2025 Basilicata Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

▪️As a loyal fan of 007, I have followed 007 to many places, Venice, the Alps, and because of "007. No Time to Die", I am full of curiosity about this cave town. - ▪️I drove from Sorrento for 7 hours to Matera. I have to complain that the roads in Italy are really not good at night, and there are no street lights, it's really too dark. - ▪️It is recommended that friends who drive by themselves park their cars in the new city and then walk to the scenic area. The ancient city of Matera has a history of more than 9,000 years and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The cave buildings here are all excavated on the cliffs, and the church's report building is still preserved, the whole city is like a maze, walking on the old stone road is a special experience. There are also craftsmen making stalactite sculptures by hand on the roadside, remember to buy a stalactite refrigerator sticker to take home~

Passing through a dark cave, I came across a building that seemed to have been used as an old palace, now serving as the MUSMA exhibition hall. The exhibition space inside the cave was truly unique, offering a special experience for viewing the artworks. Moreover, the view of Matera's deep canyon through the window gallery added to the charm. If you visit Matera, I highly recommend stopping by the MUSMA Museum of Contemporary Sculpture. Unlike typical art museums, you'll be amazed by the cave setting, the stunning views, the atmosphere, and the artworks themselves.

The ceiling of the Cattedrale di Matera was so magnificent that I couldn't take my eyes off it from the moment I saw it. When I learned that the decorations were actually paintings directly created on wood, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reverence for the dedication and artistry of Italian craftsmen. For an entrance fee of €3.50, you can explore the interior of the cathedral, including its museum. I recommend checking the mass schedule and opening hours before visiting.

#ThailandFlightEvent I was able to see the warehouse where the people of Matera stored snow in the old days when ice was scarce. It was a chance to learn again that ice has been used for food storage and medical purposes regardless of the East or the West. I recommend visiting the cave dwellings of Matera to see and learn with your own eyes. #italy🇮🇹 #italytravel

#ThailandFlightEvent If you are traveling to Matera, Italy, the first place that comes to mind is probably the Matera Duomo Cathedral. However, before you go to see the sunset, there is one place I would like to recommend. It is the Museum of Modern Sculpture Art hidden in the Sassi residential area. In the dark caves where real people used to live, the sculptures placed alone quietly shine. Since I am used to seeing them in bright galleries, the silence between the space and the artwork felt a little awkward when I first entered the exhibition hall. I recommend stopping by before seeing the sunset where Matera's old stone walls and modern art meet. #italytravel

#ThailandFlightEvent To enter the Cathedral of Matera, you have to pay an entrance fee of 3.5 euros, but it is worth it because the interior of the Duomo Cathedral is beautifully decorated with gold. If you go to Matera, I recommend you to visit the Duomo Cathedral. 📍Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio #beautiful_italy

#HawaiiFlightEvent The space inside Matera Duomo Cathedral, where the Virgin Mary mourns the suffering of Jesus, felt really special. I felt reverent looking at the Virgin Mary in a quiet atmosphere. I was impressed by the delicate architecture of the cathedral, so I recommend you to definitely take a look inside. #beautiful_italy

#HawaiiFlightEvent I was so lucky to be able to visit Matera. I thought there wouldn't be much to see because it was famous for being the place where the famous movie 007 was filmed, but there are so many museums in every corner and the entire city is like an open-air museum, so I recommend visiting Matera, Italy. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport As you go down the stairs in Matera Old Town, you can see not only cafes and restaurants, but also many handicraft shops. If you look around slowly, you can also discover hidden handicraft artists in Matera. I recommend visiting Matera Old Town, which also provides photo spots for passing visitors. 📍Via Rosario, 48, 75100 Matera MT, Italy #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I recommend Matera because you can see the unspeakable view on the way down from the Sassi residential area to the rock church. If you walk towards Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, you will find the way right away. I recommend Matera, another place I want to visit. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport It was a modern sculpture museum that I found by chance in Matera. At first, I hesitated whether to go in because the admission fee was 10 euros, but I think it was a good decision to visit. What made the museum feel more special was that it was using the dwellings where people used to live in caves as exhibition halls. There were many great modern sculptures, and I recommend it because you can view the sculptures by making good use of lighting that matches the caves. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport This is a view of Matera Cathedral from Piazza Duomo. Since car parking is available, if you rent a car and travel, I recommend driving here to see the beautiful scenery and enjoy Matera. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I toured the Matera Cathedral before watching the sunset. I recommend it to those who are interested because you can see the crosses used during mass and old wooden sculptures on display before entering the Duomo. #beautiful_italy 📍Piazza Duomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

