Matera Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Known as the city of stone, this labyrinth of prehistoric dwellings and magnificent architecture provides an unforgettable trip.

Explore rows of intricate limestone homes and churches in the remarkable ancient settlement of Matera. Then step thousands of years into the future to discover a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

Marvel as the vast Sassi District appears out of the desolate cliffs. Declared a World Heritage site in 1993, this troglodyte settlement is among Italy’s first areas of human habitation.

Along the eastern edge of the sprawling city is Sasso Barisano, the larger of two stone districts on either side of a steep ravine. Many caves here have been converted into cafés and restaurants. Browse gift shops where you can purchase handmade whistles and ceramics.

On the far side of the ravine you will find Sasso Caveoso, a smaller area of caves which remains almost completely untouched since the time of the first settlers. Walk along dusty paths and wooden bridges and discover the ancient living quarters to get a real sense of what life must have been like for these cave dwellers. The easiest way to reach Sasso Caveoso is by walking from the car-park on Via Madonna delle Virtu.

Head back to town to find out how the caves here have been changed and adapted. The Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtu e di San Nicola dei Greci feature spooky dome-ceilinged rooms and faded frescoes while the Museo della Scultura incorporates magnificent contemporary sculptures from Cambellotti, Matta and Cascella.

Leave this underground maze behind and walk 5 minutes west to the stunning 13th-century cathedral. The highlight of the striking white exterior is a grand rose window. Head inside to discover pretty chapels and gilded motifs.

The city’s newer section has many excellent restaurants and hotels. Try the adapted caves for a more unusual experience. In late September, attend the Women’s Fiction Festival, which includes talks and question sessions with top international authors.

Located in the Basilicita region and a 5-hour drive south of RomeOpens in a new window, Matera is a perfect destination to discover ancient history and fantastic Italian hospitality.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
5 out of 5
Via Conche, Matera, MT
The price is AU$684 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$684
includes taxes & fees
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 5-star spa property in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (457 reviews)
"Great hotel. Wonderful rooms with cave like features. Great breakfast. Wonderful warm water pool / hot tub. Excellent location."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
3 out of 5
Via Fiorentini 71, Matera, MT
The price is AU$151 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$151
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (693 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our cave room (15) it was beautiful & made our stay celebrating my wife’s 60th birthday very special. We also had a wonderful time at the termae & enjoyed our couples massage. We will definitely be recommending it. Thank you for a lovely stay."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
4 out of 5
Via Roma, 15, Matera, MT
The price is AU$235 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$235
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (185 reviews)
"A little dated but has a nice glass-enclosed dining area. Breakfast buffet has great variety. I would say it's more of a 3-star than a 4-star hotel but the location is excellent. A 4-star hotel should provide body lotion in the bathroom. The bar of soap was tiny."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2025

Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fra i Sassi - Residence
Fra i Sassi - Residence
3 out of 5
Via D'Addozio 102, Matera, MT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (294 reviews)
"Beautiful property and stunning view. The staff were all accommodating and friendly. Good selections for breakfast. Bathroom is humongous. 😊"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Fra i Sassi - Residence
Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Via Lucana 200, Matera, MT
Book a stay at this spa residence in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Had a great time. Nice location nearby main area in Matera. Very easy to get out and walk around."

Reviewed on 9 Sep. 2024

Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Residence San Pietro Barisano
Residence San Pietro Barisano
Rione San Biagio 52/56, Matera, MT
Stay at this apartment in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (186 reviews)
"The staff was fabulous; both helpful and kind. We were unaware that caves are humid, which was our naivete. Breakfast was ample. Our cave was large and had lots of places to sit comfortably, inside and out. The only reason the stay was not 100% excellent was the humidity inside the cave despite running ..."

Reviewed on 30 Sep. 2024

Residence San Pietro Barisano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Matera

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fascinating place 100% worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Rosie

Like walking back in time... and the renaissance has brought beauty, art and music ... magnificent! A must visit.... and stay !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic tourist destination and great Dali exhibition. Plenty to see and do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Organise a guided walking tour to get an understanding of history and current situation

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Matera is a must see place. It’s hard to describe how stunning and dramatic it is.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really enjoyed Matera. History was interesting lots of walking so be prepared

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