Matera, Italy: Exploring the Ancient Sassi Cave City – Top Attractions and Travel Guide
Matera, Italy
Matera stands out as one of Italy's most captivating destinations. This ancient town, carved into a ravine with cave dwellings, offers a unique blend of history and adventure. Discover our top tips for experiencing Matera.
Matera, in southern Italy's Basilicata region, boasts one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, dating back to the 10th millennium BC—around 10,000 years ago—with evidence of earlier Paleolithic use spanning 400,000 years.
Ranked among the third oldest cities globally, Matera remained overlooked for decades, earning the moniker "Shame of Italy" due to extreme poverty, where families lived in squalid caves alongside livestock, highlighting Italy's past underdeveloped image.
Today, Matera has undergone a remarkable renaissance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and premier tourist spot, even featuring in the James Bond film No Time to Die.
After three immersive days exploring, here are the best things to do in Matera, Italy, for your visit.
Best Things to Do in Matera, Italy
1. Wander the Sassi di Matera
Matera features a modern upper town and two ancient neighborhoods called the sassi: Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso, both UNESCO-protected marvels.
These limestone grottoes form intricate labyrinths of alleys, staircases, and courtyards, with buildings stacked dramatically. Getting lost is part of the magic.
Sassi Barisano offers upscale cave hotels, restaurants, and galleries, while Sassi Caveoso reveals abandoned caves evoking Matera's recent past.
2. Visit the Rock Church & Crypt
The Church of Saint Mary of Idris combines a rock-excavated section with a built structure, featuring vibrant frescoes from the 12th to 17th centuries.
Adjacent via a tunnel is the San Giovanni in Monterrone crypt. Entry to both costs €5; photography is prohibited inside to preserve the frescoes.
3. Church of Saint Peter 'Caveoso'
The 13th-century Church of Saints Peter and Paul ('Caveoso') perches dramatically on Sasso Caveoso's ravine edge. Visit during services.
Its interior includes four preserved side chapels (originally eight, some removed for an oratory).
4. Explore the Casa Noha Exhibit
This multimedia museum in a restored Sassi Barisano cave house recounts Matera's history via four 30-minute videos, from Neolithic times to today.
It starkly illustrates the poverty—families of eight in tiny caves without water, electricity, or sanitation, sharing space with animals—that branded it Italy's shame. An ideal primer for your explorations.
5. Belvedere di Murgia Timone Viewpoint
Across the ravine, ancient Paleolithic caves dot the green hills—humanity's first homes here over 10,000 years ago.
Hike from Parcheggio via Madonna delle Virtù, cross the bridge, and ascend, or drive via Taranto-Laterza Road (SS7). Sunrise and sunset yield stunning photos.
6. Stay in a Cave Hotel
Many former cave dwellings now host boutique hotels and Airbnbs. Our stay was unforgettable—literally cool and atmospheric. Highly recommended; see options below.
7. Matera’s Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral
The 13th-century Cathedral of Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio crowns the ridge dividing the sassi, offering panoramic views.
Admire its rose window with Archangel Michael, stained glass, sculptures, gilded ceilings, and frescoes—a standout even for church skeptics.
8. Visit MUSMA
Matera’s Museum of Contemporary Sculpture (MUSMA) in Palazzo Pomarici displays works in sassi grottoes, vaults, and tuff niches.
9. Savor Local Materan Bread
Beyond pizza and pasta, try Pane di Matera: semolina sourdough baked into stone-like loaves. Enjoy with cheese, bruschetta, or in Cialledda Materana soup with tomatoes, onions, oregano, and olive oil.
10. Discover Casa Cava
This former tuff quarry in the sassi now serves as a 150-seat underground auditorium for concerts, events, and exhibits. Catch the €3 video on Matera’s history (Italian with English subtitles).
Getting to Matera
Fly or train to Bari (airport and major station), then drive or take the 1.5-hour commuter train from Bari FAL (€5 one-way).
Rental Car
Book via Discover Cars for the best rates across local and international providers—ideal for Puglia's remote spots.
By Train
Trains connect Bari to other Italian cities; from Bari FAL, commuter service reaches Matera efficiently.
Where to Stay in Matera
Options span budget to luxury in the modern town or atmospheric Sassi cave hotels.
Best Hotels in Matera
Luxury: Locanda Di San Martino
Midrange: La Corte Dei Pastori
Budget: Masseria Torre Spagnola
Matera Travel Tips
- Rent a car for Puglia access, but park outside Matera—explore on foot amid narrow streets.
- Beat crowds by starting early; day-trippers arrive midday.
- Taxi or drive to the ravine viewpoint if hiking isn't feasible.
- 2-3 days cover the highlights.
