Updated September 2021
Whether you've got a day or a long weekend, here is what to see and all the best things to do in Matera Italy as well as where to stay, where to eat and how to get there.
We weren't supposed to make it to Matera.
After all, we were on a Puglia road trip; heading into the remote region of Basilicata was going out of our way.
And yet, when one learns the story of Matera, it becomes a place that you simply have to visit.
This remarkable city, the third oldest continually inhabited in the world, that once held so much sorrow, is perhaps one of the most fascinating we have ever visited.
Carved into the rock, Matera is composed of a network of caves inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Unknown to much of Italy, the city hid a society living in poverty; malaria was rife and families lived alongside their animals within the caves as a recently as the 1950s.
Exposed and brought out of obscurity by the memoirs of Carlo Levi, the government passed a law forcing all residents into the modern buildings, which today forms the 'new Matera'.
“In these dark holes I saw a few pieces of miserable furniture, beds and some ragged clothes hanging up to dry. On the floor lay dogs, sheep, goats and pigs… Children appeared from everywhere, in the dust and heat, stark naked or in rags, eyelids red and swollen… and with the wizened faces of old men, yellow and worn with malaria, their bodies reduced by starvation to skeletons… I have never in all my life seen such a picture of poverty.”
'Old' Matera however has come a long way in the intervening 70 years.
Today, it is a place to stroll in the sun, marvel at the architecture, fall in love and gain a sense of all that is wonderful about southern Italy. From its position as "the shame of Italy", it was crowned the 2019 European City of Culture. And the caves, once pits of squalor, are now sought after boutique accommodation.
It is for this reason that we were so relieved to have visited Matera before the secret is fully let out. Popular with Italian tourists for the last decade, this ancient city remains relatively unknown to foreign visitors, and when wandering the streets it is still the sing-song lilt of the local language that you will hear.
In the next few years, that is certain to change* so enjoy the chance to get lost in a city of improbable beauty and tradition, where tourism has not yet taken over, whose history can be traced back further than almost any other place known to man.
This is our traveller guide to Matera.
*especially since the new Bond film was filmed there in 2019, and finally released in late 2021.
A Complete Guide to Visiting Matera, Italy
Things to do in Matera
Gain an insight at Casa Noha
Touted as the thing you absolutely must do before visiting the Sassi of Matera (literally meaning stone, but best translated as 'districts'), distracted by a beautiful hot day and an ice-cold beer in Piazzetta Giovanni Pascoli, we somehow managed to miss this - having read more since, it's the one thing we regret from our brief time in Matera.
Funded by two local families whose ancestors used to live on the premises, Casa Noha provides a 25 minute multimedia exhibit relates the often upsetting history of the city provides an incredible to better understand the sassi, and its people.
The Details | Casa Noha is located at Recinto Cavone 9, and is open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. April - October (shorter rest of year). Entry is €5 per person.
Get lost in the Sassi di Matera
The ancient sections of the city are composed of two Sassi - Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso - and by far the best way to discover both is on foot.
Spend a day roaming labyrinth-like narrow alleyways, interconnected loops and pretty little courtyards bursting with bright green cacti. Climb up old stone staircases for spectacular views, discover a pretty piazza and disappear through spectacular archways to encounter a world that looks not of this time.
Whilst Sassi Barisano has undergone a significant amount of development, with old caves beautifully refurbished to create stunning art spaces, boutique hotels and traditional restaurants, it is in the Sassi Caveoso that one can catch a real glimpse of the lives that were lived here not that long ago. Due to safety concerns, a number of caves have become recently inaccessible (we absolutely wouldn't suggest climbing over barriers to get a better look....) but to glimpse into caves, largely untouched since the 50s is utterly fascinating.
It does get very hot in Matera, so try to avoid too much mid-afternoon walking. And, if you want to roam the streets without many other tourists, then simply get out at at 7 a.m. like we did - the city will be your own private museum, and you'll soon see why this is one of our very favourite things to do in Matera.
Whilst we're big fans of getting out and discovering a city by ourselves, for those that prefer having a guide on hand, consider booking a guided walking tour of the Sassi - or even a guided cycle tour.
“Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty.”
walk across the ravine
From the two Sassi of Matera, you can look across the ravine and see a hill punctuated with small caves; these are actually the palaeolithic caves which make Matera's story so unique. To give you some perspective, we're talking about a period in time over 7,000 years ago! And visitors can actually walk across the ravine to explore them and get one of the best views available in Matera.
Take the stairs by Porto Pistola, cross one of the rock bridges and then take your pick of the criss-crossing paths leading up the hill. Due to the view available and the necessity to beat the heat, sunset and sunrise are obviously popular times to make this manageable walk across the ravine in Matera - take plenty water and avoid doing the walk during peak afternoon sun.
Top tip | If you’re looking for the very best view in Matera, you simply have to make your way to Belvedere di Mugia Timone - the location of the crucifixion in The Passion of Christ. Located on the opposite side of the ravine, you can either tie it in with your hike to explore the caves or if you’d prefer a more sedate outing, it’s super easy to drive to.
To get there by car simply take the Taranto-Laterza road (SS7) out of Matera and follow sings for the chiese rupestri. This viewpoint is best enjoyed at sunset, but given its location, if you’re on a road trip it’s ideally done before or after arriving in Matera itself so as to limit driving in and out of the city.
Stay in a Boutique Cave Hotel
If you scroll to the bottom of this post, you’ll find a full section filled with our top accommodation recommendations for Matera, but it would be remiss of us not to mention a night or two in a cave hotel as a must-do during your time here.
Many of the previously abandoned caves have, over the last few years, been converted into stunning boutique hotels, and if you were ever looking for a chance - or a reason - to splurge, we think this might be it!
