Matera

Travel Guide
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Known as the city of stone, this labyrinth of prehistoric dwellings and magnificent architecture provides an unforgettable trip.

Explore rows of intricate limestone homes and churches in the remarkable ancient settlement of Matera. Then step thousands of years into the future to discover a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

Marvel as the vast Sassi District appears out of the desolate cliffs. Declared a World Heritage site in 1993, this troglodyte settlement is among Italy’s first areas of human habitation.

Along the eastern edge of the sprawling city is Sasso Barisano, the larger of two stone districts on either side of a steep ravine. Many caves here have been converted into cafés and restaurants. Browse gift shops where you can purchase handmade whistles and ceramics.

On the far side of the ravine you will find Sasso Caveoso, a smaller area of caves which remains almost completely untouched since the time of the first settlers. Walk along dusty paths and wooden bridges and discover the ancient living quarters to get a real sense of what life must have been like for these cave dwellers. The easiest way to reach Sasso Caveoso is by walking from the car-park on Via Madonna delle Virtu.

Head back to town to find out how the caves here have been changed and adapted. The Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtu e di San Nicola dei Greci feature spooky dome-ceilinged rooms and faded frescoes while the Museo della Scultura incorporates magnificent contemporary sculptures from Cambellotti, Matta and Cascella.

Leave this underground maze behind and walk 5 minutes west to the stunning 13th-century cathedral. The highlight of the striking white exterior is a grand rose window. Head inside to discover pretty chapels and gilded motifs.

The city’s newer section has many excellent restaurants and hotels. Try the adapted caves for a more unusual experience. In late September, attend the Women’s Fiction Festival, which includes talks and question sessions with top international authors.

Located in the Basilicita region and a 5-hour drive south of Rome, Matera is a perfect destination to discover ancient history and fantastic Italian hospitality.

Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
4 out of 5
Via Roma, 15, Matera, MT
The price is ¥16,297 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
¥16,297
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (168 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable hotel just outside the historical area. Easy access and parking if you are driving. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2023

Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
5 out of 5
Via Conche, Matera
The price is ¥44,795 per night from May 30 to May 31
¥44,795
per night
May 30 - May 31
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (340 reviews)
"Service was nice if à little mechanical - could be clearer and more helpful for parking and offering more insights on restaurants. Spa welcome was a little cold and mechanical. Shuttle was very late from parking pick up despite calling them 30 minutes in advance. Overall I loved this hotel but they ..."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Locanda San Martino Thermae
Locanda San Martino Thermae
3 out of 5
Via Fiorentini 71, Matera, MT
The price is ¥16,860 per night from May 6 to May 7
¥16,860
per night
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (571 reviews)
"Unique hotel in unique city. Amazing breakfast and special spa (additional cost). Staff super helpful. So much to explore we only scratched surface in 2 days. City has stairs EVERYWHERE . Tibetan bridge a nice hike nearby."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

Locanda San Martino Thermae
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
San Giovanni nei Sassi holiday home
San Giovanni nei Sassi holiday home
Matera
Stay at this apartment in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Very central location for easy access to the Sassi.
"The apartment is in a great central location - on a piazza with a couple of cafe's outside and above a bistro. Easy access to all the sights of the Sassi and Matera, and of course more cafe's and restaurants less than 10 mins walk. Very centrally located for dining out and getting home after a day ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

San Giovanni nei Sassi holiday home
Fra i Sassi - Residence
Fra i Sassi - Residence
3 out of 5
Via D'Addozio 102, Matera, MT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (258 reviews)
Location location location! With an amazing view!
"Hotel has an amazing location. Breakfast is exquisite and rooms are very comfortable. Location of the hotel is PERFECT and it has an amazing view. Please have in mind that front desk of the hotel closes (we were not told and we were surprised when no one was in the front desk starting 8pm). You have ..."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Fra i Sassi - Residence
Residence San Pietro Barisano
Residence San Pietro Barisano
Rione San Biagio 52/56, Matera, MT
Stay at this apartment in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches and Viewpoint ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (169 reviews)
"Excelent location, great view, helpful staff, good breakfast. Sleeping in a real Grote."

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Residence San Pietro Barisano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Matera

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
54
" "5 - Excellent 93.10344827586206%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 3.4482758620689653%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 3.4482758620689653%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 10, 2020

Very friendly city! Clean, