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

#ancienttownvibes Stepping into Matera felt like entering a different era—an ancient world carved into the limestone cliffs of southern Italy. Known as the “City of Stones,” Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with its iconic Sassi cave dwellings preserving centuries of history and culture. As I wandered through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways, stone-carved staircases, and rustic dwellings, I was transported back in time, surrounded by a city that has stood the test of millennia. My exploration began in Sasso Caveoso, one of the two historic districts, where ancient cave homes, rock-hewn churches, and underground cisterns blended seamlessly into the landscape. The soft golden hues of the tufa rock glowed under the morning sun, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain. Every turn revealed another hidden passage, a weathered doorway, or a panoramic terrace overlooking the Gravina Gorge. I marveled at how people once lived in these cave homes, their walls echoing stories of resilience and adaptation. One of the most striking sights was the Rupestrian Churches, sacred spaces carved directly into the rock, adorned with faded frescoes that whispered of long-forgotten prayers. Santa Maria de Idris, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, offered breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding valley. The church’s dimly lit interior, with its centuries-old frescoes, carried an air of solemnity, reminding me of Matera’s deep spiritual roots. As I strolled through Sasso Barisano, the larger and more restored district, I saw how Matera had transformed in recent years. Boutique hotels, charming cafés, and artisan workshops now breathed new life into the ancient stone dwellings. I paused for an espresso at a terrace overlooking the city, soaking in the surreal contrast of past and present. The silence of the old streets, interrupted only by the distant ringing of church bells, made me appreciate the unique blend of history and modernity that defines Matera. At sunset, I climbed to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, an overlook offering an unrivaled view of the city. As the golden light bathed the Sassi, Matera seemed to glow from within, its stone buildings resembling a cascading waterfall of light. The moment was almost mystical, a reminder of why this place has captivated travelers, artists, and filmmakers alike. Matera was more than just an ancient city—it was a living testament to human endurance, a place where history, culture, and raw beauty intertwined seamlessly. Walking its streets was like retracing the footsteps of countless generations, each stone holding a story, each shadow whispering a secret. This journey left me in awe of Matera’s timeless charm, and I departed with the sense that I had experienced something truly extraordinary.

▪️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~

Matera, Italy This is a 7,000-year-old ancient city and another world cultural heritage site in southern Italy. In the early days, the entire ancient city was built along the mountain wall and people lived in caves. It was not until the 19th century that the Italian government realized that the people here often fell ill due to the humidity because they had lived in the caves for a long time. The houses we see today have been rebuilt by the government. Matera, Italy This ancient city, which dates back 7,000 years, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy. In its early days, the entire ancient city was built along the cliffs. It wasn't until the 19th century that the Italian government realized the residents, who had long lived in caves, were often falling ill due to the damp conditions. Today, the houses have been rebuilt by the government to address these issues.

located in Matera city, southern Italy, Basilicata Region, this unique Unesco World Heritage Site is an extensive cave-dwelling districts, called the sassi. The caves of Matera had been inhabited for centuries, even now people there are still living there, after been renovated to become a comfortable houses. In 1993 the town was made a UNESCO World Heritage site, for being "the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem". Have you see the Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ? Well Matera was the one of the filming locations! #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #lucaworldtraveler

Matera is an absolutely amazing gem to visit on the map of Italy! With plenty of architectural surroundings and historical places of interest this is definitely the place you should visit if you consider yourself as a lover of these subjects. With plenty of wallet friendly bars, caffès and restaurants and can really fully enjoy your time there not overpaying for the service and quality you receive. And most importantly amazing and friendly local people that will help and socialise with you at any time #createwithtrip #matera#mountainview #palazzo Gattini #italy #history##awesomepic #cafe

#High Altitude Viewing #Overseas Travel Stepping into the ancient city of Matera in southeastern Italy, I felt the fascinating attraction hidden here! It has no gorgeous buildings, no bustling markets, no bright colors, and no exquisite appearance. But it has history, uniqueness, antiquity, simplicity and primitiveness. To see the most simple, beautiful and original Matera, there is an observation deck located in the new city that is not to be missed. The New Town is located on a high ground. The Belvedere sui Sassi next to Palazzo Lanfranchi is a must-visit place for every tourist. From here, you can overlook a visually stunning panoramic view of the ancient city. 📍 Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli Piazzetta Pascoli, 75100 Matera MT #星WRITERCHONGCHONG #ItalyTravel

Matera is located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. Matera is famous for its history of Sassi caves. People have lived there since the Paleolithic Age. The stacked Sassi caves have houses, churches, etc., but there is no running water in the caves, and the poor living conditions lead to serious infectious diseases. Before the 1960s, there were still poor people living here. It was not until the government began to pay attention to this area and relocated people elsewhere and improved the environment that it became what it is today. #travelinspiration#travelbeautifulgirlsphotography#attractionphotographyguide

