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Matera

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34 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Free things to do

  1. 1

    Rock district of cave homes and churches

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Best viewed at sunset
    • Stairs everywhere
    • Good views from Murgia Timone
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  2. 2

    Cave-dwelling district facing north of the Civita

    3 tips
    • Wander the alleys on foot
    • Many restored hotels and restaurants
    • Wear comfortable shoes
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  3. 3

    Central square above the Sassi

    3 tips
    • Good starting point
    • Terrace views over the Sasso Barisano
    • Cafes nearby
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  4. 4

    Square at the foot of Sasso Caveoso

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Good for sunset
    • Cafes nearby
    • Steps to climb
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  5. 5

    Apulian-Romanesque cathedral on the Civita ridge

    3 tips
    • Free to enter
    • Look for the frescoed apse
    • Panoramic view from the square
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  6. 6

    Panoramic viewpoint across the gorge to the Sassi

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Walk or drive across the gorge
    • Superb at sunrise or sunset
    • Bring water
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  7. 7

    Deep canyon viewpoint across from the Sassi

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Take sturdy shoes
    • Bring a camera
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  8. 8

    Baroque church with skeleton motifs on its facade

    3 tips
    • Free to enter
    • Fine facade photo
    • Short stop
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  9. 9

    Baroque church on a lively square

    3 tips
    • Free to enter
    • Nice frescoes
    • Close to Piazza Vittorio Veneto
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  10. 10

    Terrace overlooking the rooftops of Sasso Barisano.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1-day itineraries in Matera

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

MUSMA Museo della Scultura Contemporanea and around

🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops

  1. 1MUSMA Museo della Scultura Contemporanea
  2. 2Matera Cathedral
  3. 3Casa Noha
  4. 4Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
  5. 5Sasso Caveoso
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Day 2 of 2

Palombaro Lungo and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

  1. 1Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna (Palazzo Lanfranchi)
  2. 2Palombaro Lungo
  3. 3Piazza Vittorio Veneto
  4. 4Sasso Barisano
  5. 5Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola
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