfect start to my one day in Matera.

Church of Santa Maria de Idris

From the Luigi Guerricchio viewpoint, head towards the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, but pay attention to the walk along the way. You’ll really only be hitting a few notable spots during your one day in Matera, but the key is to take in everything in between them as well. Exploring the nooks and crannies of this unique little town is really the main thing to do here.

Matera’s Church of Santa Maria de Idris dates back to the 14 th century and was actually carved right into the rock face. It’s quite small inside but is filled with pretty well-preserved and colorful frescoes. Unfortunately, photos aren’t allowed inside so I can’t show you any of them, but this page has some good interior photos.

It’s pretty small and “simple” as far as Italian churches go, but it is such a cool experience to visit a church inside a rock to see how people used to worship here so many centuries ago.

While here, you can buy a discounted admission ticket that gets you into Matera’s top 3 churches (the ones we’re going to visit today). Otherwise, you can pay the separate admission price at each site.

Church of San Pietro Caveoso

Located right below the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, San Pietro Caveoso is another beautiful Matera church. Unlike the others, this one wasn’t carved out of the rock but built in a more customary way.

It dates back to the 1200s and has a really cozy feel inside thanks to the wooden interior. San Pietro Caveoso is free to visit and is worth a look inside since you’re already right there. (Again, no photos allowed.)

Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve

From the church of San Pietro Caveoso, make your way down to the next major site on the list—the Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve. (And again, take your time and enjoy all the scenes in between.)

This is another of Matera’s cool “rock churches” and it too is filled with beautiful frescoes. This church dates back to the 8 th century and is the most important church in Matera’s history. (And it’s still used for worship today!)

Though still pretty compact, this one is larger than the first one we visited, and used to be even bigger still before parts of it were turned into residences and other things. This page has an excellent rundown of all the frescoes.  

Lunch at 5 Lire Pizza

Before you hit up the third of the three major churches here, it’s time for lunch. And for that we’re going to 5 Lire Pizza, on the edge of the Sassi.

5 Lire Pizza has amazing pizzas that are fast, delicious, and pretty cheap. They have outdoor seating on their front patio, indoor seating in two areas, and outdoor seating on their terrace overlooking the picturesque Sassi.

Since we only have one day in Matera, I didn’t want to spend more time than necessary at lunch when I knew there was more I wanted to see. Stopping at 5 Lire Pizza was perfect .

Gelato at Gelida Voglia

And because this is Italy, you must follow up lunch with some gelato. From 5 Lire, walk just a little ways down the main road and you’ll hit Gelida Voglia (Via del Corso 114), which I highly recommend.

Church of Saint Peter Barisano

Take your gelato and walk towards the third church on our list—the Church of Saint Peter Barisano. This was my personal favorite, but for only the grossest, most macabre reasons.

This is another of Matera’s cave churches and actually the largest one in the city . It dates back to the 12 th century and is filled with underground rooms once used for draining corpses. Super gross, but hear me out.

Underneath the church floor where you enter is a vast maze-like complex of rooms where they would drain the bodies of priests. The whole process is ghastly but the rooms themselves are pretty cool. It’s definitely got some weird vibes here and maybe don’t go down there by yourself? But it does add a little something extra (creepy) to your one day in Matera.

Again, there are no photos allowed inside but you can see some on this page .  

Belvedere Emilio Colombo Statista

Now that you visited the last of Matera’s three major churches, spend some more time just walking around the city. Perhaps make your way towards the Convent of Saint Agostino (Convento di Sant’Agostino) where you’ll find the Belvedere Emilio Colombo.

From here you’ll get a great view of the huge Convent and of the Matera Sassi as well as the green hills on the Sassi’s perimeter.

Aperitivo with a view or Passeggiata

Now that you’ve walked around almost the entire Sassi of Matera (or maybe you got turned around somewhere and actually did walk around the entire thing), it’s now time to chill out Matera style.

If you’ve had enough walking, park yourself at one of the many places where you can enjoy watching the sunset with an incredible view of the Sassi to end your one day in Matera.

The most popular spots for an aperitivo with a view are:

• Crialoss and its panoramic cave terrace
• Annunziata 1735 with its view over Piazza Vittorio Veneto
• Terrazza Cavaliere , the perfect place for a cocktail at sundown

If you’ve just fallen in love with Matera and want to walk around a little bit more, then it sounds like you’re already starting to turn Italian. ‘Tis time for the passeggiata —one of my favorite things about dusk in Italy.

The passeggiata is that wonderful time of day when everyone leaves their homes and work and just strolls through the town. It’s a leisurely social activity and one I wish we’d hurry up and adopt here in the U.S. But alas.

You’ll notice the streets filling up with people just literally out for a stroll, for no other reason than strolling. Join in and see what local life in Matera is like after all the day-trippers have left.

Dinner at MoMang

After you’ve aperitivo’ed and passeggiata’ed, it’s time for dinner. And for that I recommend MoMang . I actually found this place because it’s owned by the same people who own the B&B I stayed at and they include a welcome drink and snacks there with your stay. We had such a fun time during our welcome drinks that we decided to stay for dinner and were so happy with our decision!

MoMang is everything I wanted out of dinner during my one day in Matera. The menu at MoMang is centered around traditional Lucano street food. ( Lucano meaning the traditional cuisine of Basilicata.) As Wikipedia puts it, “The local gastronomy is typically peasant, based on simple recipes and on the culture of reuse, in particular of meat and bread.” And that’s exactly what we got.

I absolutely love when I can learn about a destination and its culture through its food, and sadly so many places have evolved from this style. But not MoMang.

My husband and I had a variety of dishes at MoMang, including:

• Fave e cicorie – Fava beans and chicory (a dish you’ll see everywhere in Basilicata and Puglia)
• Polpette alla Materana di pane/di carne – Matera meatballs of either meat or bread. I had both but actually preferred the bread meatballs. (I even ordered a second round.)
• Salsiccia del Pezzente – “Beggar’s sausage,” a typical Lucano cured meat made from the “less desirable” parts of the pig. (But this was my favorite dish of them all!)
• Morbido Lucano for dessert – A kind of whipped cream cheese covered in caramelized tomatoes! Sounds weird, and kinda tastes weird, but it’s actually really good.

Where to stay in Matera (cave hotels)

After your one day in Matera, the perfect place to stay is at a cave hotel. Matera is filled with amazing cave hotels and staying in one (or a cave house) is essential to getting the whole “Matera” experience.

I stayed at Al Vico B&B and it was SO COOL! This was the first time I’ve ever stayed in a cave hotel and it was such a treat. For starters, it was so dark. So quiet. I slept So. Well. Even just for that reason, I highly recommend this place. (Check out my quick Instagram walkthrough of my cave hotel here .)

Its location was perfect and the place had everything we needed, including a small kitchenette. The place was well prepared for our visit and the whole thing was such a fun and unique experience. You’ve got to stay in a cave hotel for your 1 day in Matera. (But definitely read the harrowing experience I had at my Matera cave hotel!)

Book your stay at the Al Vico B&B here.

Cave hotels in Matera

If Al Vico B&B isn’t available during your one day in Matera, there are plenty more cave hotels to choose from. Start here with these top-rated accommodation options:

• Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita (splurge) – Gorgeous cave rooms, panoramic terrace, exceptional reviews, totally one-of-a-kind property.
• Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa (higher-end) – On-site restaurant with breakfast, wonderful reviews, free use of the spa, bike rental available, perfect location.
• Il Belvedere (mid-range) – Panoramic terrace, excellent location, exceptional reviews (9.5/10!)
• Palazzo Degli Abati (mid-range) – Family-run property, on-site breakfast, exceptional reviews, great location and actually the location of one of the best places to have a drink with a view!
• Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery (mid-range) – Great location, rooms with balconies, wonderful reviews, welcome drink included.
• B&B Al Convento (mid-range) – Exceptional reviews, great location, and lots of compliments on the hosts.
• La Dimora Delle 3 Zie (budget-friendly) – Exceptional reviews, inner courtyard, recently renovated, bike rental available!

See all available hotels and B&Bs in Matera here on Booking and Expedia .

One day in Matera – other options

If one viewpoint and one church are all you need to get an idea of the Matera Sassi and you want to add some other activities to your 1-day Matera itinerary, check out these optional additions:

Go for a hike in Murgia Materana Park

As you can see in my pictures, there are plenty of pretty easy hiking trails all around Matera . The green hills dotted with caves you see are part of Murgia Materana Park (Parco della Murgina Materana) and you can get there easily from the Sassi.

First, you’ll hike down into the ravine, cross the suspension bridge, and then hike up on the other side. From wherever you are in the Sassi, look for Ponte Tibetano della Gravina on your map. The starting point downward is just up above that on the main road (Via Madonna delle Virtù).

Important note: On my visit in May 2023, the path to the bridge was closed. It still says “Temporarily Closed” on the map, so just be aware of this ahead of your trip. And if it is closed when you get there, please don’t climb over the two locked metal gates. Don’t be the entitled asshole tourist who thinks the rules don’t apply to them.

Take an ape tour of Matera

If the idea of walking up and down all of Matera’s hills and stairways doesn’t excite you, perhaps book an ape tour of the city. This is the best way to see the absolute most during your one day in Matera , plus you’ll get expert insight from your guide and access to all the best places to see. Book your Matera ape tour here.

Take a night tour of Matera

Matera is just as beautiful (if not more so) when lit up at night. This Matera night tour takes you to all the best places for great night views of the Sassi and even to a couple of rock churches and other buildings. All 5-star reviews! Book your Matera night tour here.

Hot Air Balloon Flight over Matera

You can even take a hot air balloon flight over Matera while you’re here. Hot air balloon rides are so much fun and this would be such a cool place to do one! Another activity with all 5-star reviews (and amazing pictures). Book your Matera hot air balloon ride here.

Matera day trip

Even though I recommend staying overnight in Matera (so you can get the full experience + sleep in cave hotel), this city is also a popular destination for a day trip from Bari . If you’re short on time, you can always visit Matera for just a few hours and still see a lot that the city has to offer.

Something to note however is that this is a popular activity. And I mean popular . During the core hours of the day, the entire city fills up with large (and loud) tour groups. So if this is the route you’ll take, prepare for crowds and some long waits to get into the churches.

How to get to Matera

Though Matera is gaining in popularity, it’s still important to remember that it’s pretty small and outside the realm of more popular tourist regions. It’s not exactly the most straightforward to get to, but it’s not impossible either.

By far the easiest and fastest way to get to Matera is to drive. This is what I did and it couldn’t have been easier (or more beautiful). Even parking was super simple.

If you still need to rent a car, check out the best local deals here .

Naples to Matera

Though Matera is a few hours away in Basilicata, many people still come from the bustling metropolis of Naples on the western coast. Here’s how to get to Matera from Naples.

By car – The drive from Naples to Matera is 3 hours.

By train – The train to Matera from Naples takes about 4 hours and costs between €30 and €40. It only leaves once per day, in the afternoon, and includes 1 change. See the train schedule here .

By bus – You can also take the Flixbus from Naples to Matera in under 4 hours and for around $20. This is pretty fast and a great deal that involves no bus changes, but note that it leaves at 2:15am to get you to Matera at 6:00am. See the bus schedule here.

Rome to Matera

Rome is a good deal farther away from Matera than Naples, but if spending one day in Matera is a bucket list item for you, then who cares! Here’s how to get from Rome to Matera:

By car – The drive from Rome to Matera is about 5 hours.

By train – The train from Rome to Matera takes about 5.5 hours and costs between €60 and €65. It leaves once per day (at noon), getting you to Matera just before 5:30pm, and includes 1 change. See the train schedule here .

By bus – The Flixbus from Rome to Matera takes about 6.5 hours and costs around $55. It leaves at 11:30pm to get you to Matera at 6:00am so you can start your one day in Matera bright and early as hell. Check the bus schedule here .

Bari to Matera

Bari is the closest “major” city to Matera and the starting point of many Matera day trips. If you find yourself starting off in Bari, here’s how to get to Matera:

By car – The drive from Bari to Matera is just 1 hour.

By train – Taking the train from Bari to Matera will take you between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on which route you choose. There is no direct train unfortunately, but most routes have just one connection. You can see the train schedule here .

By bus – Taking the bus from Bari to Matera is the most popular option (other than driving to Matera). These trips take just about 1 hour and 15 minutes and cost less than your morning cappuccino and croissant. You can check the Bari to Matera bus schedules here .

All the prices and schedules I mention above are good as of May 2023.

Driving in Matera

If you plan to arrive to Matera by car, know that driving in Matera is pretty easy, as long as you remember to avoid the ZTL . The ZTL is the Limited Traffic Zone (Zona Traffico Limitato) where unauthorized cars can’t go. That’s you.

Driving in Matera will mean sticking to the newer part of the city as the historic Sassi are not accessible by car. You’ll park on the outskirts of the Sassi and then walk to your hotel or B&B from there.

Matera parking

There are many parking areas around the Matera Sassi, but if you’re staying in town for the night, you’re in luck. Some monitored parking garages, like the one I parked in overnight, are available only for guests of the local B&Bs.

If you stay at Al Vico B&B like I did, you’ll park at the Parcheggio Nicoletti (Via Vincenzo Cappelluti 1). It’s nearby the Sassi, monitored, and apparently run by friendly labrador retriever, which I fully support. You can get more info here .

How to get around Matera & the Sassi

Since driving is pretty much out of the question here, the best way to get around Matera is always on foot. The majority of Matera’s Sassi is within the ZTL and walking is really the fastest and easiest way to get where you’re going. The good thing is that it usually doesn’t take as long to get around Matera as it looks. 

The other great way to get around Matera is via an ape . An ape is a small 3-wheeled vehicle popular in Italy for being able to navigate the country’s narrow alleyways. It’s even been called the VespaCar. And since you probably don’t have your own (but how fun would that be?!) there are plenty of ape tours available around Matera!

What to pack for Matera

In addition to your standard Italy packing list, there are a few things you’ll want to remember to bring for your one day in Matera:

European plug adapter  – so you can charge all your devices here.

Comfortable shoes  – I’m a big fan of  Teva sandals  and  Chacos  when visiting places like Matera with hard Italian surfaces and lots of climbing. They’re super comfy for all-day sightseeing.

Trekking poles – I didn’t bring these myself, but I saw so many people with them in Matera. I definitely thought, “Wow, those would actually be great to have right about now.” If you’ll be checking a bag to Italy and need a little help with climbing up and down tons of steps, pick up a cheap pair of walking poles for Matera.

Anti-theft purse  – I felt perfectly safe the entire time I was in Matera, but it’s still always smart to travel with anti-theft bags when traveling in Italy. For this particular trip I brought my  Travelon slim backpack purse . (See my full list of  travel safety items  here.)

Refillable water bottle  – so you can always fill up (for free) at Matera’s nasoni (water fountains).

Italy guidebook  for all your Italy sightseeing in one place

Italy customs and culture guide  – I take these pocket-sized guides everywhere! (See why in my Culture Smart review here.)

Pro tips for spending one day in Matera

For your one day in Matera, here are a few essential things you need to know:

1. Get the combination ticket

If you plan to visit more than one of the rock churches and/or other sites, you can buy a combination ticket that includes multiple sites for one discounted price (rather than buying them all separately).

They don’t cost much to begin with, but this is still an easy way to save money (for wine) and time (for drinking wine later). You can buy these passes at all of the sites.

2. Make dining reservations

Though you likely won’t need dining reservations in general, if you want one of the coveted spots on the panoramic terraces , definitely make a reservation. Even the panoramic patio at 5 Lire Pizza requires reservations for lunch. (And it’s basically a fast food restaurant.)