Nestled in a small canyon carved by the Gravina River, this town was inhabited for thousands of years since the Palaeolithic times. In the prehistoric times, the local population started to settle in dwellings in the calcareous rock of the canyon itself that today are known as 'sassi'. Due to the extreme poverty conditions in the '50s, the government had to relocate most of its population to new housing in the modern part of the city. Thanks to a change in culture and in local administrators, the 'Sassi's' saw a renaissance in the early 90's and are now being promoted as touristic attractions. Over the last two decades, many economic activities have populated these dwellings: restaurants, pubs, shops, bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels. Today Matera is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today it is a must-stop for many tourists who travel across Southern Italy, especially after a stay in Apulia or Calabria.

So ancient and unique! In the cave-city in southern Italy, Matera, it feels like you are stepping back in time!

Here condenses the unique Mediterranean aesthetic: the blue of the Amalfi Coast, stamped by National Geographic as a "must-visit in a lifetime"; the pure white mushroom houses of Alberobello, a real-life fairy-tale town; the desolate caves of Matera, hiding 9,000 years of human survival epics... Seven days here isn't just passing through—it's immersion. Greet the sunrise atop Mount Vesuvius, touch the magical light in a rowboat inside the Blue Grotto, and count stars under the Trulli stone roofs. Southern Italy's romance is never superficial—it nestles in the crispy edge of the pizza you bite into, the shadows of lemon trees climbing the cliffs, and the flickering candlelight in cave hotels, taking root in your memory forever. ⛺【Must-Visit Spots】 Naples—The vibrant birthplace of pizza; A timeless dialogue between volcano and ancient city; Sorrento's lemon fragrance and Capri's Blue Grotto; Amalfi Coast—God's dropped palette; Matera—Stay in a 9,000-year-old cave hotel; The white maze and fairy-tale mushroom houses; Cliff diving and seafood feasts. 🛬【Travel Guide】 D1 Traverse a 2,700-year-old historic city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!), bite into a freshly baked Margherita pizza🍕—its crispy crust blending with the rich aroma of buffalo mozzarella, your taste buds diving straight into Southern Italy’s embrace. At dusk, climb Castel Nuovo for a distant view of Mount Vesuvius, silent and enigmatic in the sunset. D2 Sorrento’s Cliffside Road: Roll down the window—sea breeze mixed with lemon zest rushes in! Stop at the viral hairpin turn with a cup of freshly squeezed lemon granita🍋, golden fruits hanging heavy on branches, the air itself sweet and tangy. Positano: Colorful houses cascade down cliffs into the sea. Stroll along stone steps, sipping Limoncello under rainbow umbrellas at Spiaggia Grande Beach—movie-worthy romance unlocked✓ Amalfi Town: Explore the Arabesque cathedral inlaid with black and gold, then craft your own lemon-scented paper📜 at the Paper Museum—once Europe’s papermaking hub, its ancient craft still thrives. D3 Step into a "007" filming location—the Sassi cave dwellings, as desolate and mysterious as the moon’s surface. Spend the night in a cave hotel, savoring Puglian lamb stew by candlelight, the cool touch of ancient stone walls making you feel like sleeping alongside prehistoric ancestors. D4 Ostuni: Lose yourself in the labyrinth of staircases in the "White City," turning corners to vibrant blue doors and red flowers, with the Adriatic Sea’s azure stretching above. Alberobello: Stay in a UNESCO-listed Trulli mushroom house🏠! Its conical stone roof looks plucked from a fairy tale. Polignano a Mare: Dine at the cliffside Grotta Palazzese, slicing into freshly caught octopus as waves crash into the grotto below. Dive into the emerald waters of Blue Grotto Beach—be a free fish. D5 Pompeii: Walk streets frozen in volcanic ash, touch the undimmed vermilion of bathhouse frescoes—time stopped here in 79 AD. Sit quietly on the amphitheater’s stone steps, almost hearing echoes of ancient roars. Mount Vesuvius: Hike to the summit of this active volcano🌋, peering into its crater while overlooking the sapphire Bay of Naples—life and death’s grandeur laid bare. ✨ Your Southern Italy Cheat Sheet Flavor Bombs: Sorrento lemon gelato, Positano cliffside seafood fry, Matera cave dinners. Lodging Gem: Matera cave hotels (€120+/night). Golden Season: May-June or Sept-Oct—avoid heat and crowds, when lemons glow gold🍋! Unique Experience: Pick lemons in Sorrento’s orchards! Brew your own Limoncello, bottling Southern Italy’s sunshine to take home.

