2025 Matera Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#ancienttownvibes Stepping into Matera felt like entering a different era—an ancient world carved into the limestone cliffs of southern Italy. Known as the “City of Stones,” Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with its iconic Sassi cave dwellings preserving centuries of history and culture. As I wandered through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways, stone-carved staircases, and rustic dwellings, I was transported back in time, surrounded by a city that has stood the test of millennia. My exploration began in Sasso Caveoso, one of the two historic districts, where ancient cave homes, rock-hewn churches, and underground cisterns blended seamlessly into the landscape. The soft golden hues of the tufa rock glowed under the morning sun, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain. Every turn revealed another hidden passage, a weathered doorway, or a panoramic terrace overlooking the Gravina Gorge. I marveled at how people once lived in these cave homes, their walls echoing stories of resilience and adaptation. One of the most striking sights was the Rupestrian Churches, sacred spaces carved directly into the rock, adorned with faded frescoes that whispered of long-forgotten prayers. Santa Maria de Idris, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, offered breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding valley. The church’s dimly lit interior, with its centuries-old frescoes, carried an air of solemnity, reminding me of Matera’s deep spiritual roots. As I strolled through Sasso Barisano, the larger and more restored district, I saw how Matera had transformed in recent years. Boutique hotels, charming cafés, and artisan workshops now breathed new life into the ancient stone dwellings. I paused for an espresso at a terrace overlooking the city, soaking in the surreal contrast of past and present. The silence of the old streets, interrupted only by the distant ringing of church bells, made me appreciate the unique blend of history and modernity that defines Matera. At sunset, I climbed to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, an overlook offering an unrivaled view of the city. As the golden light bathed the Sassi, Matera seemed to glow from within, its stone buildings resembling a cascading waterfall of light. The moment was almost mystical, a reminder of why this place has captivated travelers, artists, and filmmakers alike. Matera was more than just an ancient city—it was a living testament to human endurance, a place where history, culture, and raw beauty intertwined seamlessly. Walking its streets was like retracing the footsteps of countless generations, each stone holding a story, each shadow whispering a secret. This journey left me in awe of Matera’s timeless charm, and I departed with the sense that I had experienced something truly extraordinary.

▪️As a loyal fan of 007, I have followed 007 to many places, Venice, the Alps, and because of "007. No Time to Die", I am full of curiosity about this cave town. - ▪️I drove from Sorrento for 7 hours to Matera. I have to complain that the roads in Italy are really not good at night, and there are no street lights, it's really too dark. - ▪️It is recommended that friends who drive by themselves park their cars in the new city and then walk to the scenic area. The ancient city of Matera has a history of more than 9,000 years and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The cave buildings here are all excavated on the cliffs, and the church's report building is still preserved, the whole city is like a maze, walking on the old stone road is a special experience. There are also craftsmen making stalactite sculptures by hand on the roadside, remember to buy a stalactite refrigerator sticker to take home~

Matera, Italy This is a 7,000-year-old ancient city and another world cultural heritage site in southern Italy. In the early days, the entire ancient city was built along the mountain wall and people lived in caves. It was not until the 19th century that the Italian government realized that the people here often fell ill due to the humidity because they had lived in the caves for a long time. The houses we see today have been rebuilt by the government. Matera, Italy This ancient city, which dates back 7,000 years, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy. In its early days, the entire ancient city was built along the cliffs. It wasn't until the 19th century that the Italian government realized the residents, who had long lived in caves, were often falling ill due to the damp conditions. Today, the houses have been rebuilt by the government to address these issues.

located in Matera city, southern Italy, Basilicata Region, this unique Unesco World Heritage Site is an extensive cave-dwelling districts, called the sassi. The caves of Matera had been inhabited for centuries, even now people there are still living there, after been renovated to become a comfortable houses. In 1993 the town was made a UNESCO World Heritage site, for being "the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem". Have you see the Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ? Well Matera was the one of the filming locations! #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #lucaworldtraveler

Matera is an absolutely amazing gem to visit on the map of Italy! With plenty of architectural surroundings and historical places of interest this is definitely the place you should visit if you consider yourself as a lover of these subjects. With plenty of wallet friendly bars, caffès and restaurants and can really fully enjoy your time there not overpaying for the service and quality you receive. And most importantly amazing and friendly local people that will help and socialise with you at any time #createwithtrip #matera#mountainview #palazzo Gattini #italy #history##awesomepic #cafe

