If you’re looking for the best guide to Matera, Italy, look no further. You have come to the right place.
The Basilicata region’s oldest city, Matera, sits atop a rocky outcrop. Among its many attractions is the Sassi region, a cluster of cave dwellings built into the mountainside.
In Matera, you’ll find many old 13th-century churches to explore. History buffs will love exploring this intriguing city’s rich history, which dates back to more than 30,000 years.
Matera also offers spectacular views from ancient dwellings, as well as delicious local food and unique accommodations. Even if you’ve never been to Italy before, this piece will convince you that you should.
Get the lowdown on Matera with this ultimate guide to visiting this stunning City of Caverns.
Your Ultimate Guide to Matera, Italy
Why Visit Matera
When you visit Matera, one of southern Italy’s most beautiful destinations, you’ll find yourself in a completely distinct and beautiful locale.
As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Matera is rich in historical landmarks as well as scenic views and flavorful dining options.
Matera is a great destination for a long weekend or part of an Italian road trip because there are so many things to do and see.
Best Time To Visit Matera
Matera is a wonderful vacation spot all year round, but be prepared for the frigid winters and sweltering summers. Try to stay away from July and August when it’s really hot. April to June and September to October are the best months to visit as the weather is warm enough to tour the city and spend time outside.
How To Get There
Bari, the Adriatic Sea port city and regional capital of Puglia in southern Italy, is the closest major city near Matera. The airport here is well-served by regular and low-cost flights to and from the rest of Italy and Europe. Once you arrive at Bari Airport, there are different ways to get to Matera.
By Train –
Trains from Bari arrive routinely and almost directly via the FAL (Ferrovie Appulo Lucane) train line. A separate station for FAL trains is located to the left of Bari Centrale Trenitalia and the Ferrotramviaria – Ferrovie del Nord Barese station.
Taking the train takes around an hour and a half, including the stopover. Altamura, an ancient city, is reached by taking the first train (although the train will continue for a few more stops).
After arriving at Altamura, you can catch another train to Matera, and you should disembark at Matera Centrale. For a single ticket, the train costs €5.10 (about $5.10).
By Bus –
There are some bus routes that connect Bari to Matera. Flixbus connects Matera to a variety of Italian towns.
However, the bus is slower than the train, and in some situations, it can be a little more expensive. $12 (€11) is the typical bus fare from Bari to Matera.
By Car –
Driving to Matera is the most convenient way to get there, and it also gives you more freedom to explore the city’s surroundings, especially during peak summer months, when trekking is not advised. It costs about $60 (€57) to rent a car in Bari.
Before you begin your adventure in Matera, you’ll need to locate a parking spot. Ask your hotel for parking advice before you arrive in the Sassi, as it is quite doubtful you will be able to park close by.
Things To Do in Matera
Matera, despite its tiny size, has a lot to offer travelers. The following is a list of some of the most popular tourist attractions and the best things to do in Matera.
1. Stroll Via Domenico Ridola
As far as Matera’s Sassi district is concerned, the Via Domenico Ridola is a significant thoroughfare. Matera’s main attractions can be found in abundance on this one street.
Start walking, and enjoy spectacular views from Belvedere Piazzetta. The Old Matera’s Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve and the Duomo can be seen in the distance from here.
Continue walking then stop at the museum at Palazzo Lanfranchi. In addition to hosting both classic and contemporary exhibits, it is one of the city’s most well-known art galleries and museums, so a visit here is truly one of the top things to do in Matera.
Proceed to the National Archaeological Museum, where you’ll find the Church of Purgatorio and, higher up, the Church of Chiara, both of which are only a 1-minute walk away.
As you stroll through Via Ridola, you’ll come across numerous little pubs and restaurants, including one of the best places to get gelato in town. This gelato shop called I Vizi degli Angeli, has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, but pistachio and hazelnut gelato is a must-try.
2. Wander the streets of the Sassi
The troglodytes used to live in cave networks called sassi during the Paleolithic period when these were used as dwellings. The region was transformed into a maze of interconnected caves, complete with arches, balconies, steps, and even attics.
Farmers and peasants colonized the Sassi di Matera in the 19th century, and they were dubbed the “Shame of Italy.” Back then, the caves of Matera had become a slum. This population of cave dwellers was then forcibly removed from their homes in the 1950s, and the caves remained vacant for many years after their removal. In the 1980s, the government allowed businesses to rent out the caves for tourist purposes only.
Businessmen began to take advantage of this unique opportunity and seized control of some of the caves. They rehabilitated them and made them liveable. Many of these have become popular Matera cave hotels.
The streets of Matera Sassi are not only picturesque and fascinating, but the area also holds a wealth of historical value. You may skip a visit to some of the city’s attractions, but a walk along the Sassi is a must.
3. Hike to the Belvedere Murgia Timone
There is a big ravine on the outskirts of Matera, with numerous caves lining the walls of the valley. The view from the top of this ravine of Matera and the Sassi is breathtaking. For those in decent physical shape, the hike to the overlook should be an easy one.
