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Best activites in Matera

Christian
July, 2024

To help you make the most of your visit to Matera, we present the top activities and must-see sights in this charming city. Depending on your interests, plan to spend one to two days exploring Matera. This timeframe allows for visits to nearby attractions like the Murgia Materana Park and the Crypt of Original Sin.

If you’re in a hurry and just want to discover the top 10 highlights, head over to our Matera Guide.

Planning a road trip through Apulia? Check out the Road Trips section in our Matera Guide. We have two fantastic itineraries for you.

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Get lost in the Sassi di Matera

The consist of two districts, the Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso. Here you'll find the reknown ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Called once “the ‘Shame of Italy’ it is now the reason Matera is an UNESCO world heritage site. Wander through the maze of alleyways, and charming courtyards adorned with lush cacti and visit one or two cave homes. Also visit its unique rock churches and delight in the breathtaking vistas all across town.

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 fascinating glimpse of the lives that were once lived here.

Tip: If you click on the name"Sassi di Matera" either here or on our Destimondo map, you'll find a popular walking itinerary, that takes you to the most important sights.

Visit churches and convents

Matera is home to remarkable rupestrian churches and convents with ancient frescoes. On your walk through Matera you'll naturally come across them. Make sure you visit/

  • , the largest cave church in Matera with rich frescoes
  • with its stunning vistas
  • the , perched atop the city's highest point

With the combi church pass you can also visit the and San Giovannni. However, the best feature is actually the wonderful outside. You can also visit the , and the with its ancient frescoes.

Visit the Palombaro Lungo

For a unique experience explore this immense underground cistern. Hidden beneath Matera's , this vast water collection system showcases ingenious engineering from the past. The scale and engineering of this subterranean wonder are a testament to the resourcefulness of Matera's inhabitants, dealing with the region's scarce water resources.

Explore one of the cave dwellings

For an authentic Matera experience, learn about its famous cave dwellings. They offer a unique glimpse into the austere yet ingenious living conditions of the past. It doesn't matter that much which cave you visit. They are pretty similar. Just choose a convenient one on your route:

  • Casa Grotta nei Sassi provides a vivid glimpse into traditional life in Matera
  • Casa Grotta C'era Una Volta: Located in Sasso Barisano, this cave house offers insights into the traditional Materan way of life, with original furnishings and tools. It is usually less crowded than nei Sassi.
  • : Situated in Sasso Caveoso, it's another excellent example of a traditional cave dwelling
  • Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo: Also located in Sasso Caveoso

The is worth mentioning. With its 25-minute film it gives the needed historic context into Matera's difficult past. It's best to watch the film before your walk.

Hike in the Murgia Materana Park

is just a stone's throw away from Matera. The park's trails, such as the one leading to the , offer stunning views of the Sassi within its rugged terrain. You can also visit one of the 150 rock churches like the .

The Crypt of Original Sin

The , often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art," is located 20 min outside Matera. This ancient cave church is adorned with vibrant frescoes from the 9th century, representing some of the earliest Christian art in the region.

Enjoy the many viewpoints

One of the best activities in Matera is to enjoy the panoramic vistas of the city and look out for the perfect photo spot. These spots come highly recommended:

  • Offers a fantastic panoramic view of the entire Sassi from across a gorge. You can reach this viewpoint by foot or car. If you have the time, take a hike into the Murgia Materana Park.
  • : Situated at the highest point in the city in front of Matera’s main cathedral, offering a bird's eye view of the Sassi
  • In Front of Maison d’Ax: A stone walkway in front of Maison d’Ax provides unobstructed views of the southern half of the Sassi
  • In Front of : A vantage point offering nearly 180-degree views of the Sassi
  • right next to the Piazza Vittoria Veneto offers a first glimpse into Sasso Barisano
  • Piazza San Pietro Caveoso: Next to Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso, this spot offers a great view of the Matera ravine and old town
  • Murgia Materana Park: Unique views of Matera can be captured from various caves and hiking trails within this park
  • Just North of Hotel Sassi: Accessible via a walkway past Hotel Sassi, offering a view back towards the main cathedral
  • Gradoni Sant’Antonio: A viewpoint focusing more on the cobblestoned streets and the Matera Cathedral rather than a panoramic view of the town
  • : Provides amazing views of the old town and the Matera Cathedral
  • Crialoss Bistro: For drinks or dinner with a view, this spot offers one of the best views of Matera from its outdoor terrace

Museum of Contemporary Sculpture (MUSMA)

Housed in a 16th-century palace within the Sasso Caveoso, , the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, blends modern art with ancient history. This unique museum showcases a large collection of sculptures in a setting that contrasts yet complements the contemporary works with the ancient cave backdrop.

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