Travel Guide of Matera in Italy by Influencers and Travelers

Matera is a city in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy. As the capital of the province of Matera, its original settlement lies in two canyons carved by the Gravina River.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Matera

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera are two districts of the Italian city of Matera, Basilicata, well-known for their ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period.

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2 - San Pietro Caveoso

San Pietro Caveoso, also known as "Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church" is a Catholic worship place situated in the Sassi of Matera. The front is in baroque style and presents three portals. Over each portal there is a niche with statues. They show the "Madonna of the mercy", "Saint Peter" and "Saint Paul". The side niches are surmounted by two rectangular windows and the central one by two single-lancet windows. There is a rose window and a bell tower with a pyramidal cusp on it. The central nave ceiling is adorned with pictures of "Jesus and Saint Peter" and "Saint Paul's conversion". The 18th century altar has a wooden polyptych dating back to 1540, painted by an anonymous artist from Matera. The church originally had eight chapels, but the right four were demolished to build the oratory. In the fourth left chapel there is a baptismal font from the 13th century. It is 17.2 m width and 43 m long and has a deep choir.

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3 - Archaeology Tours in Matera

We select the best locations thanks to our experience and our passion. You will discover with us hidden corners of our ancient city. We have selected different types of itineraries in order to guarantee unforgettable experiences not only for families but also for children and third age groups. To ensure the highest quality, all guided tours are conducted by highly specialized trusted escorts, ready to meet any need during the trip. The complete tour includes a visit to the Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano, Old Town and entrance included in the Typically furnished Cave House and Rock Crypt excavated on 3 levels.

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4 - Palombaro Lungo

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5 - Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli

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6 - Shore Excursions in Matera

Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world whose territory preserves evidence of human settlements starting from the Paleolithic and without interruptions up to the present day. It represents an extraordinary page written by man through the millennia of this very long history. World Heritage Site since 1993 and European Capital of Culture in 2019. With the classic and typical Ape Calessino (tuk tuk), an Italian myth, much appreciated by families, especially with children in wheelchairs, we will cross the Old Town and the Sassi, as they are very tiring on foot, especially in the summer, whizzing through the streets and characteristic alleys, making small stops for photos and videos and to visit churches in the squares and characteristic Case Grotte (Case Museo).

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7 - Vino e Dintorni Enoteca

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8 - Convent of Saint Agostino

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9 - Safaris in Matera

The appointment is fixed in our base camp which, besides being a meeting point for the party, is also important for a safe excursion. We will explain the main rules of an activity in quad with basic, fast and not boring indications that will help you live the experience with more serenity. Our guide, who will accompany you in the wild territories of the Dolomiti Lucane, will explain the operation of the quad and give you practical tips for safe driving before starting the engines. Once this first informative phase is over, you will be able to spend moments without worries and be involved in uncontaminated territories, spectacular spiers, winding paths and lanes and locations with a strong adrenaline rush.

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10 - Osteria Pico

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11 - Casa Grotta Del Casalnuovo

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12 - Mountain Bike Tours in Matera

The 2-hour tour gives guests the opportunity to stroll in contact with nature with an assisted pedal bike. Crossing, in a fun and carefree way, the ancient "Sassi" districts (Barisano and Caveoso), they will reach the Murgia Materana National Park. Our guests will be accompanied on the nature walk by a leader who, at the head of the group, will indicate the right way to go. Within the tour, included in the ticket, stop and visit of the suggestive Madonna della Palomba Sanctuary, stop in an ancient tuff quarry still active, arrival on the panoramic point of Murgia Timone and free stop of 15 minutes.

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13 - Parco della Murgia Materana

   6 km away
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14 - Gravina in Puglia

   23 km away

Gravina in Puglia is a town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. The word gravina comes from the Latin grava or from the messapic graba, with the meaning of rock, shaft and erosion of bank river.

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15 - Culinary Tour in Matera

Are you ready for Murgia Experience? Our driver will pick-up you at 10:00am. Too late? No! It's very important you are not stressed. The first stopover is in Altamura. Dicecca is one of the most famous Apulian cheese factory. They produce cheese since 1930. You'll see the live production and then you'll taste burrata, ricotta and caciocavallo. The second stopover is at Panificio La Maggiore where you'll taste Altamura bread, focaccia and the delicious tette delle monache. The last stopover is Polvanera: visit to the vineyards, the cellar and... You'll taste 3 different wines!

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16 - Ponte Acquedotto

   24 km away

The Pont d'Aël is a Roman aqueduct located in a village of the same name in the comune of Aymavilles in Aosta Valley, northern Italy.