There is a bridge at the bottom of the ravine where you can cross over to the other side of the river. Watch out for wildlife, including some rare birds of prey, as you make your way to the bottom of the ravine.
During the hike, you may see the remains of prehistoric Neolithic villages and burial grounds as well as churches from more recent periods as you climb the hill toward Belvedere Murgia Timone.
From the top of the caves, the views of Matera from Belvedere Murgia Timone are spectacular. Spend time taking it all in, as this area offers one of the best views over the city. The crucifixion scene from the film Passion of Christ was filmed on location here as well.
4. Visit the Cathedral of Matera
All across the city, you can see Matera Cathedral, so you shouldn’t miss the chance to pay a visit to this historic building.
Completed in 1270, the towering structure boasts ornate carvings on its eaves and walls. The wall art’s message is one of morality and caution to those who might be misled.
All visitors can enter the church for free, which features frescoes and paintings on the ceilings. The cathedral’s ancient altars have been restored, and you may admire the cathedral’s beautiful marble work.
Outside the cathedral, you’ll find some of the most beautiful vistas around, which is worth a stop to take in the scenery and snap a few photos.
5. Enjoy the views from the Church of Saint Mary of Idris
Visit the Church of St. Mary of Idris. It’s certainly worth a 15-minute visit just to take a look around and see what’s inside. Enter the caves, walk around, and take in the original fresco painting on their walls.
You will also be able to see the Sassi and the Rione Pianelle area from here. Even if you only have a few hours to spend in Matera, this is a must-see attraction.
You’ll have to pay to get in now, but it’s a small price to pay (around 3-5 euros). Plus, you can easily access the Church of S. Pietro Caveoso, which is located directly below the Church of Saint Mary of Idris.
6. Admire the frescoes in the Crypt of the Original Sin
A part of the ancient Appian Way, a natural cave serves as the home for Matera’s Crypt of Original Sin.
A group of local teenagers discovered the tomb in 1963. When they arrived, they were greeted with the spectacular frescoes of a building that had been converted into a shelter for sheep. The tomb earned the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art” and has been revered ever since.
As a result of their Late Romanesque style and formal elements influenced by the East, experts have determined that this cycle of paintings dates back to around the second half of the 8th century. The art depicts Byzantine-style Triarchs and a profile of the Virgin Mary dressed as sumptuously as Byzantine Empress, the Basilissa.
The still-unnamed artist was called the “Flower Painter” because he painted biblical characters like God, Light and Darkness, Adam and Eve, the three Apostles (St. Joseph, St. Peter, and St. Andrew), the Archangels, and Mary among flowers. Within Matera iconography, the murals painted on the cave’s craggy walls stand out as unique and noteworthy.
The paintings are a reflection of the painter’s unique style and demonstrate his ability to convey complicated concepts while maintaining a bright spontaneity in the drawings.
7. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Matera aboard the Piaggio Ape Calessino
This is certainly a fun and very unique way to explore Matera. A panoramic tour aboard the historic Piaggio Ape Calessino will provide an unforgettable memory of this truly unique city.
Allot about an hour or so enjoying Matera in a way you can only experience through an ape car. There are photo stops enroute as well, so gear up with your camera.
Ape cars are cute tiny “cars” that are common in southern Italy. In Matera, they are mostly employed for tourists.
This activity is perfect for those who do not want to walk. Please note, however, that the Sassi’s prettiest streets aren’t accessible to ape cars and require walking entirely.
Where To Eat in Matera
Local dishes dominate the menu in most eateries and restaurants in Matera, and there’s quite a lot to choose from. Here are our favorites:
Panificio Paoluccio –
Pane di Matera, a local bread unique in Matera which has been around for centuries is this store’s specialty and a must-try. The bread is made with ancient grains, yeasts, and water from the region, much like a sourdough type.
Osteria MateraMì –
Guests can dine on delectable dishes while taking in views of the Sassi. They offer a wide selection of locally sourced, reasonably priced dishes. Fave e Cicoria, a meal made with pureed fava beans and chicory, is a local favorite.
La Finestra Sui Sassi –
You will get the opportunity to taste some traditional Materan food here. La Finestra serves delectable pasta, which you may enjoy on a terrace that overlooks Matera.
Where To Stay in Matera
Experience not just the city’s laid-back atmosphere but unique accommodations that are at least several centuries old.
Here are our top picks on the best places to stay in Matera for every budget preference:
Casa del Sole –
The Casa Del Sole, located in Matera’s ancient district, is housed in one of the iconic Sassi stone buildings.
Cave Rooms Sassi –
This place provides stunning mid-range cave rooms in the Sassi, near notable attractions such as the Matera Cathedral and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA –
These are luxury accommodations located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera Sassi. Matera Cathedral and other Matera attractions are within walking distance from this hotel.
Travel Tips
Matera may be seen in a day, but it will be quite jam-packed. We recommend a three-day stay in Matera so that you may thoroughly experience the area, take in the views, and explore the hidden cave churches in Murgia.
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