Matera
Italy · Basilicata · 401 m
Description
Matera is one of the most fascinating cities in southern Italy and looks back on thousands of years of human settlement. The city is best known for the Sassi di Matera, an extraordinary labyrinth of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, stone houses, and winding alleyways spectacularly embedded in the limestone landscape and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera combines ancient history with unique rock-cut architecture, Mediterranean charm, and an almost biblical atmosphere. Once marked by severe poverty, the former European Capital of Culture is now a cultural landmark and, with its golden-hued silhouette, ranks among Italy’s most extraordinary destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sassi di Matera & Park of the Rupestrian Churches (UNESCO)
- Sasso Caveoso & Cave Dwellings
- Sasso Barisano
- Belvedere Murgia Timone & Sassi Panorama
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Matera
- Santa Maria de Idris & San Giovanni in Monterrone
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
- Matera Cathedral & Civita
- Palombaro Lungo
- Murgia Materana & Gravina Canyon
- Santa Lucia alle Malve
- Madonna delle Virtù & San Nicola dei Greci
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto & Sassi Viewpoints
- Casa Noha
- MUSMA – Museum of Contemporary Sculpture
- Convent of Sant'Agostino & Sassi Views
- San Pietro Caveoso
- San Pietro Barisano
- Crypt of the Original Sin
- Matera Bread & Lucanian Cuisine
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Matera Centrale, Matera Sud, Matera Villa Longo