3. Refill your water around the city

There are a good number of nasoni around Matera where you can fill up your water bottle. Nasoni are the free, fresh, cold water fountains around the city for anyone to use. This is how you save money and stay hydrated in that hot Matera summer sun.

4. Consider walking poles for your one day in Matera

I’ve just said it above but I’ll say it again. There are lots of stairs up and down all over Matera. Most of them are super old and uneven and even slippery. If you think you’ll have an issue with this, don’t be a hero—bring a pair of walking poles to make your one day in Matera that much more safe and enjoyable.

5. Please follow the rules

Many of the historic sites in Matera do not allow photography, and this will be posted when you enter. If that’s the case, do not take photos inside the site . There’s a reason these rules exist. You can almost always find photos on the website if you really want to show someone what it looks like.

Likewise, if an area is closed—like if it’s blocked off with two locked metal gates—don’t try your best to get around (or over) them. Again, there’s a reason these rules exist.

Please please please, don’t be the entitled tourist who thinks they are more important than the rules. This is why tourists get a bad rap. This is how places like these get ruined. And this is how you go viral, the bad way.

Visit Matera like a pro

I hope I’ve provided some organization for your one day in Matera! Enjoy exploring this unique town and, as always, if you have any Matera questions, don’t hesitate to ask them below in the comments!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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17 Cool Things to do in Matera, Italy

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Welcome to Matera, Italy — a city carved entirely from stone, thought to be the third-oldest settlement in the world after Aleppo and Jericho. Matera and its ancient cave houses known as sassi sit on a rocky canyon in Basilicata, Southern Italy.

People lived in these caves in Matera, with neither electricity not running water, as late as the 1950s. When this came to light, the city of Matera was referred to as “Italy’s Great Shame.”

Matera escaped the radar of foreign travelers for decades. However, being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 put the City of Caves on the map for tourism — and movie scouts. Parts of The Passion of the Christ and Wonder Woman were filmed on location in Matera. 

And then came 2019 — when I finally visited Matera as part of a Puglia road trip. (While Matera is technically part of Basilicata, it’s just barely over the border from Puglia and is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Puglia. I’m categorizing it in my Puglia content for that reason.)

That year, Matera was designated a European Capital of Culture; shortly after, a car chase in the James Bond movie No Time to Die was filmed in the stone city. Visitor numbers skyrocketed as travelers “rocked” up to photograph the vistas and sleep in luxurious cave hotels.

Matera lived up to my sky-high expectations — and I think it will for you, too. There’s not a single place in Italy that looks like Matera. That’s exactly why you should plan a visit. 

This post was published in December 2023 and co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Matera, Italy

Stroll through the old town.

For all first-time Matera visitors, I recommend getting the lay of the land with a wander around the historic center . Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the natural starting point for your first time in Matera, as this large public square is home to several attractions on this list, including Palombaro Lungo and Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei Tre Archi . Look out for Salvador Dalí’s Space Elephant , too.

Matera is great fun to explore independently, although this historical walk with a local guide will deepen your understanding of Matera’s unique history. As a private guided tour, some customization to the itinerary is possible. Generally, the route focuses on the Sassi di Matera side of the ancient town and provides an opportunity to hear more about the culture, history, and architecture as well as the “Shame of Italy.”

And if you’re a photographer, this sunset tour in Matera coincides with sundown when the city is saturated in gold and amber light. This activity is one of the best things to do in Matera in summer.

If you’re a photographer, you should absolutely prioritize photographing the city at sunset (or sunrise, if you’re an overachiever), because there’s nowhere else in the world like this.

Visit the Church of San Pietro Barisano

Matera contains around 150 religious sites, many of which are rupestrian churches: rock churches dug into the tufa stones of Matera . That’s an ambitious number to tick off, so make a beeline for one of the big ones: Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano.

As the largest of Matera’s rupestrian churches, this is one of the key sights to locate while roaming the old town. Its foundations date back to the 12th century, although the frescoes marking the entrance are from the 16th century. Step inside and you’ll see a sequence of burial niches. 

It’s free to visit the Church of Saint Peter Barisano.

Tour Matera by Tuk Tuk

Hurtling around Matera in a tuk tuk is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon! This private panoramic tuk-tuk tour of Matera lasts 45 minutes. The route focuses on such major landmarks as the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the sassi of Matera, and the rupestrian churches.

Note that this isn’t an educational tour; it’s more of a whirlwind photo expedition. Regular stops are factored in for photography and selfies. Also, you should know that the drivers may not be fluent in English.

Even so, it’s a cool way to see the old town within a limited timeframe or on a baking hot summer day. It’s also one of the best things to do in Matera with younger children or anyone with who may struggle being on their feet all day.

See the Churches of Matera

Out of the other 149 churches in Matera, Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris is one of the most spectacular rupestrian churches. Teetering over the ravine on the Monterrone hill, you can appreciate it from a distance but it’s worth visiting the crypt to see the frescoes. Admission is 4 EUR ($4.40 USD).

Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso sits just below in a curious juxtaposition with the rock church. It’s free to visit and you can see an excellent view of both churches at the Belvedere where Via Muro meets Via San Giacomo.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Bruna e Sant’Eustachioc (or simply, Matera Cathedral) commands attention with its Romanesque rose window. Chiesa del Purgatorio is unusual as it was intended as a place of prayer for those in purgatory. These are both free to visit.

While exploring Piazza San Francesco, it’s also worth checking out the Baroque Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi.

Visit the Sassi of Matera

The Sassi di Matera are divided into two categories: the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Evidence suggests these cave houses have been around since the Paleolithic era, which is what helped earn that coveted UNESCO World Heritage status. 

It’s a good idea to visit Matera’s sassi as part of a tour; there is so much information that gives you the historical context you need. This Sassi di Matera tour explores both cave districts and includes visits to churches and houses. It hones in on the history of Matera and the natural caves with a fair bit of walking.

As an alternative, this official open bus tour spares your feet. It’s a tad shorter and commentary is via an audio guide. While not as thorough as the walking tour, it’s still an insightful experience and includes admission to Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera.

Casa Noha is interesting, as the minimalist exhibition is delivered through videos. These recordings don’t shy away from the difficulties faced by inhabitants of the caves. I’d recommend following up with a visit to Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario. This is a more traditional experience where rooms are laid out with furnishings and homeware.

Cross the Tibetano Suspension Bridge

Stretch your legs by hiking to the Ponte Tibetano della Gravina, a suspension bridge strung across the Gravina di Matera . It’s not as high up as you think, so even if you’re a bit afraid of heights, you might be okay with this bridge!. 

The Tibetan-style bridge is accessible via a short but strenuous hike from Via Madonna delle Virtù. Proper footwear is mandatory and caution needs to be taken in the heat or after rainfall. Matera gets hot through much of the year, especially summer. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and wear sun protection.

The views are outstanding here, and it’s free to visit. 

Head underground to Palombaro Lungo

Matera is full of surprises, and few places are more shocking than this whopping big underground cistern. Palombaro Lungo was carved into the caverns beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto and once held 5 million liters of water. While it’s not the only tank lurking beneath the city, it’s the largest by far.

This was one of my favorite places to visit in Matera, and it gives insight to the engineering marvel that the city was in the past and today.

Coined the Cathedral of Water, Palombaro Lungo is a vast labyrinth where you can cool down on a hot summer’s day. (For that reason, I recommend saving this for the hottest time of day — the early afternoon.) Despite the size, it only takes 15 minutes to wander through the exhibition. 

Admission is 3 EUR ($2.50 USD).

Take in the Belvedere

In a hilly town like Matera, every street corner is worthy of belvedere status. However, the Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei “Tre Archi” claims the top spot for truly spectacular views. 

These sweep right across the Sassi di Matera and frame the cathedral. Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit the belvedere. Sunset is the obvious time, but the views are gorgeous at all times of day. If you’re staying a few days in Matera, I recommend visiting at different times of day to get photos with different kinds of light.

The Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is another option.

Explore Ipogeo MateraSum

Ipogeo MateraSum is another underground attraction near the cistern . As it’s lesser known, it’s often skipped off a typical day trip to Matera and is one of the best unusual things to do in Matera.

The museum illustrates the way of life in the cave complex. It’s not quite as impressive as Palombaro Lungo or the cave houses, but it’s still worth visiting if you have more than a day in Matera.

Admission is 7 EUR ($7.50 USD) and includes an audio guide. 

Check out the Rock Complex a Madonna della Virtù

Constructed in the Middle Ages, the Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci is a monastery and church complex . It teeters on the edge of the sassi and grants sneaky views of the city and ravine at certain points.

The Salvador Dalí installation ushered in the crowds for a couple of years. Even without the exhibition, the caves are adorned with carefully preserved frescoes to pore over. The simplicity of the church makes it all the more beautiful and the compound has fallen quieter since the removal of the Dalí exhibit.

Hike in Murgia Materana Park

Situated east of the Sassi di Matera, Murgia Materana Park is a huge regional park on the opposite side of the Matera Ravine. You basically cross the suspension bridge and just keep walking. 

Once there, you’ll spot a cluster of viewpoints and rupestrian churches on the highest point of this side of the park. It’s a well-trodden path and there’s no need to enlist a guide unless you want to venture deeper into the wilderness. 

Hiking in Murgia Materana Park is one of the best things to do in Matera if you have longer than a day. The payoff is epic views of the whole area surrounding the beautiful city. 

Book a Restaurant with a View 

Round off a busy day of sightseeing with dinner spent feasting on the caves and churches of Matera. 

Regiacorte is one of the best places for upscale dining with views galore on the seasonal terrace. Opt for the degustation menu and wine pairing if you’re looking to splurge. Portions are on the smaller side but they’re packed with flavor with a presentation as delicious as the taste. 

Sample regional specialties like burrata and orecchiette pasta at Osteria al Casale – the pizza isn’t half bad either. Popular with local families, the restaurant sits on the edge of the Sassi di Matera with the option to sit inside the cave or on the terrace. 

Friendly and fuss-free, Vicolo Cieco is the perfect place to enjoy aperitivo on the patio in summer, just before sunset. The vintage-style interior is cozy on a cooler day in Matera. 

Learn (and Play) at Local Museums

Pad out a longer itinerary (or a rainy day) in Matera with one or two extra museums . The Museum of Contemporary Sculpture (MUSMA) is contained within the 17th-century Palazzo Pomarici. Emphasis is placed on modern statues which strikes a kooky contrast with the palatial cave setting.

Laboratory Museum of Rural Life is a treasure trove of tools used by craftspeople in the region. It’s deceptively large – especially considering the marginal entry fee of 4 EUR ($4.35 USD) – and somewhat chaotic. Although, it’s the cheerfully chaotic nature that makes it so much fun to explore. 

The Matera Olive Oil Museum (MOOM) takes you down to an underground olive oil mill. MOOM can only be visited on a guided tour, which lasts about 20 minutes. You must make your reservation at least 3 days in advance. Get more information, and the link to make your reservation, on the official website.

Mission to Matera, anyone? Sparkme Space Academy is an immersive museum of astronomical proportions! Perfect for the entire family, this tour of the Museum of Space in Matera is the antidote to all the history. 

See Sassi in Miniatura

If wandering around Matera’s sassi isn’t enough then you can examine the caves in micro-form. Sassi in Miniatura is a souvenir store with a limestone replica model of the Sassi di Matera. Just pop in and you can visit it for free in the rear of the shop.

Seeing as Sassi in Miniatura is first and foremost a gift store, this is one of the best places to pick up mementos or trinkets.

The sculptures come in all different sizes with prices catering to backpackers and luxury travelers. 

Dine with Locals

Being invited to dinner in an Italian home is just about one of the best things that can happen to you in Italy. This dining experience is a way to do just that — and it takes place at the home of a local cook in Matera. 

Huddled around the kitchen table, glass of wine in hand, you’ll observe a cooking demonstration and chow down on a four-course meal. The activity is supported with cooking tips, tricks, and wisdom — plus mountains of anecdotes. 

This unique cultural experience in Matera is available for lunch or dinner. 

Enter the Crypt of Original Sin

The Crypt of Original Sin is a 15-minute drive southwest of Matera. This church is hewn into the natural caves and was part of a Benedictine rock monastery when the Lombard tribes were in Italy.

Richly decorated with frescoes from the Middle Ages, the church is nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Rupestrian Art.” Wall paintings depict typical scenes of the Apostles, the Archangels, the Virgin Mary, and baby Jesus. However, it’s the illustration of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that hogs the limelight.

Public transport doesn’t go here so you’ll need to drive or join a tour from Matera . Keep your eyes peeled for signs saying “Cripta del Peccato Originale” and remember to make a reservation if you visit independently.  

Visit Altamura 

Twenty minutes north of Matera, Altamura is a Pugliese town with beautiful architecture and a legacy for bread-making . If you’re doing a day trip from a town on the coast to Matera — or moving on to your next location — this is the perfect stop after leaving.

At the very least, stop briefly at Antico Forno Santa Caterina to pick up some focaccia. They have the oldest oven in town, dating back to medieval times. Their focaccia is stupendously good — probably the best I’ve had in my life (sorry, Liguria) — and comes topped with an assortment of regional meats, cheeses, or veggies. 

If you’d like, carry your slice to Piazza Duomo and admire the carved facade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The church blends Romanesque and Gothic elements and is free to enter. If you have time, wander around the old town and medieval gates. 

How Much Time to Spend in Matera, Italy

Matera is arguably the most popular day trip destination in and around Puglia — and indeed, one day in Matera is enough to see the main sights and the sassi. There are plenty of options to go about your day trip either independently or with a tour.

That said, you can absolutely enjoy yourself and explore Matera in greater depth if you spend a few days here. And if you’re able to do so, I’d recommend staying in a cave hotel. They have plenty at different price points, which I go into below.

If you’re a photographer, it’s essential to have a few days in Matera to take advantage of multiple sunsets and give yourself a buffer in case of bad weather. (But of course, if you’re a photographer, you already know that.)

How to Get to Matera, Italy

Bari International Airport (BRI), Puglia’s primary airport, is the closest airport to Matera. It’s around an hour’s drive in a rental car or private taxi. Direct buses from Bari Airport to Matera take 1.5 hours and are easy to arrange at the airport.

If you want to have someone waiting for you at the airport, you can pre-book a shared transfer to Matera Centrale or a private transfer to your hotel .

If you’d like to book a day trip to Matera from another town, there are plenty of group tours, like this day trip to Matera from Bari .

Some travelers do a southern Italy road trip that starts in Naples and ends in Bari. If that’s your plan, Matera makes a good midway point and is two hours and 45 minutes from Naples. I’d recommend staying two nights in a cave hotel to give you a full day to explore Matera (not to mention two different sunsets).

There are trains and buses to Matera, but nothing high-speed. Keep in mind that in this part of southern Italy, if it’s not a high-speed train, it will be pretty slow.

Where to Stay in Matera, Italy

If you plan to overnight in this ancient stone city, a cave hotel is a MUST! Keep in mind that much of Matera is closed to car traffic, and you may have to carry your luggage to your hotel from the closest drop-off.

I picked out three different cave hotels in Matera at three different price ranges. Here they are:

Luxury : Rooms at the Corte San Pietro are carved directly into the stone of an old cave in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decor is kept simple with minimal embellishments besides sunken whirlpool tubs in the private bathroom. Breakfast is served in the courtyard in summer.  

Midrange : Comprising four units, Endea Suite Rooms is one of the boutique hotels in Matera for intimacy. The best suite has a grotto spa tub for easing the muscles after a day of hills and hiking. This part of Sasso Barisano is quiet yet moments from the main churches. 