#AprilTravelSupportThe flowers blooming along the road seemed to know the history of Matera. Maybe it was because it was the off-season, but when I went, the Matera Sassi area was quiet and nice to walk around. The old houses that could be seen here and there became photo spots, so no matter where I took a picture, it looked like a postcard. I recommend spending time in Matera because it was really special. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport At the Matera market where many locals come to shop, I was able to buy fresh vegetables and fruits at really cheap prices. Oranges and apples sold in large boxes like containers were really cheap. If you travel to Italy, I recommend eating lots of fruits that are delicious, cheap, and bursting with juice. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupportThe Italian city of Matera is famous for being the place that appeared in the 007 movie. When looking around the old town Sassi area, it was a city that made me curious about the history of the city and the stories of the people who lived in caves. It is a place that is suitable for walking, so I recommend that you set aside plenty of time to look around. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport The entrance to Matera Duomo is marked with an arrow at the entrance to the cathedral, but you have to go a little deeper into the back alley. The entrance fee is 3.5 euros. You can also use the bathroom for 50 cents. However, they only accept cash, so I didn't have much money to change, so the staff told me to just go in, and I used it for free. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I was able to see the splendidly decorated manger scene of the birth of Jesus at the Matera Duomo Cathedral. In front of it, I was able to see the stones used to build the cathedral through the glass on the floor. It's worth taking the time to see, so I recommend it if you go to Matera. 📍 Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport Matera Sculpture Museum was a museum I happened to visit. The empty, dark cave dwellings were filled with sculptures and lights, so the focus was on the works, making it great for appreciating the works. The 10 euro admission fee was worth it at all. 📍MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea #beautiful_italy

During my visit to Sassi di Matera, an ancient cave dwelling in Matera, I stumbled upon a small church inside a cave. It was a perfect spot to take a short break. Looking at the church built within the cave, I couldn't help but wonder if the people who lived in such harsh conditions relied on their faith to endure. It's fascinating to see how the people of that time practiced their faith, and I highly recommend visiting this place to get a glimpse of their spiritual life.

#AprilTravelSupport While exploring Matera Old Town, I discovered a pottery workshop and was able to take a look around. I saw a potter working right in front of me, and there was a person who had won an award for a piece he had made himself. I recommend stopping by here when you visit Matera because you can see beautiful ceramic art pieces. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport Matera Sassi area, you can see traces of time in various places, small wooden doors and stone piles. There were a lot of stairs when you walked down to see it. Of course, there were a lot of stairs going up, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for active outdoor activities. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I think the best way to see Sassi di Matera, a World Heritage Site, is to walk around it step by step. I recommend you visit because you can discover the traces of people who dug caves to survive in harsh environments and made them their homes, continuing their lives for generations. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I recommend this place because it's a place I wanted to see again and again. It's a place that many tourists visit, so you have to be careful when taking pictures. If you have free time, I recommend visiting early in the morning or late at night. 📍Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

#AprilTravelSupport In Matera, there is a small cathedral on top of Sassi where you can enjoy a beautiful view. And the bell tower of the church is closer than I thought, so it was amazing to see it easily from the square. 📍Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 75100 Matera #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport There are 17 trains a day connecting Matera and Bari. The last train to Bari departs Matera Central Station at 9:22 PM. I recommend it because you can see the enchanting sunset in Matera and then take the train to Bari. #bellaitalia

#AprilTravelSupport If you get off at Matera Central Station, you can quickly get to the old town in about 7 minutes on foot. There is a tourist information center where you can get a city guide map along the way, and since it is before entering Matera Old Town, there are cafes and marts inside modern buildings, so there are many things to see, so you won't get bored while walking. #bellaitalia

Basilicata is a region in southern Italy that is well known for its forests and mountains. You will find hiking trails all over the region. One of the most appealing things about Basilicata is that, outside of the one or two of the main towns it’s pretty much tourist free and definitely well off the beaten track when it comes to tourists. If you love the great outdoors and want to get away from the crowds Basilicata is the place to be! #getgoing2025 #mountainhike #basilicata #italy