Matera is rich in ancient history and natural heritage. Most visitors come here to visit the Sassi or Old Town. Matera’s Sassi is renowned all over the world for its ancient cave dwellings, which were built 9,000 years ago. Many of these cave homes are still inhabited, while others have been remodelled to offer one-of-a-kind accommodation or to serve as shops and restaurants. Matera’s caves are part of the city’s Civita district, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are other tourist attractions in Civita district. Must-sees include San Agostino’s monastery, which offers panoramic views, and the rock churches of Santa Lucia alle Malve and San Giovanni Monterrone, where you can admire medieval cave paintings. The Casa Cava cultural centre is built underground and is home to many art displays and events.
Other landmarks of interest include Matera’s Olive Oil Museum, the art museum at Palazzo Lanfranchi, the city’s cathedral and the 16th-century Tramontano castle.
Natural reserves and green areas surround Matera, with Murgia Materana Regional Park and Gravina de Matera park being closest to the town centre. Within a 20-minute drive, you can reach San Giulano’s Lake and Natural Reserve, while 48 kilometres north of town is Alta Murgia National Park, known for its spectacular canyons and ancient fortresses. If travelling with kids, make time for the multimedia Casa Noha museum, where the little ones can learn about life in Matera’s ancient cave homes through interactive displays.
Traditional food in Matera is simple and flavourful. Matera-style pasta dishes feature ingredients like crusco peppers, tomatoes and Pecorino cheese. Other local dishes include bread and tomato salad and the legume-based stew known as crapiata. There’s a large cluster of restaurants for all budgets between the cave home district and the cathedral, along Via Duomo.
The main shopping street in town is Via Lucana, where you’ll find everything from wine stores to boutiques. To explore the products created by local artisans working with stone, leather, wood and ceramics, head to Civita district, where the cave homes are located.
One of the most important events in Matera is Madonna della Bruna, the city’s patron saint. This takes place every 2 July and brings dazzling parades to the streets of the Old Town. Easter brings the light and sound festival of Mater Sacra, and Carnival (17 January) is also a big celebration. Between September and November, Matera hosts MA/IN, a digital art and electronic music festival.
If you fancy a day of relaxation by the water, take a day trip to the beaches of Metaponto or Policoro. Metaponto offers some of the most impressive ruins of Ancient Greece to be found in the Basilicata region, while Policoro boasts golden sands and is home to multiple species of birds and wildlife.