Budget : Bring the entire family to Hydria Rooms where sizable rooms feature cave elements and traditional materials. Couples can go for a room with a balcony or splash out on the spa suite. All the Sassi sights are within strollable distance of this modern hotel. 

Best Time to Visit Matera, Italy

If you can choose anytime to visit Matera — or southern Italy as a whole — I’m a big fan of shoulder season, spring and fall. These months are perfect for exploring the sights without struggling through the searing heat.

July and August are extremely busy and I recommend avoiding Italy at this time if possible. If you’re looking to enjoy summer weather in Puglia and southern Italy, I recommend planning your trip for early June or late September.

Winter is an interesting time to visit Matera. It can drop into the 30s on the coldest days which means bundling up in warm clothing but the depleted streets are a major advantage. While Matera is a year-round city, the old town of Matera is not — and keep in mind that many hotels and restaurants will be closed in the winter.

Is Matera worth it?

I think that Matera is an absolute must for any Italy-phile. Not just for its beauty and unique attributes — but because of the history. It’s absolutely shocking that people were living in the caves of Matera for so long, including people who are still alive today. It’s important to acknowledge the tougher parts of life in Italy along with the nicer parts.

No matter whether you visit for a day or a few days, Matera is an absolutely bewitching destination. I’m sure you’ll get some of your favorite photos of Italy here.

I hope you have the most wonderful time in Matera! I know it’s cliche to keep saying it, but there’s really nowhere else in Italy like it.

More on Puglia, Italy:

• 16 Fab Things to Do in Lecce, Italy
• The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 17 Fun Things to do in Bari, Italy
• Experiencing the Carpino Folk Festival in Puglia, Italy
• 15 Best Things to do in Monopoli, Italy

Planning a Trip to Italy:

• What NOT to Do in Italy
• Solo Female Travel in Italy: Is it Safe?
• Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
• How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

Cool Places in Southern Italy:

• 28 Fabulous Things to Do in Naples, Italy
• 16 Fun Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Situated Beach Town
• The Joys and Challenges of Traveling in Sicily
• 22 Beautiful Places to Visit in Sicily
• Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Complete Guide to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?

Cool Places in Northern Italy:

• Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
• Parma, Italy: A Colorful, Artsy, Delicious Town
• Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Three Days in the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• 23 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Have you been to Matera, Italy? Any suggestions? Share away!

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This Gorgeous Italian City You Haven't Heard of Has Cave Hotels, Ancient History, and Stunning Views

A trip to Matera, Italy, will take you back in time.

Tucked inside the arch of Italy’s boot, Matera could have easily disappeared into the annals of history — the community was inhabited some 10,000 years before falling into disrepair, and was completely deserted in the 1970s. But, through the sheer force and determination of locals, plus several strategic investments, the long-standing town managed to not just survive, but thrive — in 2019, it was named a European Capital of Culture , and is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy .

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

“After having lived outside Matera for twelve years, on my return, the perception of my territory had completely changed,” Antonio Russo, a tour guide who grew up just outside Matera’s borders, shared with Travel+Leisure . “I realized I was living in a unique city, and I was fascinated by its millenary history, by the ancestral strength of its stones, by the architectural complexity, and by the genuineness of the food. It is an extraordinarily rich place for travelers who have great artistic and culinary sensibilities. In Matera, we can observe how men have been able, over the centuries, to coexist with the landscape, indulging nature without distorting it.”

font83/Getty Images

If that description doesn’t make you want to book a flight immediately, we aren’t sure what will. To help you in your (inevitable) planning, we’ve gathered up a few key sights to see, hotels to stay in, and foods to try, so you can experience this enchanting destination to its fullest. 

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Italy

Best Hotels & Resorts 

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa in Matera

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa leans into the region’s understandable adoration of its caves. The five-star accommodation is designed so that visitors feel like they stepped back in time, all the way to Matera’s beginnings thousands of years ago. Your room within tuff (or stone) walls does come with all the modern amenities you need for a great stay — all 35 rooms and suites are decked out in plush furnishings, and guests have access to a massive wellness spa and a swimming pool carved directly into the rock. 

Palazzo Gattini

Another luxury option is Palazzo Gattini , a 20-room property that expertly mixes old and new, including contemporary furnishings and treasured antiques. Relax in the oversized suites, head to the rooftop for a drink with a spectacular view, or book a massage at the underground spa. 

Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort

Experience unabashed elegance at Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort . Located in the heart of a historic square in town, the property makes for a stellar jumping-off point for the rest of your adventures around Matera. Once again, you get to sleep in a modern cave room, and you'll wake up to gorgeous vistas of the old town from your picture window. 

Best Things to Do

Hike Murgia Materana Park.

Explore caves, historic churches, and endless hiking trails leading to breathtaking vistas with a visit to Murgia Materana Park . Getting here does take some dedication, though. Travelers need to hike from Sassi di Matera, heading downhill first only to head straight back up, but the bountiful views are worth the sweat spent on the journey. 

Take a tour with an expert.  

See and do as much as possible in one tour with Russo . On his two-hour, private walks, Russo takes travelers around the city and highlights the neighborhoods and the area’s history as they stroll the streets on morning or evening outings. “We will show you the cave houses, the rupestrian churches completely dug into the rocks, the conduits, and the underground cisterns,” Russo explained. Stops at sites with neolithic graffiti and medieval and hidden frescoes are other itinerary perks.

Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Idris.

Matera is filled with historic churches, and as you can tell from its hotel selection, plentiful cave dwellings, too. Yet none is as magical as the Church of Saint Mary of Idris . This tiny church welcomes visitors, who usually come to gaze upon what remains of its frescoes. But it’s not just the views inside that are special. Make sure to walk around the church’s exterior for a fantastic view of the town, then look back at the church to see how it’s built directly into a cliff.

Find contemporary pieces at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera.

Not everything you do in Matera has to be old; just spend a little time at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera to see what we mean. This art museum may be housed inside a 17th-century palace, but that just makes it modern sculpture collection (crafted from the 1800s onward) feel all the more intriguing. 

Best Restaurants

Trattoria del Caveoso

Can’t get enough time in Matera’s caves? Make a reservation at Trattoria del Caveoso , a restaurant tucked into a cliff. Here, guests can dig into plates of fresh pasta, grilled sausages, and beef filet, all perfectly paired with regional wines. 

Il Rusticone

Grab a no-fuss but still highly delicious lunch at Il Rusticone , a restaurant specializing in mouth-watering pizzas. Pasta and sandwiches are on the menu, too, but pizza really is the thing here. Order a classic Margherita or Napoli, or spice things up with a Diavola. 

Vitantonio Lombardo

Plan an elegant evening out with reservations at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante. Located in a grotto, the restaurant is the recipient of one Michelin star , thanks to chef Vitantonio Lombardo’s visionary tasting menus. Have a shorter dinner with a five-course menu, or stay the whole evening and go for 10. 

Best Time To Visit

Thanks to its privileged location in Southern Italy, Matera tends to have mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Note that summers here can get very warm, so if you can’t stand heat, visit in the fall or spring (ideally late April to early June, and late September to early November), when temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s. 

There is, however, one reason to travel to Matera in the midst of summer, and that is to take part in the Madonna Della Bruna festival, an event honoring the city’s patron saint. It’s held every year on July 2, and it includes parades, parties, and plenty of fireworks.

How to Get There

The closest airport to Matera is the Bari Palese Airport, some 37 miles away. Once you fly into Bari Palese, hop on a shuttle bus with direct service offered by Miccolis, Cotrab, or Grassani E Garofalo.

The easiest way to get to Matera is by bus. There are buses to and from Matera via major metropolitan areas in Italy, including Rome and Florence. Seek out the options and schedules available on both the Marozzi and Liscio bus lines. 

Travelers can also get to Matera via train, but these tend to be very long rides. For example, travelers can board a train from Rome to Matera Centrale Station and while romantic, the journey takes more than seven hours one way. 

Getting Around

Getting around Matera definitely requires solid walking shoes. Its narrow streets weren’t built with future cars in mind, so make sure to pack your most comfortable kicks.

Taxis are available in Matera, but they may not be able to make it through smaller streets, meaning you will likely still have to walk a bit to your final destination. 

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12 Things to do in Matera – A Community Journey

Updated February 19, 2021

// By Margherita

Welcome to the second instalment of our transformative travel journey across former European culture capitals! After Burgos, we visited Matera – here is a full list of things to do in Matera, including two great transformative travel experiences!

I remember the first time I saw a picture of Matera. It was 1990, I was 7 years old, and my grandparents had just return from a trip to the southern Italian city, to attend a wedding. 

My grandfather showed me pictures of Matera’s famous Sassi , houses dug into the calcareous rock. ‘They look like cavemen’s homes’ I said – I was studying prehistory at school, and I was thrilled to see a real life ‘cave home’. 

Little did I know back then, that I was right. Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the planet , after Aleppo and Jericho. Its caves have been home to people ever since the Paleolithic – for 9000 years, until everything changed about 70 years ago. 

After World War II, the inhabitants of Matera still lived in the Sassi , in terrible conditions. Entire families lived in one or two cave rooms, with no electricity or running water, sometimes sharing the space with their own farm animals. 

The dismal living conditions of Matera’s inhabitants became well known after the publication of Carlo Levi’s memoir , Christ stopped at Eboli .

Levi, an Italian painter, doctor, writer and activist, was exiled to Lucania (modern-day Basilicata, Matera’s region), and witnessed first-hand the harsh poverty of rural communities.

In the 1950s, Matera’s became known as ‘the shame of Italy’ – it was unbelievable that a country that was moving fast towards industrialisation still had people living in conditions of extreme poverty. 

The entire population living in the Sassi was relocated to newly-built neighbourhoods, and the warren of caves lay neglected for decades – until they were slowly renovated , turned into modern homes, hotels, and boutique accommodation. 

It’s impossible to explore Matera without mentioning the Sass i. In a way, the Sassi are Matera – they make up the bulk of the historic centre, and they are indeed what makes the city unique. 

Matera became increasingly popular with tourists ever since it was used as a filming location for Passion of the Christ in 2004 . The city was crowned European Culture Capital in 2019 , and it was set to become a prime tourist location in Southern Italy… until 2020 happened.

Here is our guide of things to do in Matera , starting with two transformative travel experiences.

We recommend including at least one in your Matera itinerary , to better understand how the lives of so many people collectively shaped the history of this place.

Transformative Travel Experiences in Matera

1) silent city experience.

This Matera tour is unlike any we’ve ever taken. It was created by L’Albero Theatre Company , a group of actors, musicians and creative souls, who produced an opera titled Silent City , in occasion of the European Capital of Culture year. 

The opera starts in the 1950s, with the forced relocation of Sassi dwellers to the newly-built neighbourhoods. A child becomes lost in the turmoil, and never leaves ‘the city below’.

Years later, he becomes a sort of guiding spirit for a group of schoolchildren visiting the Sassi , heading off for an adventure. 

The Silent City Experience invites travellers to follow in these children’s footsteps, exploring the Sassi not just as a place, but as a product of collective history – adding to this shared narrative as they craft their own story about Matera. 

Guided by an artist, visitors are taken to various locations around the Sassi, asked to explore with all 5 senses and undertake a series of creative tasks. As a final ‘homework’, you’ll be asked to put all the elements you’ve collected together, and write a short story. 

You’ll be given am illustrated booklet to write your story and do all the tasks, which becomes a wonderful Matera souvenir to take home!

2) Visit Wonder Grottole

The second transformative travel experience doesn’t actually take place in Matera, but in nearby Grottole , a village of 2000 people about 20 minutes drive away. 

Grottole is one of many villages in Southern Italy hit hard by depopulation , as young generations move to larger cities in search of work. The centre of the town stands nearly empty, with rows of derelict houses, inhabited mainly by older people. 

Yet, this is where Grottole is different. Instead of crying over a glorious past, or putting dubious offers of ‘€1 homes’ on the market , a group of young residents created the Wonder Grottole concept – a house for travellers to stay at for longer periods of time, from 1 week to 1 month or more. 

BTW, if you think you’ve heard of Grottole before , it’s because it was the Italian village where the Airbnb Sabbatical project took place in the summer of 2019!!

Included in the house rental price, visitors have the chance to join experiences led by locals.

You can learn about bees with Rocco , the resident town barber and beekeeper; take a nature walk with Paolo , who runs a restaurant in a protected reserve; discover extra virgin olive oil with Vincenzo , fifth-generation olive farmer; take an Italian class with Silvia with ‘practical challenges’ such as ordering your own coffee or asking locals for a selfie.

The idea is promoting creative exchange between locals and travellers. Travellers get to enjoy the village, become temporary members of the community, and enjoy ‘slow life’. Locals are happy to welcome travellers, and meeting people from other ways of life often gives them ‘creative boosts’ for their own businesses. 

Other Things to do in Matera

3) explore the sassi.

The historic centre of Matera is made of two Sassi, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, divided by a rocky outcrop known as Civita . 

The two Sassi are a maze of caves, passages, alleyways, staircases, courtyards – you never know what to find around corners. There are busy squares and secluded corners, backstreets with cats napping on whitewashed walls… it’s the kind of place that is best explored with no set itinerary, following your footsteps and imagination. 

Sasso Barisano is where you’ll find Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via Ridola, with many bars and restaurants. Generally speaking, it’s the liveliest part of town , wheras Sasso Caveoso is quieter and less ‘developed’ in terms of tourist-oriented places.

Both Sassi as worth visiting, as is the Civita, where you can see the Duomo and enjoy great views over the city. 

If you are visiting in summer, be warned that Matera gets unbearably hot during the late morning and early afternoon. Try to explore in the early morning (best if you want to avoid the crowds), or at sunset time (magical but busy). Better still, visit in Spring – March is a pleasant month , with moderate temperatures and not many tourists!

Exploring at night is also an option. The Sassi are all lit up, as they have been for many centuries. It is argued that the name ‘Matera’ comes from the Ancient Greek ‘meteoron’, meaning starry sky. Sassi inhabitants were used to placing oil lamp in front of their doors, making it look as if the sky and earth had switched places. 

4) Stay in a Cave Hotel

It may be pricey, but you simply MUST stay in a Sassi hotel when in Matera.

There are plenty to choose from – if your budget stretches far enough, we highly recommend Sextantio – Grotte della Civita , a luxury hotel in a former monastery , with original stonework and a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. 

A more affordable experience is Fra i Sassi Residence , where we got to stay. Fra i Sassi offers 9 uniquely-decorated rooms, with top views over Sasso Caveoso and boutique touches such as bathtubs where you can play music via Bluetooth. They also serve a wonderful breakfast, with ingredients sourced from local producers.

Owner Cristina is an architect passionate about accessibility, and she put together an accessible travel map of Matera – a real feat, in a town that is all cobblestones and staircases. 

If you are planning to stay in Matera for longer, there are plenty of Sassi options on Airbnb – here are a couple!

• Le Dodici Lune – perfect for a group of friends!
• Maison des Vents – overlooking Sasso Caveoso, in an offbeat Sassi backstreet.
• Terra Mater B&B – a stylish option combining design with rustic elements

5) Visit a Home in the Sassi

If you were curious to experience life in cave homes , definitely add visiting one to your list of things to do in Matera!

There are a few places where you can visit a sassi home. One of them is Casa Grotta in Vico Solitario , located in Sasso Caveoso, where people lived up to 1956. Here you can see how people and animals lived together – the rooms you can visit include not just the kitchen and bedroom, but also two stables. 

Another great place to see a cave house is Casa Noha , in the same square as the Duomo. The house was donated to FAI when the owners passed away, and in addition to seeing five rooms with original furniture, you can also watch a video, retracing the Sassi’s millenary history.

