MapVivid
Palombaro Lungo and around
A day in Matera · 9:30–17:00 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/matera/itineraries/palombaro-lungo-and-aroundA walking day around Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna (Palazzo Lanfranchi), Palombaro Lungo and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with a lunch break nearby and Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna (Palazzo Lanfranchi) ↗1 h 30 minAllow a few hours
Museum of medieval and modern art in a baroque palace
- Includes works by Carlo Levi
- Check opening days
↓ 2 min walk
11:002↓ 2 min walk
12:003Central square above the Sassi
- Good starting point
- Terrace views over the Sasso Barisano
Lunch
13:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 2 min walk
Afternoon
14:154Cave-dwelling district facing north of the Civita
- Wander the alleys on foot
- Many restored hotels and restaurants
↓ 2 min walk
15:305Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola ↗1 h 30 min
Archaeological museum of the Matera area
- Prehistoric finds
- Set in a former convent
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Matera tips
Transportation
- Take the FAL train from Bari: Ferrovie Appulo Lucane trains link Bari with Matera, as the town is not on the main national rail network.
- Use airport shuttles: Shuttle buses run between Bari Airport and Matera, a convenient option if you arrive by plane.
- Explore the Sassi on foot: The ancient cave districts are a maze of stairs and lanes best explored walking, not driving.
Local Hacks
- View from the Murgia: Cross the ravine to the Belvedere in the Murgia park for the classic panoramic view of the Sassi.
- Visit the Palombaro Lungo: This huge underground cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto shows how Matera stored water.
- See rock churches: Matera's cave churches with ancient frescoes are fascinating; a combined ticket covers several of them.
Saving
- Refill at fountains: Public drinking fountains offer free water around town, saving money on bottled water.
- Enjoy aperitivo: Many bars serve snacks with early evening drinks, which can make a light and affordable dinner.
- Stay just outside the Sassi: Hotels in the newer town are often cheaper than cave hotels, yet still a short walk away.
Security
- Watch your step: Stone steps in the Sassi get slippery, especially after rain; wear shoes with good grip.
- Mind the ZTL: Restricted traffic zones cover the historic centre and cameras issue fines, so park outside and walk in.
- Carry water in summer: Exploring the Sassi involves lots of climbing in the sun, so stay hydrated and take breaks.
Cultural
- Try pane di Matera: The town's distinctive durum wheat bread is a local pride; also try peperoni cruschi, crispy dried peppers.
- Join the passeggiata: In the evening locals stroll through Via del Corso and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a lovely ritual to join.
- Expect a coperto: Many restaurants add a cover charge per person, which is normal and not a tip.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for hot summers: Summers are hot and dry; light clothes, a hat and sunscreen help when walking the exposed Sassi.
- Bring warm layers in winter: Winters can be cold and damp, with chilly evenings, so pack a warm coat and scarf.
- Wear comfortable shoes: With endless stairs and uneven paths, sturdy walking shoes matter more than style here.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/matera/itineraries/palombaro-lungo-and-around
Day 2 of 29:30–17:005 stops
Palombaro Lungo and around
A walking day around Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna (Palazzo Lanfranchi), Palombaro Lungo and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with a lunch break nearby and Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 h 30 minMuseum of medieval and modern art in a baroque palace
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Includes works by Carlo Levi
- Check opening days
📷 Photos
2 min walk
211:00 · 1 hHuge underground cistern beneath the main square
3 tips
- Guided visits only
- Cool inside
- Allow 30 minutes
📷 Photos
2 min walk
312:00 · 1 hCentral square above the Sassi
3 tips
- Good starting point
- Terrace views over the Sasso Barisano
- Cafes nearby
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps2 min walk
Afternoon
414:15 · 1 hCave-dwelling district facing north of the Civita
3 tips
- Wander the alleys on foot
- Many restored hotels and restaurants
- Wear comfortable shoes
📷 Photos
2 min walk
515:30 · 1 h 30 minArchaeological museum of the Matera area
3 tips
- Prehistoric finds
- Set in a former convent
- Allow one hour
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Matera. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.