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17 - Parco Naturale di Gallipoli Cognato - Piccole Dolo

   40 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Matera from Influencers

20 pictures of Matera from Daniele Levis Pelusi, Luca Micheli, Marc Schiele and other travelers

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Why should you visit Matera ?

Travel to Matera if you like:

  🗼 Landmark     ️🏜️ Natural arch     🏘️ Town     🏰 Temple     🐾 Wildlife     🏰 Historic site  

How to visit Matera ?

Why traveling there?

Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a captivating city located in Southern Italy. Known for its ancient cave dwellings called "Sassi," Matera offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and stunning landscapes. The city has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. With its rich history, charming streets, and delicious local cuisine, Matera is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy.

How to get there?

Matera is not directly connected to the main Italian train network, but it is easily reachable by bus or car. The closest major airport is Bari (BRI), located about 65 km away. From Bari, you can take a train to Bari Centrale train station and then catch a bus (FAL or Miccolis) to Matera. The bus ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Matera, which takes about an hour from Bari.

What to book in advance?

When planning your visit to Matera, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak tourist season (between May and October). Additionally, if you're interested in guided tours of the Sassi or the nearby archaeological park, it's a good idea to book these ahead of time to secure your spot.

What are the costs?

Matera is generally more affordable than cities like Rome or Florence. A typical meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around €20-€30 per person, while a coffee or gelato can be found for around €1-€3. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels, with prices starting around €50 per night. Entrance fees for museums and attractions are usually between €5 and €10.

What are the best things to do?

Some must-see attractions in Matera include:

1. Exploring the Sassi di Matera: Wander through the ancient cave dwellings and admire the unique architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Visit the Parco della Murgia Materana: This beautiful park offers stunning views of the Sassi and houses several ancient rock churches.
3. Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: Step back in time and see how families once lived in the cave dwellings of Matera.
4. Museo Nazionale Ridola: Learn about Matera's history and archaeology through the exhibits in this fascinating museum.

Where to eat?

1. Trattoria del Caveoso: A cozy restaurant offering traditional Materan dishes, such as orecchiette pasta and lamb with herbs.
2. Osteria Pico: This popular eatery serves delicious regional specialties, including homemade pasta and fresh seafood.
3. Ristorante Francesca: Enjoy a fine dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Materan cuisine in an elegant setting.

Where to stay?

1. Albergo Italia: A charming hotel located in the heart of Matera, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
2. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: A unique hotel situated in the Sassi, featuring beautifully restored cave rooms and luxury amenities.
3. La Dimora di Metello: A boutique guesthouse offering stylish accommodations and stunning views of the city.

Off the beaten path

For a truly unique experience, participate in a "Pastoral Experience" offered by local tour operators. This immersive activity allows you to discover the ancient pastoral traditions of Matera by spending a day with a local shepherd. You'll learn about the traditional techniques of cheese-making, bread-making, and shepherding while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Murgia Materana Park. This off-the-beaten-path experience offers a genuine insight into Matera's rural culture and a chance to connect with the land and its people.

Learn More about Matera

To visit Matera, in the south of Italy, is to explore one of the most ancient cities in the world!

Just like Alberobello, in Puglia, it is unique in the world and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its particular houses: the Sassi. The Sassi di Matera (translated as "Stones of Matera") are troglodyte habitats.

Initially simple caves shaped by the stream that flows at the bottom of the ravine, the places have been occupied since the Paleolithic, which contributes to make Matera one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the oldest archaeological sites! Over the centuries, the caves have been transformed into real houses.

The rock is very crumbly, so naturally the inhabitants of Matera decided to dig their houses and live there. The rock extracted was then used to build the facades of the houses. Over time, a real city was born.

The city is located in the region of Basilicata, a rather unknown part of Italy. The good news is that since the city is located only 1 hour from Bari or Taranto, Matera fits perfectly into an itinerary in Puglia.

The historic center of Matera is divided into 2 areas to visit: - the Sasso Caveoso - the Sasso Barisano, which houses the Civita district, the oldest part of Matera Matera can only be visited on foot, some areas are completely off limits to cars and other parts are reserved for residents only.

To visit Matera and not miss anything to do and see, I suggest you go to the tourist office (there are several in the city) to get a map of the city. There you will find 3 suggested itineraries, of varying lengths, so that you don't miss anything of interest in Matera. Do not hesitate to visit the Duomo or Cathedral of Matera: Built in 1230, the cathedral has been completely renovated recently as part of the election of the city as European Capital of Culture in 2019. Its exterior facade is rather sober, typical of the Apulian Romanesque style. Inside you can admire a gorgeous medieval fresco: "the last judgment". From the Duomo square, you will also have a splendid view of Matera and the Sassi.

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