#High Altitude Viewing #Overseas Travel Stepping into the ancient city of Matera in southeastern Italy, I felt the fascinating attraction hidden here! It has no gorgeous buildings, no bustling markets, no bright colors, and no exquisite appearance. But it has history, uniqueness, antiquity, simplicity and primitiveness. To see the most simple, beautiful and original Matera, there is an observation deck located in the new city that is not to be missed. The New Town is located on a high ground. The Belvedere sui Sassi next to Palazzo Lanfranchi is a must-visit place for every tourist. From here, you can overlook a visually stunning panoramic view of the ancient city. 📍 Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli Piazzetta Pascoli, 75100 Matera MT #星WRITERCHONGCHONG #ItalyTravel

Matera is located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. Matera is famous for its history of Sassi caves. People have lived there since the Paleolithic Age. The stacked Sassi caves have houses, churches, etc., but there is no running water in the caves, and the poor living conditions lead to serious infectious diseases. Before the 1960s, there were still poor people living here. It was not until the government began to pay attention to this area and relocated people elsewhere and improved the environment that it became what it is today. #travelinspiration#travelbeautifulgirlsphotography#attractionphotographyguide

Nestled in a small canyon carved by the Gravina River, this town was inhabited for thousands of years since the Palaeolithic times. In the prehistoric times, the local population started to settle in dwellings in the calcareous rock of the canyon itself that today are known as 'sassi'. Due to the extreme poverty conditions in the '50s, the government had to relocate most of its population to new housing in the modern part of the city. Thanks to a change in culture and in local administrators, the 'Sassi's' saw a renaissance in the early 90's and are now being promoted as touristic attractions. Over the last two decades, many economic activities have populated these dwellings: restaurants, pubs, shops, bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels. Today Matera is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today it is a must-stop for many tourists who travel across Southern Italy, especially after a stay in Apulia or Calabria.

So ancient and unique! In the cave-city in southern Italy, Matera, it feels like you are stepping back in time!

Matera, located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, serves as the capital of Matera Province. This small town is nestled in a canyon formed by the erosion of the Gravina River. The Sassi are scattered along the cliffs of the Gravina River gorge. Ancient Matera inhabitants ingeniously utilized the calcareous rock of the canyon walls to carve out caves as their dwellings. While the Sassi cave houses are stunningly beautiful, life for their residents was extremely harsh, and the area was once considered a slum. Despite the historical significance of the Sassi, Matera and its cave dwellings were forgotten by the world and even by Italy itself for thousands of years. Eventually, the Italian government recognized the importance of the Sassi and took steps to improve the living conditions of its residents. Today, the town squares are dotted with bars, offering a glimpse into the carefree and joyful nature of Matera's people.

Matera, an ancient city in southern Italy dating back three thousand years, is a village carved into caves along an ancient gorge. It is said to be one of the oldest cities in the world, where you can see cave dwellings. 💙 Sassi District Matera's old town, the Sassi District, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The moment you step into the Sassi District, you are overwhelmed by its atmosphere. It feels almost surreal, as if you’ve stepped out of the real world. The monochromatic tones of this city create an incredible ambiance. ♥️ Night View As evening falls, the houses perched on the cliffs light up one by one, revealing a breathtaking night view. My journey to southern Italy began with a random photo of a village’s nightscape I stumbled upon online, and that place turned out to be Matera. How could anyone not fall in love with this beautiful city? 💛 Gorge Trekking I walked along the gorge opposite the Sassi District. Crossing the bridge and climbing the gorge offers a completely different vibe compared to the Sassi District. If you have time, trekking through the gorge would be an amazing experience. 💕 Matera, a fascinating and peculiar city. Immerse yourself in Matera’s unique atmosphere—you won’t regret it! 😉