6) Visit the Duomo

Cathedrals are often found on ‘best of’ lists all over Italy, and Matera is no exception. The Duomo (meaning cathedral) of Matera is dedicated to Sant’Eustachio and to the Madonna della Bruna, the two patron saints of the town. 

The church lies on the highest point of the Civita , the rocky spur between the two Sassi that make up Matera’s historic centre. It was built in Apulian Romanesque style in the 13th century, on the site of a former Paleochristian place of worship. 

With such a linear, essential Romanesque façade, the interiors of the Duomo may come as a surprise – decorative elements were added in 16th and 17th century, with Baroque and Renaissance influences.

If you can, try to visit Matera in occasion of the Madonna della Bruna festival on July 2nd, when a statue depicting the Virgin Mary is taken all over Matera in a decorated carriage. The festival is celebrated with a big street parade that turns into a party, and all the narrow streets and alleyways around the Sassi are lit up with colourful lights. 

7) But Don’t Forget Other Churches!

After cave houses, it comes as no surprise that Matera has loads of cave churches – about 150, to be exact. Visiting one or more cave churches should definitely be on your list of things to do in Matera!

The largest cave church is San Pietro Barisano. The façade was hewn from the calcareous stone, while the inside was almost entirely excavated. The church was built in the 12th century and renovated several times – inside you can see large pools where bells were forged, and subterranean tunnels where the corpses of clerics were embalmed. Perfect if you’re into creepy sights!

Other notable cave churches in Matera include Santa Maria de Idris , on a rocky outcrop above Sasso Caveoso, Madonna delle Virtù with an elaborate two-story structure, and Santa Lucia alle Malve, which was home to Matera’s first nunnery. 

Two other cave churches are worth a visit, but you’ll need a car to get there – Cripta del Peccato Originale, sometimes referred to as the Sistine Chapel of cave churches , and Madonna delle Vergini, overlooking Matera.

8) Check out the Views

Well, I guess that comes as no surprise – Matera is full of amazing views!

One of the best photo spots is right in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest in town – I’m talking about Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio , a balcony on the other side of three arches right next to the Mater Domini church. 

Other great places to visit for pictures are Piazza Duomo, Via Madonna delle Virtù, and the square just opposite the Madonna de Idris church. 

However, for the best views EVER of Matera… keep reading! 

9) Visit the Park of Rupestrian Churches (Parco della Murgia Materana)

On the other side of the Gravina (canyon) running right next to Sasso Caveoso, you’ll find the Parco della Murgia Materana , worth a visit for two reasons – its stunning rupestrian churches, and VIEWS!

You’ll find over 100 cave churches spread over a territory that reaches the border with the nearby Puglia region. Some of the churches are very simple, others are decorated with frescos or engravings. We recommend visiting with a guide, as you’ll need a car to get around. 

Also, make sure you add the Belvedere di Murgia Timone to your list of things to do in Matera! It’s located in the park, only a few km from Matera, but once again you’ll need a car to get there. Try to visit for sunrise or sunset!

10) Visit the MUSMA

Not visiting this museum is my #1 regret, and the item right at the top of my things to do in Matera list for our next visit!

The MUSMA is a contemporary sculpture museum set in a 16th century cave palazzo in the heart of Sasso Caveoso. Artworks are chosen specifically to be exhibited in set locations, in order to give the viewer a sense of harmony. If you can, don’t miss it!

11) Check out the Cisterns

Lovers of unusual, ‘dark’ sites, take note of this Matera attraction!

The Palombaro Lungo cistern is located right in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It was dug out in 1870, to provide a drinking water reservoir for the city and its inhabitants. 

It is also known as ‘cattedrale dell’acqua’ (water cathedral) because of its imposing, curved walls, in contrast with the green/turquoise water. You can visit with guided tours taking you over boardwalks all the way to the water, but how amazing would it be if you could dive as well? 

12) Enjoy Traditional Matera Food

Yes, no things to do in Matera list  is complete without a mention of its traditional food , including specialties rarely found elsewhere. 

Let’s start with Matera bread , made with durum wheat flour following a process that dates back centuries. It’s eaten as is, as an accompaniment to meats and cheeses, or as a base for dishes like polpette di pane , bread balls cooked in tomato sauce, or cialledda , a summer salad made with bread, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.

Another traditional specialty found in Matera are peperoni cruschi , sun-dried red peppers which are then fried to a crispy, crunchy consistency. They are usually added to salads or pasta dishes, or eaten as they are as part of mixed antipasti.

Due to Matera’s vicinity to Puglia, you’ll also find Apulian dishes in many restaurants – like orecchiette , pasta shaped like tiny ears and often served with cime di rapa (turnip greens), or fave e cicoria , fava bean puree topped with bitter greens. 

How to Get to Matera

-By Plane: the closest airport to Matera is Bari . From there, you can take shuttle buses, departing every hour or so, and taking about 50 minutes to reach Matera. 

-By Train : if you want to get to Matera by train, you’ll also have to make your way to Bari. Then, you can take the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane from the Bari FAL station located opposite Bari Centrale. Travel time is just over an hour.

-By Car: travelling to Matera by car is a good idea, as it gives you the opportunity to visit the Murgia easily, but be warned that parking in town is an absolute nightmare! The Sassi areas are entirely pedestrian, and parking space around town is in VERY short supply.

Your best bet will be booking a hotel with parking spots , or in an agreement with a nearby garage. Expect to spend about €15 per day to park your car. 

Our visit to Matera was part of the TraCEs – CultourIsCapital project, funded by the European Commission under the COSME programme. We would like to thank Paolo and Raffaele from MateraHub, and all the local operators we met during our time in Matera and Grottole!

Would you like to know more about our other transformational journeys? You’ll find them here!

• Kosice – A Journey Through Time
• Rijeka – A Wellness Journey
• Burgos – A Women’s Journey

16 Unmissable Things to Do in Matera, Italy

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In Matera Italy you’ll spend a lot of time in caves. You’ll sleep in a cave, eat in a cave, drink an aperitivo in a cave, and even view modern sculpture in a cave.

The ancient neighbourhoods, known as sassi , are a series of grottoes carved out of limestone, teetering on the edge of a ravine.

This southern Italian city is one of the most unique and spectacular places we’ve visited in Italy or anywhere in the world. We love it so much we’ve visited three times.

For years Matera wasn’t well known to foreign visitors, but that has been changing since it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, a European Capital of Culture in 2019, and the 2021 James Bond film No Time to Die was filmed here.

While visitor numbers have grown and many of the caves in Matera have been transformed into stylish hotels and restaurants, the city still has far fewer tourists than further north.

In this travel guide, I share the best things to do in Matera, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a map with all the top Matera attractions.

Video: Explore Matera Italy

Matera travel tips and facts, best things to do in matera italy, where to stay in matera, how to get to matera, matera italy map, is matera italy worth visiting, more italy posts.

Watch our video for ideas of what to do in Matera.

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Where is Matera Italy?

Matera is located in a remote corner of southern Italy in the small region Basilicata.

The nearest airport is 65km (40 miles) away in Bari in the neighbouring Puglia region. It’s only an hour’s drive and last time we booked a private taxi from the airport to Matera , which was super easy.

I recommend combining a trip to Matera with Puglia, which has many beautiful towns and beaches—discover the best places to visit in Puglia .

Matera is 250km (155 miles) or a 3-hour drive from Naples.

Below you’ll find more details on how to get to Matera.

How Old is the City of Matera Italy?

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in history dating back to the Palaeolithic period.

On the other side of the ravine from the sassi, you can see the simple forms of the Neolithic caves where people lived 7000 years ago.

What is Matera Known For?

Matera is known as the city of caves with spectacular scenery, stylish cave hotels, and a fascinating history.

It wasn’t always a desirable location, though.

Until the 1950s, Matera was a source of shame for Italy. It was a place of poverty, malaria, and high rates of infant mortality, where people lived in caves without electricity, running water, or sewage.

Carlo Levi’s book Christ Stopped at Eboli , published in 1945, raised awareness of the desperate conditions people were living in.

About half of the 30,000 population were moved to new homes in the modern part of the city between 1953 and 1968.

How Many Days Do You Need in Matera?

Matera is very walkable and you can get a good sense of the sassi with one day in Matera.

Some people visit on a day trip from Puglia. While this is doable, I recommend staying for at least two nights.

Matera is such a special place that it’s worth at least two days to soak up the atmosphere, see the city lit up at night, and enjoy some delicious meals.

What to Pack for a Matera Trip

I recommend packing as lightly as possible. If you stay in the sassi of Matera, you won’t be able to park nearby and will likely need to carry your luggage up the many steep staircases.

If you are driving, it’ll be easier if you leave most of your luggage in the car and take a small backpack to your hotel.

Some hotels may be able to help with luggage or provide a valet parking service—check with them in advance.

The best way to explore Matera is on foot so comfortable shoes are essential.

In summer, I like a combination of Teva Verra hiking sandals and Allbirds ballet flats , which are dressier but still ultra comfortable.

In cooler weather, Allbirds Wool Runners are also super comfy for Matera sightseeing. See my Allbirds review for more details.

Our carry on packing list has everything we pack for our full-time travels.

1) Stay in a Matera Cave Hotel

One of the most unique things about Matera is the large number of cave hotels and B&Bs. Staying in one really adds to the magical experience of visiting the city.

On our latest Matera visit, we stayed in a cave room at Hotel Il Belvedere . The terrace has incredible views of the sassi and ravine (the perfect location for breakfast or a drink), and our huge room was cool even in 40ºC heat.

On a previous trip, we stayed at Bed and Breakfast La Corte dei Pastori in the heart of the old sassi. We loved the atmospheric rooms, gorgeous views, delicious breakfast, and friendly hosts.

See the Where to Stay in Matera section below for more details.

2) Wander and Get Lost

The best thing to do in Matera is wander and get lost in the incredible streets.

Although we preferred exploring alone, it could be worthwhile visiting with a guide to learn more about Matera’s history.

This two-hour guided tour of Matera’s sassi is affordable and gets excellent reviews. Or check out this private Matera walking tour for a more personal experience.

If you don’t want to walk, the only option is this tour in an Ape , an open-sided tuk-tuk.

From Matera’s train station we walked through the modern city of Baroque churches and graceful palaces.

The first glimpse of the sassi (the stones) stops you in your tracks, looking down at the dramatic tangle of grey stone houses; a contrast with the elegance of the new town.

Walking down a steep staircase, we plunged into a magical world that didn’t quite feel real.

Buildings climb up and down the hillside, houses piled on top of each other, the roofs of some acting as streets for those above.

They were carved out of rock and the original caves extended with facades that look like normal homes.

The best way to explore the neighbourhoods Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso is on foot.

Roam through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways, up and down uneven stone staircases, discovering dead ends and tiny courtyards adorned with flower pots, cave churches and expansive views of the sassi .

3) Admire Matera from a Viewpoint

It’s not difficult to find scenic spots, but it’s worth seeking out some viewpoints for the absolute best panoramic views of Matera. Around sunset is usually a beautiful time and I also love to see the city lit up after dark.

• Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli – My favourite viewpoint looks down into the sassi with views of the Duomo’s bell tower, the rock church, and the ravine. It’s off Via Ridola near two of the best places to eat and drink with a similar view—5 Lire (pizza slices) and Terrazza Cavaliere (drinks and aperitivo). See our Matera restaurants guide for details.
• Piazza San Pietro Caveoso – Next to the Church of San Pietro e Paolo is a beautiful view down into the ravine. Walk further along the road here to look back at the rock church. You’ll likely pass here often as it’s close to many top Matera sights and restaurants.
• Above Church of San Pietro Barisano – After visiting this rock church in Sasso Barisano, walk up the streets above it for an excellent view. Enjoy a drink at Crialoss Cafe. In the early evening, the light is wonderful here when the buildings are in shade at the other viewpoints.
• Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei “Tre Archi” – Next to Matera’s main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in the newer part of the city. It’s not as sweeping as the others and you can’t see the ravine, but it has a good view of the Duomo and you can see how densely packed the city is.

I also highly recommend hiking into the ravine for an excellent view.

4) Visit Cave Churches

One of the best things to see in Matera is the many chiese rupestre , churches that have been carved out of the soft tufa rock. Many of them contain ancient frescoes.

The most famous cave church is Santa Maria di Idris with its dramatic location built into a huge rock on the edge of the ravine. It’s a distinctive sight from viewpoints throughout the city.

If you only have time for one Matera rock church, make it this one. It’s most impressive from the outside, but inside there are two small cave chapels featuring frescos from the 12th century. You can’t take photos inside.

Santa Lucia alle Malve is another cave church nearby. If you already have a cave church combo ticket, go straight to the entrance on the right. It’s less impressive from the outside but has some interesting art inside including the Virgin breastfeeding.

The third cave church included in the ticket is San Pietro Barisano , which is the largest rupestrian church and dates back to the 12th century. It’s on the other side of town in the quieter Sasso Barisano.

It also has some ancient frescos as well as a rather creepy crypt with seats carved into the walls where dead priests were left to decompose.

We visited just before it closed and combined it with a drink with a view at Crialoss Cafe, which is directly above the church.

The cave churches are open from 10am to 7pm every day. Entrance to Santa Maria di Idris is €4 or you can get a ticket valid for three rock churches for €8.

5) Explore the Uninhabited Caves of Sasso Caveoso

Most of the caves in Matera are now homes, hotels, restaurants, and bars.

But on the edge of town, on Rione Casalnuovo in Sasso Caveoso, you can peer into uninhabited caves and get a sense of what it was like to live here years ago.

It’s the rawer side of town, and for us, the most fascinating.

6) Learn Matera’s History at Casa Noha

A good first stop for your Matera visit is Casa Noha, where you can watch a 30-minute film about Matera’s history.

It takes place in a historic building and you move between rooms for different sections of the film. While the film is in Italian, an audioguide is provided for English and other languages.

It really gives you some context to the city learning about how bad living conditions were up until the 1950s and how the sassi were abandoned entirely for years before being regenerated.

Casa Noha is open every day except Wednesdays from 10am to 7pm (5pm in winter). Entrance is €6.50.

7) Admire Sculptures at MUSMA

MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture) is an art museum with modern sculptures scattered in the nooks and crannies of a 17th-century cave palace.

It’s an extraordinary setting and worth a visit even if you aren’t into modern art.

MUSMA  is open every day from 10am to 8pm (until 6pm in winter). Entrance is €7.

8) Head Back in Time in a Casa Grotta (Cave House)

Some of the most interesting places to visit in Matera are the Casa Grotta (cave houses).

Several caves have been set up as typically furnished cave dwellings where you can see how people used to live.

The entire family (on average six members) including animals like mules, chickens, and pigs lived together in the cave. You can see the furnishings, tools, and other artefacts of the time.

These one-room museums are a fascinating insight into life in the sassi, especially when combined with the film at Casa Noha.

The most popular cave house is Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, which is conveniently located near the cave church Santa Maria di Idris in Sasso Caveoso.

It gets crowded with tour groups, though, so on our last visit we visited a quieter but just as interesting spot, Casa Grotta C’era Una Volta in Sasso Barisano.

Another option is Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo , which is only a three-minute walk from Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario.

Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is open every day from 9.30am to 6pm (7pm on weekends). Entrance is € 5.

Casa Grotta C’era Una Volta is open every day from 9am to 6pm (until 8pm in summer). Entrance is € 2.

9) Walk into the Ravine

One of the top things to do in Matera is to walk down into the ravine that the city is perched on the edge of.