City: Matera ⛰️ Region: Basilicata, Southern Italy 🌟 Highlights: Cave architecture, rock churches, mountain hiking, UNESCO World Heritage Site 💬 Most tourists visit Matera for just one night, staying in a cave hotel and taking a few photos before leaving. But if you treat Matera merely as a 'photo spot,' you'll miss its essence—it’s not just a 'destination,' but a living relic of civilization and an immersive experience of Italian cave dwelling. ✅ How to make your trip worthwhile? ① Choose the right cave hotel for an authentic experience! ⛏️ Matera accommodations fall into two categories: Modernized hotels (cave exterior, modern interiors) Authentic cave dwellings (dim lighting, rough walls, fireplaces) 👉 Recommendations: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: Authentic experience with candle lighting and a rich atmosphere Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa: Comfortable option with a spa and sunlit courtyard, ideal for couples La Dimora di Metello: Stylish design with a balcony overlooking the old town 📝 Stay at least one night to experience the serene beauty of the stone city at night. Book popular rooms two months in advance. ② Take the 'Sassi Old Town → Opposite Valley' hiking route This is not just any mountain trail but a path through stone civilization and cave dwellings, about 3.5 km long, offering a highly immersive experience! Starting point: Sasso Caveoso village entrance Ending point: Murgia Timone viewpoint 🕰 Duration: About 1 hour one way ✨ Highlights include: Rock church 'Santa Maria de Idris' Abandoned cave dwelling ruins (some accessible for photos) Panoramic views of Matera along the way, perfect for sunset shots 🎒 Essentials: Hiking shoes/sneakers, sun hat, snacks, water bottle (no supplies along the way) ③ Explore 'Cave Churches + Interactive Exhibitions' for a cultural deep dive Instead of just snapping photos, visit these two immersive cultural spots: 🕍 Casa Noha: Start here! It’s Matera’s recommended 'immersive interpretation center,' featuring projection films that narrate the city’s transformation from prehistoric times to modernity. The walls themselves are converted from original cave dwellings—truly stunning. ⛪ Santa Lucia alle Malve + Santa Maria de Idris: These two cave churches preserve 13th–14th century frescoes and paintings, with dim lighting creating a deeply atmospheric experience. 🎫 Ticket tip: Purchase the Sassi combo ticket (around €15), which grants access to multiple sites. ④ Nighttime strolls reveal Matera’s true soul 🕯️ After 9:00 PM, most tourists leave, and the old town’s lights and tranquility become enchanting. 🏘️ Recommended route: Via Fiorentini → Piazza San Pietro Caveoso → Via Madonna delle Virtù 📸 Photography Tips: Use streetlights at night for shadow and light effects, paired with stairways in front of cave doors for composition Wear a dark long dress and shawl for a 'mystical old town' vibe Use iPhone low-light photography or tripod for long exposure shots ⑤ Extended experiences: Explore unopened caves + traditional bread baking 💬 Many caves are not open to the public, but you can book 'cave life experiences' through local community organizations: 🧑‍🌾 Activities include: Entering unopened cave dwellings to see original household items Grinding flour with stone mills and baking bread in cave ovens Listening to villagers recount how past generations adapted to seasonal changes without electricity 🎒 Practical Tips for Matera: 🛤️ Transportation: From Bari, it’s about 1.5 hours by train or you can opt for car rental/self-driving 🧭 Suggested stay: At least 1 night; for a deeper experience, plan 2 nights and 1.5 days 🍽️ Restaurant recommendations: Trattoria del Caveoso: Southern Italian cuisine in a rustic setting Dimora Ulmo: Fine dining, Michelin-recommended 🧦 Outfit tips: Wear sturdy shoes that can handle dirt; bring a light jacket for morning and evening temperature changes Matera’s beauty lies not in its age but in how it lets you step into a thousand-year-old living city like an archaeologist.

If you're looking for a unique and special place in Matera, Italy, I highly recommend this spot. It features a blend of ancient cave dwellings and former aristocratic palaces, all arranged like an exhibition hall. Exploring the hidden treasures and discovering fascinating works of art was truly enjoyable. One minor downside is that having audio guides for the artworks would allow for a deeper appreciation of the pieces. Nevertheless, it's a great place to experience the distinctive atmosphere of Matera and admire captivating artworks. 📍Via S. Giacomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

This place in Matera offers a stunning view. It is the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture in Matera, Italy. The museum is surprisingly large and features a wide variety of contemporary sculptures. If you're planning to visit Matera, I highly recommend stopping by here. It was an especially unique experience to see works by local Italian artists for the first time. 📍MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Via S. Giacomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

📌 Matera, Italy ✔️ 4-star hotel ✔️ Check-in: 2:30 PM / Check-out: 11:00 AM - Free breakfast - Parking available (€20, reservation required through the hotel) - Pet-friendly Highly rated on various travel platforms, offering a unique cave accommodation experience in the ancient city of Matera.