For a truly indulgent experience, we’d recommend Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita or Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort
Check out the Cathedral
Atop Civitas hill, on the highest point between the two Sassi lies the 13th century Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral. Recently re-opened following a mammoth 10 year restoration project, this is a hugely popular attraction for visiting Italians. Even those with less of a Catholic-persuasion will appreciate the fantastic view from its privileged position overlooking the Sassi Barisano.
You can find it here on Google Maps.
Did you know | Matera has more than 150 chiese rupestre (churches literally literally chiselled into rock or built into caves). Small, labyrinthine, and covered with ancient frescoes, and a truly unique feature of Southern Italy. Built in the 12th century, San Pietro Barisano is the largest in Matera, but others also worthy of discovering are Santa Maria di Idris, Santa Lucia alle Malve, Santa Maria de Armenis and Madonna delle Virtù.
For those that have a car, it’s also worth visitng La Cripta del Peccato Originale (The Crypt of Original Sin), an 8th century natural cave church commonly known as ‘the Sistine Chapel of repustrian art’ with some of Italy’s oldest Christian images outside of Rome’s catacombs. Visit to the crypt, located five miles outside of Matera, are guided and must be booked in advance. Find out more on their website.
Visit MUSMA
If contemporary art and sculpture is your thing, don't miss Matera's Museum of Modern Art based in a wonderfully refurbished 17th century cave palace.
The details | MUSMA is located at Via S. Giacomo and is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Entry is €5 per person.
Taste authentic matera bread
Besides a quick overnight stop in Bari, Matera was our first real stop on this road trip. Understandably, we were prepared to gorge on all things carbohydrate. What surprised us however, was the distinct lack of pizza and pasta on most menus. Turns out that Matera is famous for something else...its bread.
We're not going to lie. it's pretty darn good bread too.
With a loaf shape evocative of the stones and caves, it is made from 'hard wheat' from the area and preparation of the yeast must follow a certain process. This all results in the unique taste and deliciously crunchy crust. Commonly served as a sandwich (although we did enjoy the odd bruschetta too), you can expect filling such as roasted eggplant, zucchini, cheese and pesto for the veggies, or all number of cured meats for the carnivore inclined.
For those wanting to get an even deeper understanding of the local cuisine, consider a three-course cooking class in a cave restaurant.
Where to Stay in Matera
So, you've discovered the best things to do in Matera - now, where do you stay?
Whether you want a luxury cave, the best value option or something in between, this wonderful city is bursting with accommodation choices; here's our pick of the best.
Budget accommodation/hostels in Matera
L'Ostello dei Sassi | Located in the Sassi, this is an excellent opportunity to get 'the cave experience' on a budget. Helpful staff with modern facilities. We'd definitely recommend the six or four bed dorm over the larger one. See more and check availability.
Mid-range Hotels in Matera
L'Hotel in Pietra | It's actually quite amazing that you can stay in this phenomenal hotel for as little as £75 a night - it's absolutely beautiful! Converted from a 13th Century monastery, this boutique hotel has vast, grand rooms and suites with vaulted ceilings, mezzanine levels, and stunning views over the town - check availability here.
Luxury Hotels in Matera
Le Grotte Della Civita | Looking for the ultimate luxury cave hotel? Le Grotte Della Civita, with its medieval romance in a spectacular hilltop setting, may well be it. Beautifully unique rooms and suites with vaulted ceilings, sandstone walls, and standalone bathtubs with burning log fires. Delicious food, cooking lessons, and spectacular views. Definitely one for honeymooners or romantic breaks. Click here to find out more and check availability.
Airbnbs in Matera
If, you prefer to have access to a kitchen and enjoy a bit of extra space on your travels, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of amazing Airbnbs on offer in Matera, for all budgets.
IDYLLE MAISON & ESSENCE SUITE | Coming in at £150 per night for two people, these two beautiful, impeccably designed airbnbs within converted caves (both with outdoor space) are well worth a look if they suit your budget. We’d happily move into either of them tomorrow!
MATER CASA VACANZA | If you love the style of the above two, but are looking for something under £100, be sure to check out this lovely design-focussed Airbnb (or this one if you’d like a little more space).
LA STUFETTA | If you prefer your Airbnbs to look more like a home, this is an excellent option filled with creative touches, traditional features and vintage pieces. It’s also rather good value for money!
Cloverleaf | If you love the idea of staying the historic centre but want a bit more light than most cave homes offer, check out this one. Stylish, clean lines, a little terrace and big window!
Casa Vacanze In Via Rosario | The best budget option we could find in the historic area, this starts from £54 a night and has exceptional reviews. Tastefully refurbished, it has all mod cons you’ll need for your stay.
Two other excellent affordable Airbnbs are this one and this one.
You can more Airbnbs in Matera here, whilst there are also a number of listings on booking.com.
How to get to Matera
Car | We visited Matera as part of our 10-day Puglia road trip, and we highly recommend this as the best way to discover the region. Car rental is available at Bari and Brindisi airports, and we booked via Auto Europe.
If you are renting, try to avoid driving too much in the old town. Your best bet for a free parking space will be on the streets of the more modern parts of Matera, we recommend you ask ahead at your accommodation for instructions on where to park. For first time drivers in Italy, you can find more advice and driving tips in this post.
Train | If you want to travel to Matera by train, the best way is to make your way to Bari. From there, you will find regular departures from the Bari FAL train station (just across the road from the main railway station). Journey from Bari to Matera takes 1.5 hours and costs just €5.
If you're using public transport to get around Italy, then check out Omio which is a fantastic free app/website for anyone travelling independently in Europe. It gives train and bus times, designs the easiest or cheapest route from A to B and lets you book tickets centrally and easily in your own language.
Want to know more about Matera and its transformation? Then this Smithsonian article is a must read!