The whole area is part of the protected Parco della Murgia Materana. It’s wonderful to have access to nature so close to a vibrant city.

It looks daunting, but the walk down into the ravine and the return back up isn’t too difficult. Avoid the midday heat, though, and take plenty of water.

It’s quietest in the early morning (we had it almost to ourselves at 7am) and busiest towards sunset.

You can find the trail down at Porta Pistola (marked on Google Maps as “Ponte Tibetano della Gravina – Accesso al Parco della Murgia Materana”). There’s a map and a sign for the official trail name, Parco della Murgia Materana Sentiero 406 (Murgia Materana Park Trail 406).

The trail is rocky and quite steep, so decent shoes are a must. Simon wore his Teva hiking sandals while I wore my Allbirds Tree Dashers running shoes .

At the bottom of the ravine, turn right and walk along the river (loud with frog song) until you reach the suspension bridge, Ponte Tibetano della Gravina (15 minutes from the start).

Even if you just walk here, it’s worth it for another perspective of the city looming above.

If you are able, I highly recommend continuing on the trail up the other side of the ravine to Belvedere Murgia Timone.

The view here is spectacular. You can really take in the scope of Matera and the difference between Sasso Caveoso (simpler dwellings built into the rock) and Sasso Barisano (taller, grander buildings).

Near the viewpoint are several rupestrian churches carved out of the rock including Sant’Agnese and Madonna delle Tre Porte.

They are gated (only accessible with a guide), but you can peer inside at the 13th-century frescoes.

The out and back hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone was 3.5km (2.2 miles) and took us 1 hour 15 minutes with 211 metres (692 feet) of elevation gain. Most people allow around two hours for the trip.

If you are keen to carry on walking, choose from the many trails that crisscross the hillside.

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can reach the viewpoint by car—it’s a 15-minute drive from Matera Centrale train station. It would be stunning at sunset.

You can also explore the cave churches without hiking the ravine on this guided tour to Murgia Park .

10) Visit Matera’s Duomo (Cathedral)

Matera’s Cathedral, Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant’Eustachio, is more simply known as Il Duomo.

It was built in the 13th century at the highest point in the old city, on a ridge between the two sassi. Its bell tower dominates the skyline in Matera.

The Romanesque exterior is simple, except for the beautiful rose window. The interior decoration was added centuries later and is much more ornate with lots of gold and ceiling frescos. Entrance costs €1.

If you need a drink or a break, the Duomo Cafè on the piazza was surprisingly affordable given its setting.

11) Explore More Matera Churches

Aside from the cathedral and rock churches, there are many other churches to visit, but I wouldn’t say they are a Matera must-do. All these have free entry.

We didn’t find the interior of 13th century San Pietro Caveoso very exciting, but next to the church there’s a stunning view into the ravine.

Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi has an impressive Baroque exterior that reminded us of Lecce . Inside it feels newer.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista feels different from the others with Gothic and Romanesque elements. It’s in the newer part of the city on a cute piazza that’s a lively place for a drink in the evening.

12) Eat a Delicious Meal

The food in Matera is on a par with our favourite Italian food in neighbouring Puglia and uses lots of fresh seasonal vegetables.

You’ll find the same huge plates of antipasti as well as orecchiette pasta and fava bean puree with chicory. Look out for delicious bread, too.

Some of our favourite restaurants are Trattoria del Caveoso, La Lopa, and Dimitria.

For a casual meal, pick up a slice of pizza from 5 Lire or a plate of pasta from Kapunto Pasta Lab.

And don’t miss gelato at I Vizi degli Angeli.

See our detailed guide to the best restaurants in Matera Italy for more recommendations.

13) Enjoy an Aperitivo with a View

The perfect way to end a busy day exploring Matera is to enjoy a drink (preferably an Aperol Spritz) with some delicious snacks and a view of the sassi.

Our favourite bars with a view are Terrazza Cavaliere (head to the terrace out the back) and Crialoss Cafe (on top of the cave church San Pietro Barisano). They are on opposite sides of town so you get a different perspective.

Our post on where to eat in Matera has more suggestions.

14) See an Old Olive Press at Moom

MOOM, the Matera Olive Oil Museum, is a small family-run museum in an underground oil mill dating back to the 15th century.

You can see how olive oil was once made—it was used for lamp oil rather than for eating. The stable housed two donkeys who worked the circular stone mill to squash the olives into a paste.

The paste was put into woven bags and placed under massive wooden presses, which were used to extract the oil.

It was arduous work that took place 24 hours a day during olive harvest season—the workers slept there for a few hours between shifts.

After the tour, you can do a tasting of the owner’s olive oil, which is produced on a farm outside Matera. Prices are quite reasonable if you choose to buy some.

Visits to MOOM are by appointment only at least a few days in advance (I emailed). The tour is usually in Italian but audioguides are available for English speakers. It costs €7 (cash only). Allow 20 – 60 minutes.

15) Venture Underground at Palombaro Lungo

Matera’s network of underground cisterns is one of the reasons it gained UNESCO World Heritage status.

Palombaro Lungo is the largest of the cisterns, a below-ground Cathedral of Water carved out of the rock. It was used for collecting and storing rainwater for over a century up until the early 20th century.

People extracted the water using buckets dipped into a well. You can still see the rusty marks that lost buckets made on the ceiling.

It’s a cool sight, but a visit won’t take long. There are guided tours at certain times in Italian or as we did, do a self-guided tour with an English leaflet.

Palombaro Lungo is open every day from 9.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6.30pm (times may vary throughout the year). Entrance is €3.

16) Discover the Underground City at Ipogeo MateraSum

Ipogeo MateraSum is not far from Palombaro Lungo. It feels off the beaten track and there were only two other visitors on our summer visit.

The underground area has been excavated to reveal how a network of Matera caves was once used by residents. There’s a bakery, mill, homes, quarry, church and more.

After watching a five-minute video, you can explore the complex with an audioguide downloaded on your phone (unfortunately, the English translations weren’t great). It takes about 30 minutes.

Ipogeo MateraSum is open every day from 10am to 7pm. Entrance is €7.

The most atmospheric places to stay in Matera are cave hotels and B&Bs in the sassi.

The best Matera accommodation does book up, so plan well in advance if you can.

Hotel Il Belvedere

On our last trip to Matera, we stayed at Hotel Il Belvedere and loved it.

It has the perfect location on the edge of Sasso Caveoso. It’s outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) so you can drop off your luggage at the door, unlike many hotels deep in the sassi. It’s a 10-minute walk from free parking, but we arrived by taxi.

It’s close to all the Matera highlights on foot.

As the name suggests, the hotel has the most spectacular view from its terrace of Matera and the ravine. It’s one of the best views in the city.

On the terrace you can enjoy the included delicious breakfast buffet (the focaccia and homemade chocolate cake with Aglianico wine were the highlights) or later in the day, have a drink and tagliere board of cheese, bruschetta, and taralli (they made us a vegetarian version for lunch).

You can choose from regular or cave rooms. We had a Superior Double Room, which is the largest cave room with plenty of space for the four poster bed, day bed, and desk. We loved the exposed stone walls, especially in the bathroom.

The rooms have air conditioning, but we barely needed it in our cool cave, even when it was 40ºC outside (we retreated here in the hottest part of the day). We had no issues with damp either.

Of course, the downside of a cave room is limited natural light, but there is a window in the door to let in some light.

We highly recommend Il Belvedere. Check availability and latest prices here .

B&B La Corte dei Pastori

On a previous trip, we stayed at Bed and Breakfast La Corte dei Pastori run by the friendly young couple Tiziana and Mimmo.

We stayed in the largest room with a spacious living area with a couch, table and fridge, and a bedroom at the other end.

It’s been lovingly restored with an arched ceiling from rustic creamy stone and the decor is kept simple with just some lovely details like a carving of the city along the wall.

The cave is cool inside but doesn’t feel damp. There’s good WiFi and the bathroom has a powerful rain shower and is decorated with a colourful mural of the Basilicata countryside.

The best thing about the B&B is the location, right next to San Pietro Caveoso church on the edge of the ravine, with wonderful views of the sassi through the glass door in the room and from the terrace.

It’s an incredibly scenic location for breakfast, and the food is delicious—a big spread of focaccia, bread, jams, croissants, biscuits, yoghurt, fruit, juice, and coffee, far more than we could eat.

The B&B is in the limited traffic zone and up some stairs from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. You should be able to arrive by taxi, and it’s near a bus stop so you can take a bus from their recommended car park, Parcheggio Via Saragat.

La Corte dei Pastori is a wonderful place to stay in Matera—it’s unique, friendly, and has an incredible location. It books up fast, though. Check availability here . 

Other Matera Cave Hotels

Some other Matera cave hotels I was tempted by include:

• Palazzo degli Abati – We had a drink at this hotel in quieter Sasso Barisano and it has a stunning view. Choose from cave or regular rooms—both look beautiful and have direct access to that wonderful terrace.
• Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel – One of the best hotels in Matera. The cave rooms look gorgeous (especially the suites) and there’s even a cave swimming pool and spa!
• Palazzotto Resident Residence and Winery – Incredibly atmospheric and stylish cave rooms near the Duomo. You can try the owner’s wines onsite too.
• Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita – Romantic cave rooms and suites overlooking the ravine. Some have free-standing bathtubs and all have a unique charm. One of the top Matera cave hotels.

Search for more B&Bs and hotels in Matera here . 

Matera by Plane

The nearest airport to Matera is 65km away in Bari, Puglia (airport code BRI).

I highly recommend combining Matera with a visit to the neighbouring region of Puglia (here are the Puglia towns I recommend).

On all of our trips, Bari was our access point—there’s a major train station and an airport served by budget airlines.

Search on Kiwi.com for the cheapest flights to Bari .  

From the airport, you can hire a car or take the airport shuttle bus. The Pugliairbus takes 1 hour 15 minutes from Bari airport to Matera. It costs just €5.

You can also arrange a private transfer from the airport to Matera . We did this on our last trip and it was so easy. The driver met us in the airport arrivals hall, and an hour later, after a comfy ride in a spacious minivan, we arrived at our hotel in Matera. Check availability here .

Bari is worth spending a day to explore the old town. See our guide to the best things to do in Bari Italy.

Matera by Car

From Bari you can also hire a car—either from the airport if arriving by plane or from the centre if arriving by train.

This is the best option if you are planning to tour Puglia as well as visit Matera.

We use Booking.com Car Rentals  to find the best deal.

Parking and navigating the streets in Matera can be tricky, but we have managed it before.

Once you are in Matera you don’t need a car unless you want to visit some of the attractions further afield. The city is fairly small and walkable, as long as you can deal with the many staircases.

On our most recent trip, we took a taxi from Bari airport to Matera and then back to Bari centre (we could also have taken the train).

After spending a few days there, we rented a car to travel the rest of Puglia. This worked out well for us and was easier than having a car in the cities.

Where Can I Park in Matera Italy?

The biggest problem with travelling to Matera by car is that you are not allowed to park in the sassi or historic centre unless you have a permit.

For most of the day it’s not even possible to drive into the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone).

It’s best to ask your accommodation in advance where to park in Matera that’s closest to them. In some cases, you might be able to drop off your luggage and then go to park your car outside the centre.

Driving in the sassi is quite stressful, though, so I’d avoid it if possible.

One of the nearest car parks to the sassi is Parcheggio Nicoletti Michele , which costs €20 for 24 hours and can be booked in advance.

It’s privately run and you need to leave your keys with them, but it gets good reviews. From there it’s a 10-minute walk to B&B La Corte dei Pastori.

A cheaper parking spot is Parcheggio Via Saragat, a large car park that costs €0.50 per hour.

It’s a 25-minute walk from the car park to the B&B or you can take the Linea Sassi bus from outside.

This bus runs every 30 minutes right into the sassi and ends at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. You can buy tickets on board for €1.50.

For staying at Hotel Il Belvedere, there’s free parking a 10-minute walk away on Via Cappuccini, but you can’t book it in advance. Or Parcheggio Via Vena is a 5-minute walk away and costs €1 an hour.

Matera by Train

Taking the train avoids parking hassles. The train from Bari to Matera is run by a private company and is a slow commuter train that doesn’t run on Sundays.

You can see the timetable on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane website. Tickets cost €5.70 each way and it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Trains leave from the FAL station next to the main station in Bari.

From Matera Centrale station you can walk to the sassi in about 15 minutes or take the Linea Sassi bus.

The walk involves lots of stairs, though, so it’s best if you are travelling with a smaller backpack rather than a rolling suitcase.

To travel by train from elsewhere in Italy to Matera, you will have to change in Bari.

You can buy tickets to Bari on TrenItalia (using Italian place names).

This Matera map features all the attractions, restaurants, hotels and other locations mentioned in this guide to Matera.

Yes, Matera is absolutely worth visiting! Matera is truly special—it has a spectacular setting, fascinating history, and excellent cuisine. It’s as beautiful as many cities in Italy but far less crowded.

Read our other posts to help you plan your Italy trip.

Matera and Puglia

• 14 Best Restaurants in Matera
• 12 Towns Not To Miss in Puglia
• Salento Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide (the best area for beaches!)
• 17 Best Things to Do in Bari Puglia
• The Ultimate Guide to Lecce Puglia (the most beautiful city)

The Rest of Italy

• Eating in Italy: Dos and Don’ts
• 29 Unusual Things to Do in Rome to Escape the Crowds
• Hiking the Path of the Gods (and Visiting Amalfi Coast on a Budget)
• 16 Unmissable Things to Do in Bologna

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123 Comments

Your blog is really useful and full of information. It feels like I found a treasure chest. I was able to get enough information for my trip. thank you. I wish you good health and good luck!

Reply ↓

Aw, thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you found it useful.

It is a very UGLY place Seems like a mosaleum to me lol !!!

Loving your Italian blogs, my husband and I adore Italy and have travelled to many of the same areas. Your writing style is so similar to mine when giving information to friends or posting on fb, who all tell me I should set up my own online travel agency/blog! We are travelling to Matera in October and your tips have been invaluable, especially regarding hotels. We are staying 2 nights at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, which has been on my bucket list of places to stay for 10 years (so unique and worth a mention), but our first 2 nights are at Il Belvadere, on your recommendation. I am already best friends with the charming Davide on email! Places to stay in Matera do book up well in advance (I blame the latest James Bond film 🥴), so always worth planning as far ahead as possible.

Your thoroughness is greatly appreciated! I’m glad you had a soul quenching trip. I’ll definitely add this to my bucket list

Excellent post! So much detail and I am super keen to visit Matera now. What would you recommend for a first time traveller to Italy for a 4 week holiday?

That’s a difficult question as it depends on your interests and how fast you want to travel, but it’s great you have so much time!

The classic destinations are Venice, Florence and Rome, which are all worth visiting. I would definitely add Matera and Puglia and a few other smaller places. Towns in Tuscany, and Cinque Terre and the Rapallo area in Liguria are all possibilities.

My wife requires a walker/wheelchair to get around. Is it possible to see Matera this way/or are there any excursions from Bari that could accommodate us?

My impression is that it would be challenging in a wheelchair or walker – there are a lot of steps. You could try contacting this tour company for advice (I don’t have any knowledge of them though): https://www.accessibleitalianholiday.com/matera-accessible-tours-wheelchair-users-travel-apulia/

I am sure a wheelchair would not be advisable in Matera. I just returned from there and found even the walking challenging. Many many steps to climb, many different levels to maneuver, all on bumpy cobblestone streets. I found all the Italian villages we visited were the same. Even Venice.

