I first visited Italy in the early 2000’s and fell in love with the country. On previous trips I’ve been to the must-see destinations of Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. On this trip this past fall 2022, I focused on the Puglia Region and some lesser known destinations such as Bari, Polignano a Mare, and Matera.
In this post, I share with you lovely travel images and my suggested highlights to do in Matera, Italy. I stayed for two nights but would recommend 3 nights if you have the time.
About Matera
Matera, Italy is a city located in the region of Basilicata in southern Italy. The city is known for its unique architecture and its history as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
Matera’s most famous feature is the Sassi, a complex of cave dwellings that were carved into the rock in prehistoric times. These caves, which were used as homes for centuries, were abandoned in the 1950s, but have since been restored and converted into hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Sassi are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction in Matera.
The city’s history can be traced back to the Paleolithic era, and it has been inhabited by various civilizations throughout the centuries. The Romans, Normans, and Lombards all left their mark on the city, and there are many ancient churches and other architectural structures throughout Matera that reflect this rich history.
Matera is also known for its traditional cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the local agriculture and livestock. Some of the most popular dishes include traditional pasta dishes such as orecchiette and lagane, as well as meat dishes such as cinghiale (wild boar) and capriolo (venison).
In recent years, Matera has become a popular destination for film and television productions, thanks to its unique setting and historical architecture. The city has been the backdrop for many movies and TV shows, including the recent film “The Passion of the Christ” and the TV series “The Young Pope.”
Overall, Matera is a unique and fascinating city that offers visitors a glimpse into Italy’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or traditional cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming southern Italian city.
Getting to Matera
There is a train station in Matera but no trains. Don’t ask. I travelled to Matera from Polignano a Mare by bus (booking my bus travel from home before flying to Italy). The trip took 55 minutes. Please note that the bus drops you outside the old part of the city and the walk into the UNESCO protected “Sassi” area was about 30 minutes (longer if you’re a slow walker). Cars are not permitted into the Sassi so be forewarned.
Things to Do
- Walk along the winding main road along the edge of the ravine
- The first thing you should do when visiting is get to know Matera by walking along the main road both during the day, early evening and night. The views are absolutely stunning. The main two viewing points are Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli and Belvedere Luigi.
- Along your journey there are many shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Wander the Streets of the Sassi
- Just get lost. I stumbled upon this excellent cave bar that I visited nightly for a cocktail before bed. There are many churches carved into the stone worth seeing. Your hotel will have an easy to follow map that lists everything worth seeing on a self-guided walking tour.
- Hike Over to the Belvedere
- The Belvedere hike is a two hour hike through the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana. It takes you to a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Matera and has many interesting points of interest along the way.
- I did the hike in under 2 hours but I would recommend going in the early morning to avoid the afternoon sun. I would not recommend doing this at dusk as there are no lights and gets dark in the valley. See image of the valley above.
Hotel & Food/Drink
- Hotel
- I stayed at the Basiliani Hotel Matera. The buffet breakfast was delicious and with tables overlooking the valley below, it was made even better. What a way to start your morning!
- The hotel itself is carved into the stone which provides for a unique stay.
- Drink
- My favourite place to grab a cocktail in the evening was at Zipa Cafe. Great ambiance, great cocktails and a chance to chat with other locals and tourists in an intimate setting.
- Restaurants
- Dedalo: Had a great meal here with excellent staff. The owner took me on a tour of the restaurant after dinner explaining his philosophy for the space and even showed me a special bottle of champagne Daniel Craig (James Bond) gave him for dining at his restaurant while he was there filming a Bond film.
- Ristorante nei Sassi di Matera: I had a great meal on the patio here overlooking Matera. Friendly and attentive staff that took the time to explain the menu. Great wine too.
Before you book your trip to Italy, check out this post and pack like a pro!
Wow, great post and amazing photo’s. I would love to hear more about the other two locations you visited!
Thank you. I plan on doing more travel blog entries this year.