#AprilTravelSupport As you go down the stairs in Matera Old Town, you can see not only cafes and restaurants, but also many handicraft shops. If you look around slowly, you can also discover hidden handicraft artists in Matera. I recommend visiting Matera Old Town, which also provides photo spots for passing visitors. 📍Via Rosario, 48, 75100 Matera MT, Italy #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport The Museum of Modern Sculpture in Matera is unique in that it was created by renovating a cave dwelling where residents used to live in the past and displaying sculptures and modern art, which was very impressive. Since you can see sculptures in caves that are usually difficult to access, I recommend stopping by when you visit Matera. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupportI couldn't hide my surprise when I heard that this was a place where actual residents lived with their families and animals until the 1950s. There were also parts where the wisdom of life stood out. It was amazing that the furniture and photos of the people who actually lived there were on display. 📍Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera #beautiful_italy

The painting on the ceiling, drawn on wood, was impressive when I visited the ancient Catholic church. The church, built atop a gorge, looks stunning when viewed together with the surrounding scenery. You can explore the church for free. I highly recommend planning enough time for your trip to Matera and making sure to visit this place as well. 📍Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso

#AprilTravelSupport I walked behind the Matera Duomo Cathedral and saw a beautiful view of the limestone cliffs and hills across the Sassi area. It was an area that still had its natural appearance and I recommend it because you can see the caves. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport As soon as I entered Matera Cathedral, there was a glass-covered area in the basement. It seemed to be a stone-piled structure and underground ruins discovered during restoration work. It was amazing that visitors could walk down and look down to see traces of the old building and the walls. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport Matera Old Town As I went down, I was amazed at how people built and lived here. There were houses where locals lived, and there were many accommodations, restaurants, and cafes, so I recommend it because you can feel the lively Matera Old Town. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport On the way to Matera Old Town, I stopped by the open market. I was surprised to see that ugly green apples that looked delicious but had poor quality were 0.99 cents per kilogram. I recommend shopping for fruit at a place where locals come to shop. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport In Matera, I visited a sculpture museum, and the artworks were dark and no longer inhabited, so the cave dwellings were not renovated, and the path was well managed for easy viewing. I was curious about the open space under the stairs, and after visiting the Matera Sassi Museum, my curiosity was satisfied. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport Before entering the Matera Duomo Cathedral, I was able to first look around the small exhibition hall. Since the holy pictures and items used during mass were on display, my anticipation was high before entering the Duomo Cathedral. It is usually open until 18:30, so I recommend checking the opening hours and visiting. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport It was a great sculpture museum that I found in Matera. I was able to see Alberto Viani's work at the Matera Sculpture Museum. I recommend it to those who are interested because beautiful sculptures are displayed in cave dwellings and old buildings that people no longer live in. 📍MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea

#AprilTravelSupport Matera Located on the top of Matera, this is the place where you can see the best view of Matera. Outside the cathedral, you can see a work of art by artist Andrea Roggi that seems to symbolize Matera, so I recommend you see it when you visit the cathedral. 📍Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio #beautiful_italy

During my visit to Sassi di Matera, an ancient cave dwelling in Matera, I stumbled upon a small church inside a cave. It was a perfect spot to take a short break. Looking at the church built within the cave, I couldn't help but wonder if the people who lived in such harsh conditions relied on their faith to endure. It's fascinating to see how the people of that time practiced their faith, and I highly recommend visiting this place to get a glimpse of their spiritual life.

This is a small chapel built inside a cave. The white door was open, so I went inside and found a tiny chapel with religious paintings hanging on the walls and frescoes on the altar. Although it was much smaller than a large cathedral, I could feel the deep faith of the people who lived at that time, as they even built a chapel inside a cave. It was truly inspiring and evoked a sense of respect. 📍Chiesa Rupestre di San Vito dei Lombardi (o della Madonna dell'Aiuto)

#AprilTravelSupport These are the graffiti that made me frown while looking around Matera. Graffiti can be considered a form of art, but it was uncomfortable to see someone spray-painting graffiti as a joke in a city with such a long history like Matera. I think Matera, which is designated as a World Cultural Heritage site, should be protected with stronger regulations. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupportInstinctively, I followed my footsteps and headed down to the old town. Matera's underground city, the Sassi Residences, was fascinating because the structure got deeper and deeper as I walked down. I admired the traces of people who lived here in the past and the Italians who turned this abandoned place into a place for people to live in again. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport If you get off at Matera Central Station and arrive here, you can see the view of the old men gathered in groups in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the cave dwelling Sassi across from the theater. I recommend it because you can also see the Palombaro lungo underground cistern! #beautiful_italy