Erin, My wife and I will be visiting Matera at the end of September 2022. We will be on a Rick Steves Tour and we will be there for two days. We will have quite a bit of free time while there. My question is this: My grandmother was born in Matera in the late 1800’s, she left and traveled to America in 1912. She never returned, however, she left family members there. I’m interested in finding out anything I can about her family, where they lived, where they are buried, anything! Any suggestions?

I’m really not sure. Perhaps contact a local guide as they would have a better idea where to start. Good luck with it!

A local guide can take you to the city hall. If you know names, birth & marriage dates you might be able to get copies from their excellent hand written records. I was very successful in Bisacquina.

Excellent information! Thank you!

looking to visit Matera in May 2022. taking your suggestion for the stay of 2 days. Where would it be best for our main arrival, to fly into? and should we drive to Matera or a bus?

I would fly into Bari and take the train.

Hi – Awesome article. Super useful. A quick question. I would be staying in hotel L’Hotel in Pietra and would flying in from Milan. Would you know far is the Pugliairbus stop from the hotel? Also, is there any bus that I take from the hotel to the Bari train station (my return is through Bari train station). Thank you.

I’m not sure about that – I recommend asking your hotel for advice. Enjoy your trip!

we have been to Matera absolutely a magical city. My family came from the Matera and Bari region just love it.

Hi Erin, Sounds like a wonderful city to visit especially after watching No Time to Die. What is the festival in the movie about burning a paper to forget the past? And when is that and called? So is it sage for a solo to take a bus or train from Bari? I think it is but just like to reconfirm.

Thanks so much Jeannie butler

Hi Jeannie, it is such a beautiful city and safe for solo travellers to get there from Bari.

I think they made the festival up for the film, but it is partly based on Matera’s largest festival, Festa della Bruna , which takes place on 2nd July each year.

I hope you make it there!

I am wondering if in December everything is still open?

Yes, things should be open. It’d be a cold but pretty time to visit with the Christmas lights.

My friend is in Matera now. He sent me amazing photos of this incredible place. The caves, the buildings, the food, what a historical phenomenon. He can’t stop raving about Matera. I can see why by the photos. Hopefully some day I’ll get there. Italy has always been my favourite country, along with Cuba. Matera is a must. Totally unique. Looks tranquil and peaceful.

Glad your friend enjoyed Matera and I hope you make it there one day!

I had the pleasure of celebrating my 60th birthday during the month of September 2010, in Italy. Part of the trip was a bike trip along the Bari Coast. Every place we went was amazing, full of history, beauty, delicious food, wine and happy kind people. The weather was perfect everyday. The trip was everything and more than what I had hoped for. The unexpected surprise was a last minute change of plans to Matera….it is an unforgettable not very well known treasure. Stayed in one of he caves and had amazing food. DO NOT miss an opportunity to visit this city.

I’m so glad you had such a good birthday – it sounds like an amazing trip!

Just saw a video on Utube done by ProWalk that was amazing. This cave city is fascinating and to see structures (restaurants,churches and residences built into solid stone is unbelieving. Most definitely Italy’s most unfamiliar gem and worth a trip (although not for the aged population with stone walks and many many steps).

Planning two month European 50th Anniversary trip October and November 2021. November part one week Capri, 10 days touring Puglia, first stop Matera (coincidently, booked at La Corte die Pastori). Then Lecce, down to the tip of the boot heel, Polignano, back to Naples and then 2 weeks Rome and day trips nearby. The only thing that can stop two old dreamers is Wuhan Virus. But the WILL to travel is strong.

We plan to Visit Matera, Italia in 2021, or 2022. We wanted to visit in the month of Sept. What is the weather usually like at that time of the year? Is there a flight right to this area from Vancouver, B.C> Canada? Or will we have to fly to another city and then take a train to Matera?

The weather is perfect in September – it should be hot and sunny but not as steaming hot as the summer. The closest airport is Bari and you can take the train from there.

I’m not sure if there are direct flights from Vancouver (it seems likely you’d have to change somewhere in Italy). You can check routes and prices on sites like Skyscanner and Kiwi.

It is n0t that difficult to drive from Naples or Rome either. Probably 3 hours from Naples, 5 hours from Rome. If you’re going to rent a car anyway, that might be a good option and then you can stop at a couple places along the way.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in March. We saw some photos and videos of Matera and are interested in staying in some of your “cave hotels” near the Sassi area. We would like to speak with someone who can give recommendations, by phone. We have not seen any phone numbers to actually speak with someone. The hotel booking companies do not list any phone numbers, only email addresses.

As a Grammy of 6 and one who has visited Matera, it might be a difficult day for small ones. There is tons of walking in Matera and most of it on steps. I can imagine this would get exhausting to small ones and perhaps dampen an unbelievable day for you. This was one of our favorite places and is truly unique and amazing. There is nothing you would wish to miss in one of the world’s oldest cities. Have the best time!!

I’m not Erin (clearly), but I spend a lot of time in Matera every year and have for the past decade as my husband is from there. (You’ll probably walk by what used to be his grandmother’s house if you do go! It’s very close to a central plaza in the sassi.)

I don’t travel with kids but I’d say if the kids in question like to spend time outdoors, there’s plenty to do in Matera. As Erin mentioned, you can hike down into the ravine, and I’ve seen plenty of children having fun just running up and down the staircases in the sassi. You can go around to the Belvedere across the ravine from Matera and explore that area. Since you’ll be there in July, you can eat outdoors on terraces, which gives your children more freedom to get up during meals should they become restless.

I’m not sure what the itinerary for the rest of your trip is, but Matera is just over an hour’s drive from Bari, so you could easily go for a day and leave if it was too much for your kids.

I’m obviously highly biased but I very much recommend Matera! As Erin said, it’s a spectacular and unique place – very unlike anything else I’ve seen in Italy.

Hope you have a great time on your trip, wherever you end up going!

I agree and can’t see any reason not to bring your kids as long as they are ok with walking. If you rely on strollers you might struggle as there are quite a lot of steps.

Hi Erin! This info is fantastic, thank you! We are visiting Bari in July 2020 and I’d love to make the trip to Matera. We will have a personal driver familiar with the area. We will also have 4 kids ages 2-7. Would you recommend not bringing them to Matera?

Hi. I will be arriving in Bari Central at 19.10pm. Is it possible to get a direct train to Matera.

Thanks in dvance

You can check timetables here: https://ferrovieappulolucane.it/en/

It looks like there are a few trains in the evening you could catch, as long as it’s not a Sunday.

I look forward to Matera. It’s my first stop in my 2 week tour of Italy.

Wonderful, enjoy!

There is a cheap and faster alternative to get to Matera from Bari if you are at the airport: take the bus. https://getbybus.com/en/bus-bari-airport-to-matera

Hi Erin! Your blog is amazing! I stumbled upon it on Pinterest and was about to skim through as I usually would, but instead, found myself completely engrossed as if reading a favorite book. This post and the one you wrote on the best cities to visit in Puglia are so in-depth, perceptive, and beautifully written!

As someone who’s never visited these places, you’ve helped break the areas down geographically in such an easy way to understand and envision, making it much much more easier for us to plan our trip. Thank you!

Aw, thank you Thao for such kind words :) Good luck with your trip planning and feel free to ask any questions.

Is Matera a good base to move around Puglia by train? We are not hiring a car. We plan to stay in Matera for 4 days and do day trips from there.

It’s not ideal as you’ll first have to get to Bari which takes 1.5 hours, then you’ll have to switch to a train for other parts of Puglia. It would be better to add a night or two in Bari or just focus on lovely Matera.

You could also consider hiring a driver for the day. See the 4th reply to this question. They paid €100 for a day trip by taxi to Alberobello: https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowTopic-g2440589-i25639-k8507978-Day_trip_from_Matera_to_Alberobello_by_bus-Province_of_Matera_Basilicata.html

Hello! I plan to visit Matera in early May and am wondering if I can survive off of just knowing English? I ask bc on this trip I’m also visiting France and French is the language I’ve wanted to learn for awhile so that’s what I am focusing on learning. I feel like if I try to learn both I won’t learn either.

I’m sure you’ll manage fine. You can always use Google Translate it you get stuck!

I went to Matera as part of my honeymoon in September 2017. You will be fine just speaking English. All the restaurants, hotels and shop owners know English. Enjoy, it’s a wonderful place!!

We will be spending a the month of May 2019 in Italy. WE plan to travel to the Puglia area from Florence. Is there a train that runs from Rome to the area? Also we’ll be going to Naples/Amalfi after Puglia. Does a train go to either from Bari? Or should we rent a car?

Yes, there is a train from Rome to Puglia – the main hubs are Bari and Lecce. You can see more info in the transport section of our Puglia post: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/8-towns-not-to-miss-in-puglia/ and check the TrenItalia website for timetables (make sure you use Italian place names eg. Roma and Napoli).

You could also get the train from Bari to Naples, but you have to change trains (usually in Caserta). From Naples you’ll most likely have to get a bus to the Amalfi towns depending on where you want to visit as trains are limited.

It’s definitely possible to visit Puglia and Amalfi without a car, but it is easier with one as public transport can be slow and infrequent.

Have a great trip!

Looking at going to Matera in June. We are vegan and grain free due to Diabetes. We will need to make our own food. Are there open air markets to get fresh vegetables? Also, is there enough to experience there that isn’t restaurant/food based?

Yes, there’s a daily morning market: https://www.foodwinetravel.com.au/food/markets/central-market-matera-italy/

And yes, Matera is about a lot more than food—it’s a stunning place that’s just wonderful to wander around. You might find you can enjoy the antipasti in some of the restaurants—it’s very vegetable based and can be big enough for a meal. It might help to learn to say what you can’t eat in Italian. Have a great trip!

Thank you for the information. If each city we go to has a market like this we are going to be just fine. I guess I’m just getting nervous.

You won’t struggle to find fantastic vegetables in Italy! Enjoy!

I am LITERALLY booking AirBNB’s for Matera & Bari this weekend, flights are already booked for next month (Feb 2019) and my husband and I are so looking forward to exploring an incredible place like Matera! I would welcome any recommendations you may have on the number of nights you think would be good for each spot? We’re travelling for 2 weeks (International flight in/out of Rome, then taking a train to the SE), have been to Italy before just not the SE side and thought we’d spend this time ‘getting lost’ in only a couple (2-3) smaller towns. Your blog has some great resources, thanks for putting this all out there for us to utilize. Safe & Happy Travels!

Thank’s I meen this one of he most explicite travel reportage I never found on the web.

This site has sure peeked our interest….what would you suggest for a two week tour …..we have been to the Amalfi and Vienna and all places in the middle..Tuscany, that is……Now we are interested in southern Italy…..your Blog on Materra is wonderful. …Sny suggestions would be appreciated…we are thinking Sept 2019 ….Paddy, Ontario, Canada

Hi Paddy, I recommend checking out our Puglia post ( https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/8-towns-not-to-miss-in-puglia/ ) and combining Puglia with Matera. It’s best to rent a car if possible and you could have bases in Matera, the Valle d’Itria (near Ostuni), and the Salento (near Lecce). From those areas you’d be able to explore lots of other places on day trips. We absolutely love this part of Italy!

We were there last winter, loved everything about it. Stuffed our luggage with cruschi peppers!

We were just there last week. Old part of town(Sassi) is very interesting. What isn’t mentioned is there is a newer and thriving city above on top of the plateau. We did a lot of walking and lots of stairs, good shoes are a must. We also took a tour in a Piaggio, which I found amusing. Thre are some caves converted to display life about the time of the govt relocation plan. 35000 years of continuous occupation. Hike or take a taxi to the other side to see primitive caves and use your imagination.

We are planning on spending two nights in Matera for our honeymoon :) Date: 12th August-14th August.

Could you give us some suggestions and advice on the best place to stay (we are traveling on a budget and like the idea of clean, simple, safe bed and breakfasts) and some of the best things to do in Matera!

Look forward to hearing back Gina and Benni

We highly recommend B&B La Corte dei Pastori, which we wrote about in the post. The breakfast with a view would be a nice touch for your honeymoon. You can book it here: https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/la-corte-dei-pastori.en-gb.html?aid=379621&label=matera

The best thing to do is just wander!

Stop in at the IDRIS CAFE. the couple who own it are so hospitable and it is very small and they deserve the business as anyone with a business there does. It is a thriving area. Mind you, in that part of Italy, they do stick to the “nothing is open between 1-4” and then from 4-7 menus are limited as dinner is served beginning at 7. It is not as much about making the money as the Americans . We spent three wonderful days there. You will find wonderful food and service no matter where you go . And the education you will receive is abundant. We did this area on a bike trip and made our way to Lecce and Ostuni. Have a blast and Congratulations!!!!!

It’s me again, I came across my travel log and Idris cafe is owned by Phillipo and his wife Anna. We also ate at a great place called SOUL KITCHEN. PANECOTTO is another

I was in Matera in May and it was fabulous. Be sure to bring some comfy and flat shoes. It was fabulous.

Good tip! The best way to explore is on foot.

I have been to Matera and absolutely love this region! I have clients going there in April! May I share your post with them? It has so much great information that I know they will love!

Of course, I hope they find it useful.

Thank you for visiting our beautiful home town of Matera and thank you for such a beautiful blog post about our special town.

Matera is just the start of what our region, Basilicata, has to offer. It is a region rich with beautiful places, incredible countryside and hospitable people. Truly you can experience a more authentic Italy here and for the last year we’ve been developing a project that will let you see the culture, taste the food and meet the people through the eyes of our Italian family and the local people. We’d love to welcome everyone to see an Italy Undisturbed with us at http://www.lalucana.com

Thanks again for a great post about our unique city!

I am leaving for Matera and Puglia in 2 days. I’ve wanted to travel there since I first read about it

Wonderful – enjoy!

Erin, great post. I plan trip in October and am looking for a driver to transport me to Tricarico(1 hour west) and back for an afternoon. I have relatives their and want to do some ancestral sleuthing. Any recommendations?

I’m afraid I don’t know anyone. Maybe ask your hotel? It sounds like a fun trip!

I have booked a 2 night stay in Matera mid-september 2017… so looking forward to it. The information and pictures on this site only serve to pique my curiosity even more! It will be awesome to get lost in Matera!

Have an amazing time! September is a wonderful time to visit.

Oh how I love Matera! Couldn’t agree more that it’s the most spectacular (and peculiar) city in Italy. We stayed for two days two years ago, and since then I’ve been dreaming to go back and burst with joy each time I read something (like this) about Matera. :)

Hi! I notice this is not a recent post. But I’m currently checking for our trip to Matera next month. It’s good to pick up a lot of info from your site. One thing I’d like to know, which part of Matera was that pic from the ravine taken from? Is that near the duomo side? I would like to explore the place outside the stone city as well.

I was there in Jan 17 and rented an apartment – Il Tempo Ritrovato – from booking.com. Very close to everything yet not touristy.

Hi Anne, I think the top photo was taken from the Sasso Caveoso area where you can visit uninhabited caves.

The second photo was taken from the more modern side of the city. It’s a small city so it’s easy to walk between both areas.

Have an amazing trip!

Thank you for your feedback Erin! Had a wonderful time in Matera. Unfortunately I couldn’t explore the ravine part as our toddler was with us. Amazing place indeed!

This is the place my grandmother came from. I would love to visit one day.

Is a one day visit enough to see main sites in matera?

Yes but I recommend staying for a few nights if possible as it’s such a special place.

Excellent photos and explanations of cave developments. Our 2 hour walkabout was amazing! Everyone should see how man triumphed with ..not over…his natural surroundings.

Matera is beautiful! I would love to go there one day! When I retired in 5 years, i would love to travel all over Italy and definitely will go to Matera. I;ve been going back in forth to Italy since my sisters and brother still lives there. I love ancient/biblical places! Thanks for the pictures and blogs.

