Matera, often referred to as Italy’s “Magic City of Caves and Stones,” is a stunning destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This ancient city, located in the southern region of Basilicata, is renowned for its unique Sassi districts, ancient cave dwellings, and captivating stone architecture. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the best places to visit in Italy, Matera offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Whether you’re exploring its labyrinthine streets, admiring its historical churches, or enjoying the local cuisine, this Matera travel guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Let’s dive into the top things to do and see in Matera, the best places to eat and drink, essential travel tips, and more.
Table of Contents
Top Things to Do and See in Matera
Explore the Old Town
Wandering through the Sassi, the ancient neighborhoods carved into the limestone rock, is the single best thing to do in Matera. The Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso are the two main districts, each offering a glimpse into Matera’s past with their cave dwellings, narrow streets, and charming piazzas. As you stroll through the gorgeous old town, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. If you are only visiting Matera on a day trip, make sure to explore as much of it as you can. Every corner has its charm and will captivate you with its beauty.
Visit the Beautiful Churches
Matera is home to numerous churches, many of which are carved into the rock. Some of the most famous ones include the Rupestrian Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, too, the Cathedral of Matera, and the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, all of which offer breathtaking architecture and art.
Hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone
Of all the thing that are there to see and do in Matera, this hike is at the top of my list. a breathtaking perspective of the Sassi and the Gravina canyon, providing a unique angle on the city’s iconic landscape. Getting there from the Old Town takes about 40 minutes and the route passes the Torrente Gravina river.
You can hike there when you like but I’d recommend hiking to the viewpoint for sunset. And if visiting in summer, make sure to avoid the hike during the day and go there either early in the morning when the sun is not yet so strong or towards the evening. Bring plenty of water and make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Matera is enjoy as much belvederes as you can. Each one offers a unique view. This popular viewpoint, in particular, is easily accessible and provides a stunning view of the Sassi districts. It’s a perfect spot for photos, especially during sunset when the warm light bathes the stone buildings in a golden glow.
Belvedere Tre Archi
Another fantastic viewpoint, Belvedere Tre Archi, offers a unique perspective of the city. It’s a great place to relax and take in the beauty of Matera’s historic architecture.
Belvedere S Pietro
Located near the Church of San Pietro Barisano, this belvedere offers a quiet spot to admire the city’s stone structures and cave dwellings. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.
Piazza S Francesco
Piazza S Francesco is a charming square surrounded by beautiful architecture, including the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi. It’s a great place to sit, relax, and soak in the local atmosphere.
Visit Palombaro Lungo
Discover the underground cistern known as Palombaro Lungo, an impressive feat of engineering that dates back to the 16th century. This vast water reservoir, carved into the rock, is a testament to Matera’s historical ingenuity in water conservation and unmissable attraction.
Visit Castello Tramontano
Explore the unfinished Castello Tramontano, a medieval fortress that offers a glimpse into Matera’s defensive past. Although never completed, the castle’s towers and walls provide an interesting contrast to the city’s cave dwellings.
Visit Casa Noha
Casa Noha is a multimedia museum that offers an immersive experience into Matera’s history. Through videos and exhibitions, visitors can learn about the city’s past, from its prehistoric origins to its modern renaissance.
Casa Grotta
Step into the past with a visit to Casa Grotta, a recreated cave dwelling that offers insight into how people once lived in the Sassi. The preserved interiors provide a fascinating look at daily life in these unique homes.
Palazzo Lanfranchi
Home to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata, Palazzo Lanfranchi houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts. The museum offers a deep dive into the region’s cultural history and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Matera’s Best Restaurants
Brunch Bar I’Ciddar
This is one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve ever been to. It has a very homey atmospehre and friendly and nice owners. The food is without doubts the best I’ve ever had in Italy. Make sure to try their delicious lasagna and mouth-watering tomato-braised meatballs with local bread.
Taverna La Focagna
La Focagna is a tavern in the central Piazza Ridola in the historic center of Matera. In the peasant and Lucanian tradition, the focagna was the fireplace around which people ate, concluded business, and prepared food; it was the center of conversations and stories.
I really loved their pasta and can highly recommend it.
OHIME
OHIME is a trendy eatery, in our experience, popular among the locals. They are particularly known for the puccia, an authentic regional bread from Puglia, known for its softness and fragrance. They use it to create a variety of puccia sandwiches with fillings such as octopus, tuna, salmon, hams, cheeses, etc. The salad portions are quite big, too.
5 Lira
If you’re craving a pizza on the go, this is the place to go to. Lot’s of options, great taste. Located right next to Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Virtus
This is a small eatery on Via Madonna delle Virtu, close to the starting point for the hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone, serving refreshing drinks, the famous Materan Cialledda salad and local sandwiches.
Where to Have a Drink in Matera
- Zipa Café: Zipa Café is the most popular chic spot for enjoying coffee, cocktails, or a glass of wine with a great view of the Gravina canyon.
- Area 8: For a lively nightlife experience, head to Area 8. This bar offers a wide selection of drinks, including craft beers and signature cocktails, along with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. It is located very close to Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli.
- Bar Caffè Tripoli: Bar Caffè Tripoli is a historic café that has been serving Matera’s residents and visitors for generations. Enjoy a classic Italian espresso or a refreshing aperitivo in this iconic venue.
Travel Tips for Visiting Matera
- Matera’s streets are steep and uneven, so comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for an enjoyable trip.
- Stay hydrated by refilling your water bottle at the public fountains scattered throughout the town.
- Popular restaurants can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons, so it’s advisable to book your dining reservations in advance.
- To fully appreciate Matera’s history and architecture, consider taking a guided tour. Local guides can provide invaluable insights into the city’s rich heritage.
How to Get to Matera
The easiest way to get to Matera is to fly to Bari’s airport and then rent a car or take a bus to Matera. There are several buses per day from both the airport and the city center. The journey lasts for about one hour and 20 minutes. We booked tickets online on Omio.
Best Time to Visit Matera
The best time to visit Matera is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions. We visited Matera in the summer and although we really loved it and enjoyed it, I wouldn’t recommend visiting in summer – IT’S TOO HOT!
Conclusion
I hope that this travel guide to visiting Matera gave you a good overview of what to see and do and how to make the most of your trip to this Italian magic city. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Thank you for reading,
Bilyana
