Italy
Things to do in Matera
Matera is built into the side of a limestone ravine, with two cave districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, that were inhabited for millennia and evacuated in the 1950s. Listed by UNESCO in 1993 and European Capital of Culture in 2019, the Sassi now hold cave churches with medieval frescoes, restored cave homes and hotels. A guided walk is the easiest way to read the layers, from the water cisterns to the rock churches across the gorge in the Murgia park.
- Guided walk of the Sassi
- Rock churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano
- Casa Grotta cave house
- Palombaro Lungo underground cistern
Experiences in Matera
Top-rated experiences in Matera
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Highlights
- Guided walk of the Sassi
- Rock churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano
- Casa Grotta cave house
- Palombaro Lungo underground cistern
- Murgia Materana park and the view of the Sassi
- Lucanian food tasting with peperoni cruschi and Matera bread
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October are best for walking the steep stone lanes. July and August are hot in the open Sassi, and the Festa della Bruna on 2 July fills the city.
Getting around
The Sassi are walk-only, with many steps and uneven paving, so wear proper shoes. The nearest airport is Bari, about an hour away by shuttle bus, and the FAL regional railway also links Bari and Matera.
Local tips
- Book a guide for the rock churches, as several are only open with a tour or a combined ticket.
- Go to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone across the ravine at sunset for the classic view back onto the Sassi.
- Park outside the old town and walk in, as the centre has restricted traffic zones.
Day trips from Matera
- Alberobello
- Craco ghost town
- Altamura
- Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Matera?
The most booked experiences in Matera are Guided walk of the Sassi, Rock churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano, Casa Grotta cave house and Palombaro Lungo underground cistern.
When is the best time to visit Matera?
April to June and September to October are best for walking the steep stone lanes. July and August are hot in the open Sassi, and the Festa della Bruna on 2 July fills the city.
How do I get around Matera?
The Sassi are walk-only, with many steps and uneven paving, so wear proper shoes. The nearest airport is Bari, about an hour away by shuttle bus, and the FAL regional railway also links Bari and Matera.
Do I need to book tours in Matera in advance?
For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How many days do I need in Matera?
Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.