8 Things to do in Matera Italy-an Amazing City

Matera, Italy is a beautiful and historic city known for its ancient cave dwellings, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Matera is located in the Basilicata, a region in southern Italy. This is off-the-beaten-path Italy at its best! There is a variety of things to do in Matera.

Did you know James Bond stayed in Matera in the movie “No Time to Die”? Bond stayed at a luxury hotel called the Palazzo Gattini, which is located in the heart of Matera’s historic center; it is a beautifully restored 18th century building that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Here are 8 things to do in Matera:

Walk Along the Main Road

The first thing you should do when you get to the city is walk along the fascinating main road. There are some wonderful viewpoints along the way.

The main two viewpoints are Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli and Belvedere Luigi Gurrigghio, which provide stunning views of Sassi.

Old Town Matera

Here are all the parts of the Old Town Matera:

Civita

The Civita is the oldest part of Matera. Civita is located between the two Sassi.

Explore the Sassi

The Sassi di Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of a network of ancient cave dwellings, churches, and other buildings carved into the rock. It is a unique and fascinating place to explore. Sassi di Matera consists of two districts stretching on both sides of the Civita. Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barinsano are the two Sassi. These Sassi earned Matera a place among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Casalnuovo

The Casalnuovo area stretches to the left of Sasso Caveoso. This district was dug out of rock in the 15th century when Albanians fled from Ottoman invasions and decided to call Matera home.

Piano of Matera

Piano of Matera is the flat and most recent part of the Old Town. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries and reminds of a typical Italian town.

Here are photos from all over the Sassi, as it is very hard to determine which area you’re in when you’re walking through the mazes of streets and passageways.

Visit the Matera Cathedral

This impressive cathedral is built into the rock and features a beautiful Baroque façade. Inside, you’ll find stunning frescoes, sculptures, and other works of art.

Visit the Church of San Pietro Caveoso

Church of San Pietro Caveoso, which dates back to the 12th century is a baroque style church and features a beautiful rose window and frescoes.

Explore the Casa Grotta del Vicinato

Casa Grotta del Vicinato is a cave dwelling that offers a glimpse into the daily life of Matera’s past.

Hike the Belevedere Murgia Timone Trail

The trail begins at Porto Pistola and descends into the Gravina River Canyon. It crosses the Ponte Tibetans fella Gravina, a suspension bridge. The trial is about 2.66 miles round trip and has 738 feet of elevation gain. We did not have time while we were there to hike it this time, but will definitely hike Matera when we get to come back. You can see the trail below from the Sassi and the suspension bridge as well, if you zoom in!

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Matera is known for its delicious cuisine; some of the traditional cuisine includes dishes such as orecchiette pasta, roasted lamb and a variety of cheeses. The city is also known for its bread, which is made using a sourdough starter that has been passed down for generations.

Mostly restaurants though are chosen based on the views you get while eating, because there are so many tasty options. Il Rusticone offers the best pizza, while Kapunto prepares the best handmade pasta and of course the best gelato is a I Vizi Degli Angelina.

Bring a Piece of Matera Back Home with You

The best Matera souvenir to bring back home is the traditional cucu’. The cucu‘ is a handmade whistle made of clay and shaped as a multicolor rooster. It serves much symbolism for Matera. They were simply toys for children, to symbols of power, and protection from evils. The largest selection of cucu’ can be found at Tiziana of La Corte Dei Pastori.

Matera is a unique and fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient architecture, learning about local traditions, or simply enjoying some delicious food, there is something for everyone in Matera. With its beautiful caves, historic churches, and stunning views, the city offers a variety of activities and experiences for its visitors. Whether you have a day or a few days to spend in Matera, you are sure to be enchanted by this beautiful city and all it has to offer.

Be sure to check out other Southern Italy cites such as Bari, Lecce, and Trani.

-S&E