I’m sure you would love Matera. It’s such a special place. Hope you make it there Rea!

I’ll be in Matera for a few days in January, 2017. I know the climbing will be necessary but are there any B&B’s that are a bit closer to ground level?

I don’t remember the hills being too bad around the B&B we recommended in this post. Otherwise you could try finding somewhere in the new part of town, but it will be less atmospheric.

I am going to visit Puglia and especially Matera. In between I am about to launch private journeys to Kerala South India . I am a Keralan by heritage.

My grandfather was born in matera in the late 1800’s. His name was Joseph Pastore, and my Grandmother Angelina came to the US in the early 1900’s. I would love any information anyone has on them. My parents are both now deceased and they had very limited info on my Grandparents.

Many of the Italian civil records for the 1800’s are available, free of charge, online. You can email me at [email protected] and I would be happy to help you.

Matera is the birthplace (Via San Giovanni Vecchio, No.44, Matera) of my maternal grandmother who emigrated to La America in the early part of the 20thC. My mother spoke of this place though she never, nor have I, visited. I am going soon… The dialect in my family was fascinating – I took an Italian class, formal Italian, and when I would try to speak in Italian with my mom we both got blanks! Then when the dialect engaged English, Mama Mia!

I very recently visited Matera and have re-read your blog to remind me of it! Brilliant photos and a clear unsentimental article. Matera is an amazing place, truly special, so glad I visited when I did – it’s been named as European City of Culture 2019 so I don’t suppose the undiscovered feel will last for much longer.

Wonderful travel blog, the photos of Matera are the best I have seen and your description is beautifully written. My family and I stumbled on this exceptional place looking for a place to camp in the off season, traveling from Amafi to the East Coast in Jan 2014. We had the place to ourselves, it was cool, clear and incredible.

Fantastic city Matera! unforgettable experience!

Emily, I thought I’d seen it all having traveled to so many places in the world but this is so incredible – I have to go there and have not seen anything like this place. I wonder why I dont see Matera more on travel shows? Thanks so much for sharing this.

I am taking my lady in February and wondered any recommendations for good eating places please. It looks like a very unique place and looking forward to the trip.

Am looking to purchase a book on Matera, Italy as a gift for my grandson, Dominic Matera. Any suggestions on where to purchase???

Thanks in advance,

Catherine Murphy

I stayed in Matera for 3 nights in May and I agree with you that it wasn’t long enough. We loved it! We spent a day walking through the park across the valley and exploring the ancient caves and cave churches! It was fabulous. We hope to return to Matera one day too.

I love your photos and the detail of information that you give. I am off the Puglia in May 2014 and have 3 nights in Matera. I am so excited to see this region of Italy. Thanks for sharing.

after seeing the first pic, i thought this was cappadocia! (i was just there). but yea this place is going on my list of places to go for a future italy trip! cheers for sharing

Beautiful place and beautiful photos. I wonder if the caves, like the B&B you stayed in, are too cold in the fall-spring for a comfortable stay. I read about Matera recently because it has applied to be the capital of culture in Europe, which would give it funding for restoration and tourism projects.

I’m not sure. I’d check if they have heating but we’ve been in May and September and it was still hot so I imagine it’s still nice in April and October too.

Yes, the building work to the cave church was because they are sprucing things up for the capital of culture bid.

I had no idea Italy still had malaria until the 50s! Wow! It must have been such a different place. The contrast between the setting and the ancient look of the town with your super modern B&B is quite remarkable; what a magical place!

It’s shocking isn’t it? I just read Delizia a history of Italian food and many people in Italy were starving into the late 50s/early 60s when manufacturing increased in northern Italy and the country’s economy grew dramatically. Before then it was quite rural and poor, especially in the south (hence all the immigration to the US and Argentina/Brazil).

Only spent one day/night there in September en route north from Puglia – and, like you, could have spent many more just wandering around the place – will definitely be back.

What a special place! I haven’t been to Matera, though I did get to visit some really unique places my last trip to Italy. I don’t know how I missed this! Adding it to the list for next time :)

There are just so many incredible places in Italy aren’t there? It does amaze us that Matera isn’t better known.

Love this, I just wrote about Matera too, I was there in July – did we overlap? I am glad you all noticed what a special place this is too! I can’t wait to go back :)

Glad you enjoyed it too Liz. We were there in September. It was our second visit and we know there will be more :)

Great photos! I just love seeing towns/villages that build into the earth!

Thanks Angela. It’s an incredible feat of architecture isn’t it?

Wow. This just shot to the top of my must visit in Italy list. I’m guessing it will be worthwhile delaying it until next spring now though for the good weather.

Spring would be gorgeous with all the wildflowers everywhere and the ravine would be greener. Hope you make it there.

Simply stunning! And the food looks good too. Hope I can visit one day.

The food is definitely a highlight of a trip there.

Complimenti per la vostra bellissima e coraggiosa scelta di vita. Grazie dal Ristorante del Caveoso!

What a beautiful city.

How beautiful – this makes me really want to go and explore for hours!

On both visits we made the mistake of only booking a few nights. There isn’t a huge amount of typical things to do but we could easily spend a month living there and discovering new alleyways and getting lost for hours.

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• Top 10 Things To See...

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Matera, Basilicata

Matera is one of the most interesting and beautiful tourist destinations in Italy . Famous for its spectacular sassi and landscapes, Matera is a heartbreaking and fascinating town that everyone should include in their Italian trip. Read our list of the top 10 things to do and see in this amazing city.

Take pictures of the sassi.

One of the most gorgeous things you can see in Matera while strolling through its fabulous city centre is the sassi, which literally mean ‘stones’. This traditional architecture is the reason why it has been included on UNESCO’s heritage list. Choose one of the several panoramic viewpoints and get ready to take a lot of pictures.

Learn Something About the Ancient History Of the Town

Admire the rupestrian churches.

Matera, and the surrounding archaeological park of Murgia Materana, are home to more than 100 churches, which host exceptional decorations and works of art. Don’t be surprised if you see Greek-Orthodox churches built near Roman-Latin temples; here, it’s totally normal and if you have time, we suggest you visit as many churches as you can.

Visit Casa Grotta of Vico Solitario

One of the oldest houses of Matera is Casa Grotta. Here visitors can see how people used to live in the caves in the 18th century. Casa Grotta was the home of a large family and several kinds of animals, such as pigs, chickens and mules who lived together in the tiny cave.

Be Amazed by Palombaro Lungo

Palombaro Lungo is one of the highlights of Matera. It is the largest underground water cistern of the town, built in 1864. Today it’s visible to tourists, so be sure not to miss this amazing place during your tour.

Visit Matera’s Cathedral

On the top of the Civitas hill, you can locate the town cathedral, a beautiful church dating back to the 13th century. It’s totally worth a visit, not only for its majesty, but also because it offers an amazing view of the Sasso Barisano, one of the most stunning areas of Matera.

Admire Art at MUSMA

MUSMA, Museum of Contemporary Sculptures of Matera, is maybe the most important museum of the town. It’s situated inside the 16th-century Palazzo Pomarici, in the heart of the sassi.

Spend the Night in a Boutique Hotel Built Inside a Cave

The most romantic thing to do in Matera is to book a hotel room in the sassi. After the renovation of most of the buildings of the town, the owners of them built art galleries, restaurant and amazing hotels inside the old caves. So, choose one of them and get ready to live one of the coolest experiences of your life.

Enjoy Traditional Food

Like every other Italian destination, Matera will not disappoint you when it comes to food. Here, chefs use fresh seasonal vegetables and products to create excellent dishes, such as orecchiette pasta (like in the neighbouring town of Puglia ) with chicory and fava bean puree or cavatelli pasta with caciocavallo cheese.

Watch The Passion of the Christ While in Town

Did you know that Mel Gibson chose Matera as the location for his movie The Passion of the Christ ? Well, if you travel to Matera, you need to watch it before, or you can do that in one of the open-air cinemas of the town in the summertime.

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VISIT MATERA

The sassi, the historical centre, the materan murgia.

One of the oldest cities in the world and the future European Capital of Culture !

Matera is an ancient city that seems to have existed forever. It is the third oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, with over 10,000 years of history.

The rock caves, the rocky Murgia of Matera and some primitive dwellings of the Sassi tell of ancient settlements.

Over time,  Matera has seen the growth of various ethnic groups and monks who have stabilised and started to characterize the nature of this place of endless charm. From natural cavities carved by wind and rain of the past to the first man-made caves we can discover how easy it was to shape the limestone material of the Sassi rock.

Hence real underground dwellings, in the belly of Mother Earth, which will leave you speechless. And in these cavities, were born the first houses ever built with  local rock from the stone quarries. A bizarre architecture outlined an abnormal representation of buildings boxed into one another, creating a veritable tangle of alleys and small neighborhoods, where the roof of a house became the overlying floor and a wall torn down would often combine two adjacent rooms.

A woven structure that has intrigued experts has also discovered how it had been possible to live with the absence of running water. There is still a lot to tell about the water systems created to collect water, one of the elements that has helped to give in Matera the title of a World Heritage Site.

You can visit the most beautiful churches, starting from the Duomo on the Civita; walk through  the beautiful streets and traffic-free squares, populated with people; you can enjoy the most picturesque alleys, and you will continue your visit in the heart of the two Sassi’s.

There, you’ll jump to years gone by, finding out how one could have lived in a cave house and visit some of the oldest stone churches; You will understand the magic of the neighborhood and of sharing a world of agriculture and farm-life; You will see the majesty of the Murgia, the natural canyon of Gravina, and you’ll see opposite the Belvedere of Matera.

It is difficult to summarise just how many beauties and opportunities Matera offers and we do not want to spoil the surprise: please just make the most of your time on your next trip to Matera and take away the memories of many things made possible by the local wonders. Who really knows Matera? In its playful, gastronomical and cultural aspects, we will guide you expertly and you will discover what this cit has to offer.

We await you in Matera!

We are pleased to listen to your requests and search together for such tourist services that can help. Have a pleasant journey. The city of Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, awaits you with its centuries of history and its modern beauty.

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Why Visit Matera, Italy’s Ancient Cave Town

Last updated on March 31st, 2023 at 09:33 am

Do you believe in love at first sight? We do. Our love affair with Matera started the very second the existence of this ancient cave town in Southern Italy came to our knowledge. We don’t remember exactly when that was, but as soon as we googled Matera and hit the Images tab, we were hooked.

We knew we had to visit Matera at the first opportunity. So, when we (finally) planned our long-awaited Puglia road trip, Matera (although not in Puglia) was the very first city we added to our two-week itinerary.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Also, this article contains sponsored content. For more information, visit our Disclosure page .

If you’re headed to Rome, check out our complete Rome Travel Guide and 4-Day Itinerary!

Things To Know Before You Visit Matera

Where is matera italy.

Matera is the most popular city in Basilicata, a region in Southern Italy. Basilicata is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets waiting to be discovered. With its picturesque villages and towns alongside the spectacular coastline and dramatic mountains, the Basilicata region is off-the-beaten-path Italy at its best.

Matera Old Town

We need to clarify here that, when we talk about Matera, we are referring to its historic centre. So do pretty much all of the other travel guides out there as well. You see, the city of Matera is really big but the only part that appeals to travellers is the Old Town. For good reason. But what does the historic centre include exactly? While planning our trip to Matera, we were quite baffled ourselves so we decided to be quite thorough on this one.

The Civita is the oldest part of Matera. It represents the first town settlement which has been inhabited for about 4000 years. Built on a hill overlooking the Gravina , Matera’s ravine, the Civita is dominated by the imposing Duomo , the Cathedral. It is home to a number of spectacular mansions. Just so you find your bearings easily, the Civita is the part of Matera situated between the two Sassi .

I Sassi di Matera

The Sassi of Matera are the two districts stretching on both sides of the Civita . Facing the latter, we can see the Sasso Caveoso to the left and the Sasso Barisano to the right. The Sassi of Matera are famous for the unique cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. They form an extraordinary and truly special landscape.

This is why the Sassi enjoy UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1993. The Sassi are of great historical significance as they have earned Matera a place among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

The Casalnuovo area stretches to the left side of the Sasso Caveoso . This district was dug out of the rock in the 15th century when Albanians fleeing from Ottoman invasions decided to call Matera home.

The Piano of Matera is the flat and most recent part of the Old Town. Built during the 17th and 18th centuries, this part of the city reminds of a typical Italian town in all its splendour. Piazze, palazzi and evening passeggiate are what the Piano is all about. To cut a long story short, if the Civita and the Sassi represent the impressive, almost unreal, stage that leaves everyone dumbfounded, the Piano is the lively backstage where real life goes on in an irresistibly charming way.

A Bit of Matera History

As one of the most ancient cities in the world, Matera’s history is a long and interesting one. However, it seems that nobody remembers anything that happened before the 1950s, the turning point in the city’s history which had a huge impact on local people’s lives.

Until then, nearly 16,000 people lived in Matera’s cave dwellings. Living conditions were hard. Poverty, lack of space and running water as well as outbreaks of malaria and other diseases were among the reasons why the Italian government of the time declared Matera a national disgrace and forced its entire population to move to newly built yet claustrophobic houses.

The unwillingly abandoned town soon fell victim to absolute neglect and deterioration as it turned from being the shame of Italy to a ghost city and lair for all sorts of criminals.

Fortunately, all this began to change in the 1980s when Matera caught the attention of various archaeologists and other intellectuals. UNESCO marked the end of Matera’s downfall in 1993 when they awarded the city World Heritage Site status and put the foundation stone for the revival of one of Italy’s most exciting places.

Nowadays, Matera sees rapid development as it gradually becomes a major tourist destination in Southern Italy. The European Capital of Culture for 2019 has put the wounds of its past behind it and looks towards a well-deserved and glorious future.

Planning a trip to Matera? Be inspired by our list of the best books set in Italy!

13 Spectacular Things To Do in Matera Italy

1. take in breathtaking views of the sassi.

Every time we plan a trip to someplace new, we are eager to know its best viewpoints beforehand so as not to miss them once there. We did the same with Matera. However, it turns out that, in this case, doing our homework in advance wasn’t that necessary. Matera offers stunning views pretty much everywhere. That said, there are indeed a few viewpoints your camera wouldn’t want to miss.

Best Viewpoints in Matera

• Piazza Pascoli: This square will most probably be your entry point to Matera Old Town. Piazza Pascoli is home to a balcony which offers an iconic, picture-perfect view of the Sasso Caveoso . Honestly, we didn’t expect to catch the best view of Matera so easily, without any climbing involved. But we did and we loved it.
• Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio: Luigi Guerricchio was an artist who loved Matera deeply. This exquisite viewpoint towards the Sasso Barisano in Vittorio Veneto Square honours his memory.
• Piazza Duomo: The Duomo lies at one of the highest points in Matera thus offering spectacular views of the city, especially the Sasso Barisano .
• Santa Maria de Idris Church: Climb the stairs to Santa Maria de Idris Church for some of the most breathtaking views of the Sasso Caveoso and the ravine.
• Sant’Agostino Church: The Sasso Barisano from a different yet equally amazing angle.
• Murgia Timone: For panoramic views of the Sassi of Matera head across the ravine to the Murgia Timone area.

2. Get Lost in Matera’s Maze of Ancient Streets

Once you reach the Sassi , ditch the map and start walking. Strolling around the narrow alleys, while taking in superb views at every turn, is the best way to get the essence of this unique town. Expect uphill streets and some stairs.