📍Corte San Pietro, Matera ✔️Corte San Pietro is a unique cave hotel located in the heart of the Sassi district in Matera, featuring elegant interiors made from limestone. ✔️Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay thanks to the friendly service and cozy atmosphere. The breakfast, in particular, stands out for its exceptional taste and quality, made with local specialties. ✔️Breakfast, location, hospitality, and rooms all receive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

📍 Sassi di Matera ✔️ Ancient cave dwellings located in Matera, Southern Italy 🏞️ These limestone cliffs have been inhabited since prehistoric times, leaving traces of human life. ✔️ Divided into two districts: 'Sasso Barisano' and 'Sasso Caveoso,' Through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, churches⛪, houses, and storage facilities were established. ✔️ Once a slum, it was restored and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 🌍 Today, it is a beloved tourist destination thanks to its unique scenery!

📍Sassi di Matera ✔️ Limestone cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, making it one of the oldest living settlements in the world. ✔️ Initially simple cave dwellings, over time they expanded to include churches, monasteries, and communal living spaces. ✔️ At night, the Sassi area is illuminated, creating a romantic and mysterious atmosphere unique to Matera. Traditional handmade crafts by local artisans can be found in shops scattered throughout the area, offering a delightful experience for those seeking unique souvenirs.

The Matera Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, where the works of artist Gianni Dessì were particularly impressive, is housed in a well-preserved, elegant space that was once home to nobility. The museum offers a unique atmosphere, completely different from typical art galleries. The entire exhibition space, with its modern sculptures set against the backdrop of historic architecture, feels like one cohesive masterpiece. If you visit Matera, I highly recommend stopping by. 📍Via S. Giacomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

This viewpoint next to Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso offers a stunning panoramic view of the canyon located in the eastern region of Matera. The scenery, featuring cliffs and ancient caves, is truly unique and unmatched. After exploring the Catholic church, San Pietro Caveoso, make sure to visit this spot to enjoy the breathtaking Matera landscape. It's also a perfect place for photography📷

#ThailandFlightEvent Sant’Agostino al Casalnuovo, a church in the rock of Matera, is a small but surprising place. This place was dug out of a soft rock called Tufoam and was used as a chapel, a house for people to live in, a warehouse, a stable for animals, and even a quarry for various purposes. You can also see traces of the mining, where the floor is about 3 meters lower. If you want to see the unique history of Matera, I highly recommend stopping by. #EuropeTravel #OverseasTravel #italytravel #matera

Marvelous contemporary artworks at the Matera Museum of Modern Sculpture. The museum's greatest charm lies in its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Modern sculptures are displayed within ancient residential spaces that seem frozen in time, creating an atmosphere where the past feels alive once more. It's a must-visit for art lovers. If you're in Matera, make sure to explore the Duomo Cathedral and then walk behind it to find the museum. Highly recommended!

The tranquil atmosphere of Matera perfectly complemented the stunning sculptures I encountered in this Italian city. Matera itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the artworks displayed within the historic old residences and ancient palaces felt truly unique. The serene ambiance of Matera allowed me to appreciate the sculptures on a deeper level. If you're interested in art, I highly recommend visiting this sculpture museum in Matera. 📍Via San Giacomo, 47-49, 75100 Matera

📍Ssasi di Matera ✔️ Matera is a hidden gem in southern Italy, known for its unique limestone cave dwellings and rich history. ✔️ It is also famous as the filming location for movies like 'The Passion of the Christ' and '007: No Time to Die,' making it a fascinating destination for movie enthusiasts. ✔️ Combining modern elements with ancient charm, Matera is considered a perfect travel destination that harmonizes history and culture. Stroll through the alleys and stone stairways to explore the city.

📍Church of Saint Mary of Idris ✔️Located in Matera, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this unique cave church is a remarkable site. ✔️It is one of the most famous religious structures within the Sassi district of Matera, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name "Idris" is believed to derive from the Greek word "Odysseos," meaning water. Situated at the top of Sasso Caveoso, the church harmonizes beautifully with Matera's limestone cliffs.

📌Matera, Italy ✔️A city with a long history dating back to the Paleolithic era, boasting a unique charm where ancient and modern coexist. ✔️At the heart of the city lies the cathedral and cave churches, showcasing its religious significance. Recently, it gained international attention as it was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2019, alongside cultural regeneration projects.

#ThailandFlightEvent I happened to visit a diamond-like modern sculpture museum in Matera. I was able to see Alberto Timossi's Croce work. The red cross was installed inside an old cave dwelling, and it was even more impressive because it was Matera. I was surprised again when I saw that the material Timossi used was plastic. Seeing that plastic, which we often use in real life, was used for different purposes for art, his work Cross felt even more different. I recommend you stop by when you visit Matera. #italytravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel #ItalyTravel

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.