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Did you know that Matera, in the region of Basilicata, is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world? The city is known for its unique cave dwellings, also called the Sassi di Matera. In this article, I will take you to Matera and share my personal tips for visiting this beautiful city.
In 2024, I took a 6-month road trip across Italy. After Molise and Puglia, I drove back up a bit to the region of Basilicata. A visit to the city of Matera had been on my list for a long time and of course could not be missed on this Italian road trip. Unfortunately, I didn’t have more than two days because I was moving on to Calabria and Sicily. After researching online, I made the following itinerary for myself. There is a lot to see and do in Matera so if you have more days to spare, I can definitely recommend it!
I arrived on a Tuesday afternoon in November and after parking my car I was met by my guide Carlo at the entrance to the old town. After a brief introduction, we began a walk through the Sassi di Matera, the famous cave dwellings that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, consist of houses carved directly into the limestone rocks. In addition, a visit to the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario will give you a good impression of life in these cave dwellings.
We also visit a friend of his, who proudly shows off his water tank. This system, also called a “cistern,” is an important part of this southern Italian city. Underneath the houses, churches and other buildings lies a network of cisterns and water channels that collected rainwater from the roofs, stored it in large underground reservoirs and distributed it to the city’s residents. They served as a kind of natural water supply, which is crucial in a region with little surface water.
Beneath the central square Piazza Vittorio Veneto lies the impressive Palombaro Lungo, Matera’s largest underground water cistern. This vast space was constructed in the 16th century and served as a water reservoir for the city. With a capacity of about five million liters of water and a height of about 18 meters, it is often referred to as Matera’s “water cathedral. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into the city’s ingenious water system. Find more information and opening hours on the official website: www.palombarolungo.it.
For breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding gorge, visit the Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, also known as “Tre Archi.” Another stunning vantage point is the Parco della Murgia Materana, from where you have a panoramic view of the Sassi.
Matera has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The Sassi emerged from a prehistoric troglodyte settlement and have been inhabited continuously ever since. A visit to the MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture) offers insight into the evolution of these unique habitations.
Matera has served as the setting for several films, including “The Passion of the Christ” and the James Bond film “No Time to Die.” A walk through the city reveals several recognizable movie locations.
For an authentic culinary experience, there are several restaurants in Matera that serve local specialties. I have tried them all personally, or walked in to get a good idea and judgment. Below are my recommendations.
Staying overnight in the Sassi is fun, and offers a unique experience, but can also be quite pricey. Hotels such as Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offer luxury accommodations in some renovated cave houses. For a more central location with easy access to stores and restaurants, downtown is a good alternative.
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Parking in Matera can be a challenge because of the narrow streets and limited parking. Recommended parking spots include Parcheggio Sant’Isidoro and Parcheggio Park Scotellaro, both within walking distance of the center.
Although Matera, with its steps and uneven streets, may not seem ideal for young children, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities. For example, visit the Sassi in Miniatura or take a walk in the Parco della Murgia Materana.
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