3. Walk The Entire Length of Splendid Fiorentini & Madonna delle Virtù Streets

Starting from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, get to know the Sasso Barisano by walking along the picturesque Via Fiorentini . The latter changes to Via S. Antonio Abate at some point. Continue to your right and walk the entire length of Via Madonna delle Virtù .

This marvellous street, which has the cave town on one side and the dramatic ravine on the other, passes through both the Sasso Barisano and the Civita before ending at S. Pietro Caveoso Church in the Sasso Caveoso .

4. Visit Murgia Timone

Il Parco della Murgia is an area of wild beauty that stretches across the ravine. It is home to the Belvedere , a magnificent viewpoint as well as the Park of the Rupestrian Churches which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Sassi of Matera.

It is very easy to drive to the Belvedere from Matera and there is ample parking space there. However, when we visited on May 1st 2019, we were not allowed to drive to the Belvedere . This was a means to regulate traffic and crowds alike. For this reason, there was a bus departing from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso to Piazza Matteotti . From there, the Belvedere bus line took us directly to Murgia Timone.

Alternatively, you can walk from Porta Pistola in Matera to Murgia Timone through the ravine. The trail seems to be an exciting one but it wasn’t open to the public when we visited. Bummer.

The views from the Belvedere to Matera Old Town are out of this world. Do try to be there at sunset for an almost unreal experience.

Apart from the views, Murgia Timone also offers excellent opportunities for long walks in a superb natural setting.

Last but certainly not least, among wildflowers and hiking paths, the area is home to more than one hundred cave churches waiting to be discovered. The only way to visit those UNESCO-listed treasures is by joining a guided tour.

5. Enjoy Both Sunrise & Sunset in Matera

The golden hour is by far the best time to appreciate the beauty of any given destination. Matera is unbelievably pretty during both sunset and sunrise. As we said above, the Murgia Timone area is the optimal spot to find yourselves during sunset. That said, any other viewpoint in Matera Old Town will also do. The same goes for sunrise and its magnificent colours which are totally worth the early wake-up call.

6. Admire The Amazing Palombaro Lungo

The Palombaro Lungo is an utterly impressive water cistern in the heart of Piazza Vittorio Veneto . This huge cistern was dug in the rock in the 16th century in order to store the area’s spring waters. The imposing construction is huge and its history is a really interesting one.

You can visit by guided tour alone which is only available in Italian. However, even if you don’t speak the language, don’t miss the opportunity to enter this unique structure. There are leaflets in English, Spanish, French and German which include the exact same information your Italian guide will share with the group during the 25′ tour. A ticket costs 3€ and you need to book a specific date and time of visit in advance.

7. Visit La Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

It is difficult to imagine how large families of 8+ members along with their livestock used to live inside those tiny caves. La Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario provides insight into the way of life of a typical peasant family in Matera which remained unchanged up until the 1950s. This museum is in essence a cave-dwelling furnished and decorated as though it was still inhabited.

The guided tour is conducted in Italian but there are highly informative leaflets in many other languages. Last but not least, there is a video documentary you can watch at the end of the tour which is an invaluable source of knowledge regarding the real Matera.

8. See Some of Matera’s Beautiful Churches

Matera is home to a large number of wonderful churches. It is primarily famous for its rupestrian churches, and the impressive constructions carved out of rock. There are more than a hundred rupestrian churches in Matera but three of them stand out.

First of all, San Pietro Barisano is the largest rupestrian church in the town of Matera. Under the church’s floor, you can visit the area where the ritual of the corpses draining used to take place. Yes, being there feels as spooky as it sounds, but it’s totally worth it.

The complex of Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone churches is built atop Monterrone Cliff, which dominates the Sasso Caveoso and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Matera Old Town. The two churches, which seem like one actually, are home to magnificent frescoes painted on the cave walls.

The third and last unmissable rock church is Santa Lucia Alle Malve which, in our humble opinion, has the most breathtaking frescoes and interior of all.

Apart from the rupestrian churches, the Duomo , Matera’s Cathedral , is also worth a visit as well as a couple of other churches. Among them, Sant’Agostino dominates the Sasso Barisano while San Giovanni Battista , the beautiful church located just outside of Matera’s old city walls, is a unique blend of Romanesque, Arabic, Gothic and Greek architectural elements.

9. Eat Cialledda Materana

Food is a huge part of our travels. We always check out local delicacies before we even visit a place so as to know what to look for. In Matera’s case, the simplest dish is the one that caught our attention.

Cialledda materana is a salad made of everyday ingredients, such as stale bread, tomatoes, cheese and olives. It is the ideal meal, especially on a hot day when you don’t want to feel stuffed. We don’t know if it has to do with the fact that it reminded us of our very own dakos salad, one of Crete’s signature dishes and a favourite throughout Greece , but we loved cialledda materana .

10. Drink Aglianico del Vulture Wine

The only DOCG ( denominazione di origine controllata e garantita ) wine in the Basilicata region, the Aglianico del Vulture, is one of the best red wines in Italy. It is made of Aglianico grapes, an ancient variety believed to have been brought to the Italian South by Greek settlers back in the 7th or 6th century BC. Don’t miss the chance to sip a glass or two while gazing at the marvel that is Matera.

11. Join Locals For Their Evening Passeggiata Along Via Domenico Ridola

When you visit Matera, you will most probably want to spend ALL your time in the Sassi . However, as in all Italian cities (and the rest of the world for that matter), you should make time to follow the locals’ footsteps and experience the real Matera. The best way to achieve this is by taking an evening stroll, the famous passeggiata , along Via Domenico Ridola .

It feels as though the very heart of Matera beats on this street any time of day. Yet it is in the evening, in that blessed moment when the crowds of day-trippers are long gone and locals reclaim Via Domenico Ridola , that the street reveals all of its magic.

12. Stay At a Cave Hotel

Choosing to stay in an authentic place run by locals is a very important aspect of our mission to travel responsibly . When visiting destinations that boast some kind of special accommodation type, staying there renders our trips all the more memorable.

This is why we’d never even think of planning a trip to Matera without arranging to stay at one of the city’s cave hotels in the Sassi . The vast majority of the former cave dwellings have been turned into modern, comfortable hotels that preserve Matera’s unique architecture. In case you’re wondering, cave hotels are not the cheapest accommodation option in Matera. That said, staying in one of them in the heart of the Sassi is a unique experience you will cherish for life.

For our two-night stay in Matera, we chose La Corte dei Pastori , one of the most affordable cave hotels in the Sasso Caveoso . La Corte dei Pastori is a family-run B&B that comprises five cave rooms carved out of rock. Some of them still bear witness to their past with frescoes and byzantine crosses adorning their ancient walls.

This Matera cave hotel enjoys a prime location with jaw-dropping views of the Sassi. In all seriousness, we were reluctant to leave the superb terrace with its stunning views of the Sassi and the ravine. This is why we had dinner there during our second evening in Matera. Take-away pizza, a bottle of wine and such spectacular views made for one of the best dinners ever.

When the weather allows it, the terrace is also the place where breakfast is served. The latter includes a wide variety of sweet and savoury treats as well as a generous share of the famous Matera bread.

Tiziana and Mimmo, the owners of La Corte dei Pastori, go out of their way to make guests feel at home in Matera. Apart from running one of the cosiest B&Bs in the heart of the Sasso Caveoso , Tiziana and Mimmo are always there to help guests plan their Matera itineraries or provide them with practical information regarding parking, bus schedules etc.

To cut a long story short, we enjoyed our stay at La Corte dei Pastori immensely. Not only because we got to sleep in an actual ancient cave, but, most importantly, because we felt as though we had a home away from home waiting for us in Matera.

Book your cave room at La Corte dei Pastori now!

13. Bring a Piece of Matera Back Home With You: The Traditional Cucu’

The best Matera souvenir to bring back home is hands-down the traditional cucu’ . The latter is a handmade whistle made of clay and shaped like a multicoloured rooster. Throughout Matera’s troubled past, the cucu’ has served different symbolisms. In prehistoric times, the cucu’ was a popular toy for children. Many of these clay whistles have been found in infant tombs of that era.

Later on, roosters became symbols of power. This is why people placed them outside their houses to protect themselves from all evil. At times of great poverty, the cucu’ became the most popular gift a young man could give his significant other. The more elaborate the cucu’, the greater his love for the girl he hoped to become his wife. In the 1950s, the cucu’ resumed its former role as a popular toy and became the best Easter present idea for little ones.

Nowadays, the cucu’ is a real symbol of Matera. There are still a handful of people who continue the tradition of crafting handmade rooster-shaped whistles. Among them, Tiziana of La Corte dei Pastori displays her large collection in the common area of the B&B. You can buy your very own cucu’ from street vendors and shops all over Matera Old Town.

See one of the world’s most impressive ancient towns through the eyes of a local! Book one of the best-guided tours in Matera now!

Matera Travel Guide

How many days in matera.

Sadly, most travellers decide to see Matera on a day trip. We can’t stress enough how terribly wrong this decision is. Matera Old Town is very compact and thus easy to see within a few hours. However, it is such a shame to leave the city without having seen the Sassi in the evening. Not to mention that everyone that decides to visit Matera should definitely stay in a cave hotel.

Therefore, an overnight stay in Matera is mandatory in our opinion. We spent two nights in Matera. We consider this the absolute minimum for anyone who wants to get a taste of the cave town’s authentic ambience.

How To Get To Matera Italy

Driving is by far the best way to get to Matera. The regions of Puglia and Basilicata are home to countless charming towns which are worth checking out. What better way to do so than planning a road trip across the Italian South ? If you arrive in Matera by car, remember that vehicles are not allowed in the Sassi. Therefore, you’ll want to park as close to the historical centre as possible.

You can either park in the designated areas along the streets around the Old Town or at one of the city’s private parking lots. Parking in Matera is not cheap but we didn’t have a worry in the world as far as the car was concerned.

If you aren’t driving and plan to land at Bari Airport, you can arrange a hassle-free one-way transfer from Bari Airport to Matera . You can also get to Matera by train from many places across Italy. The wisest option would be to get to Bari first as it is just a 1,5h train ride from there to Matera. Check out the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane website for more information regarding Matera’s train station departures and arrivals.

Just a quick reminder here. Since all vehicles are forbidden within the Sassi area, brace yourselves for some uphill streets as well as a fair share of stone steps.

Where To Eat in Matera

When it comes to eating in Matera, there are a lot of factors at play. Apart from the obvious food-related ones, you may want to choose where to eat in Matera with regards to the views you will get while eating. So, it is largely a matter of personal taste. Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to have a glass of wine with locally produced titbits at Vicolo Cieco in the Sasso Barisano .

As far as the Holy Trinity of Italian food (pizza – pasta – gelato) is concerned, we’ve got you covered. Il Rusticone near Piazza Vittorio Veneto offers the most mouthwatering pizza while the unassuming Kapunto prepares the best handmade pasta. The latter is located in Via Lucana , the main street which serves as a border of sorts between New and Old Matera. For your gelato fix, head to I Vizi Degli Angeli in Via Domenico Ridola .

Top Tip: Visit Matera Before Everyone Else Does

Ever since we decided to visit Matera, we thought that it would be yet another super touristy destination in Italy. The uniqueness of its landscape and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status made us think that we would come across hordes of tourists.

Truth be told, Matera was crowded when we visited. But most visitors were Italians. This would explain why guided tours in most major sites across Matera are in Italian rather than in English. It seems that no matter its splendour, Matera still remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets in the sense that it mainly attracts Italians.

To the outside world, Matera represents a rare case of an off-the-beaten-path destination in Italy. But for how long? Our guess is that this hidden gem status of Matera won’t last for long. So, wait no more. Start planning your Italian South dream trip and visit Matera before everyone else does.

We could go so far as to say that Matera is Italy’s Venice of the South in terms of uniqueness and wow factor. However, there is only one Venice in the world and everyone should definitely plan a trip there at least once. Read our full travel guide to Venice and its charms here!

Disclosure: We were guests at La Corte dei Pastori but, as always, we express nothing but our honest opinion about the experience we had.

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THE CITY OF SASSI IS WAITING FOR YOU!

Visiting Matera means discovering a unique place in the world: art, nature, history and hospitality will accompany you during your stay in the City of Stones.

COME TO MATERA

We are waiting for you to discover our city with one of our tours

Since 2002, Ferula Viaggi organizes different and original guided tours: the Sassi of Matera, the park of the Murgia Materana and the rock churches; the historical, artistic, cultural and natural heritage awaits you to discover a place that sums up the whole history of humanity.

In addition to classical guided tours, gastronomic experiences will be an opportunity to discover the ancient traditions of local cuisine and appreciate the authentic welcoming mood of the people of Matera.

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Contact us to get more info about our tour in Matera or send us an e-mail to [email protected]

Hicks at the Lumberyard

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7 Cypress St

Roscoe, TX 79545

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Maria M. said "One of the beat places to stop for lunch! Well lit and great windows provide a cheery atmosphere for all your lunch time needs. Staff is wonderful, food is consistent, and everything is very clean!" read more

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About the Business

Hicks at the Lumberyard is a family friendly restaurant in downtown Roscoe. We offer a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each day we have a special in the evening. We also offer catering for special occasions and venue rental. Live music and concerts happen on our indoor and outdoor stages. Come visit us for a great time! …

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if you get the chance to visit this place it will be the best decision you've made in some time. Tremendous service, absolutely amazing food and all around great people- put it on your bucket list- they will not disappoin! Thank you Janie and Juan.

Food was wonderful everything was Fresh!!! I really enjoyed the Grill Chicken Sandwich and the Brisket Nachos Highly Recommended

Rising from the ashes of a tragic fire a new place to eat and gather in downtown Rosocoe Texas, Hicks at the Lumberyard gets better by the day. Stop in and enjoy the food and watch the progress. The hamburgers are hard to beat, and I have yet to be able to finish an order of nachos. Keep an eye out for the specials.

A single order of brisket nachos. Too much for me to eat in one sitting.

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The owners are so friendly and the food was amazing! If ever in Roscoe TX you gotta stop. Don't be like me though, save a little room for the ice cream across the street.

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Jun 21, 2023

Thank you for stopping in for dinner! We loved visiting with you and hearing about your adventure. Please come back to see us again and thank you for your kind words!

Super Nachos are fantastic!!! Great place! Fun people! Delicious food! Play some darts! Listen to some music!

This place is a must stop if you are traveling through Roscoe/Sweetwater!!!! Why you ask, so many reasons. First, the staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. My wife, 18 month old son, and I were hungry after a long stretch of driving. We were having a hard time looking up places that were decent and or open. Then by chance Hicks popped up in google maps? I called just to make sure they were open because one post mentioned a fire and that it was out of business. The man answered and said they were open. We headed there and when we arrived had a hard time parking and the building looked burned down. We called again and the man nicely said they were open and where to park. We went in inside and the staff were very nice and let our kid run around. They stayed open later for us to get some food. Then when the train blocked the road for us to leave the lady lead us to an over pass to bypass the train (sometimes blocks the road for hours). Second the food was great, hot, and fresh. Do yourself a favor and stop by, you'll be glad you did.

Jul 25, 2023

Zan thank you for stopping in for lunch! We really enjoyed visiting with you and your family. It was our pleasure to serve you!

They have amazing food with large portions and lots of flavor. The wait was not long for the food to come and the service was friendly/respectful. We will definitely be going back and/or ordering from here again.

Sep 23, 2023

Thank you! We appreciate your business and kind words. Have a wonderful day!

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Stephenie C. said "We came here today and I'm not sure if the guy behind the counter was the manager or the owner (wearing blue jeans and tan polo company shirt) but it was the BEST customer service I've ever seen. It's a small location with the line…" read more

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