Welcome to Matera, a city unlike any other — carved into rock, steeped in history, and whispering stories of centuries embedded in its stones. In the heart of Basilicata, in Southern Italy, Matera is world-famous for its Sassi (ancient cave dwellings) and its evocative landscapes.
Let’s dive in.
Why Visit Matera?
UNESCO Heritage & the Sassi of Matera
Matera is among Italy’s oldest cities — inhabited continuously for millennia. Its Sassi (the districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1993). These cave homes and rock-cut churches create an otherworldly labyrinth you won’t find elsewhere.
Rock Churches & Rupestrian Art
Inside the stone quarter and surrounding ravines are more than 150 rock-hewn churches whose walls and ceilings are adorned with frescoes dating from the 8th to 12th centuries. The Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario shows how life once functioned in a cave dwelling.
Panoramic Views & Natural Surroundings
From viewpoints like Ponte Spianata Belvedere you catch sweeping vistas of the Sassi. Nearby ravines, such as the Gravina di Matera, offer scenic hiking routes. At sunset, the city glows golden.
Contemporary Culture & Gastronomy
Matera has revived itself by embracing culture, art, film (e.g. “The Passion of the Christ” was filmed here), boutique hotels, and regional Basilicata cuisine — think peperoni cruschi, orecchiette, bread of Matera (Pane di Matera).
Seasonal Events & Festivals
Matera hosts light festivals, concerts, and events — check the calendar for La Festa della Bruna (2 July) — a historic celebration with fireworks, processions, and folklore.
Sample Itineraries for Matera (Using Aitinery)
Here are a few sample itinerary templates. With Aitinery, each of these can be personalized to your pace, interests, and travel dates.
| Itinerary Theme | Duration | Core Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Matera in a Day | 1 day | Sassi walking tour, Casa Grotta, rock churches, panoramic viewpoint, local dinner |
| Romantic Weekend in Matera | 2–3 days | Evening strolls, cave hotel stays, local wine, day trip to Murgia hills |
| Southern Italy/ Basilicata Focus | 3–5 days | Matera + Alberobello, Pollino National Park, Gravina trails |
| Cultural & Food Immersion | 4 days | Cooking class, local markets, wine tasting, historical lectures |
Example: 2-Day Romantic Matera Itinerary (tailored via Aitinery)
Day 1
- Morning: Guided walk through Sasso Caveoso & Sasso Barisano
- Midday: Lunch in a cave-restaurant, sample Pane di Matera
- Afternoon: Visit Sant’Agostino Church, Casa Noha
- Evening: Sunset at Ponte Spianata Belvedere, romantic dinner
Day 2
- Early: Hike into the Gravina di Matera gorge
- Midday: Picnic or local trattoria
- Afternoon: Relaxing spa or cave-hotel experience
- Evening: Attend a local event, musical performance, or stargazing
You can open aitinery.com and input preferences (romantic, active, slow travel) to generate the exact schedule, maps, and booking suggestions.
When to Visit
- Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer ideal weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer is busy and hot; winter is quieter but many cave-related sites may have reduced hours.
Getting There
- By plane: The closest airports are Bari or Brindisi, followed by train or bus to Matera.
- By train & bus: From Bari, connect via bus or regional train + bus to Matera’s station.
- Driving: If you have a car, driving gives you flexibility to explore the surrounding countryside of Basilicata.
Where to Stay
- Consider cave hotels (Sassi dwellings renovated into boutique stays) for immersive experience.
- Also many charming B&Bs, guesthouses in the old town or outskirts.
What to Pack
- Good walking shoes (cobbled stone, uneven steps)
- Layers (cool in caves, warm outside)
- A light rain jacket
- Portable charger, camera, and your itinerary device or printout from Aitinery
Local Etiquette & Notes
- Some religious sites require modest clothing.
- Respect privacy — many caves are still used as private residences.
- Check opening hours (especially for rock churches) — often closed midday or on Sundays.
Matera is truly a travel gem — mysterious and layered with human stories carved in stone. Start your journey now: Visit Aitinery and craft your Matera route. Enjoy wandering through the Sassi, dining in a cave-restaurant, and letting history whisper through stone.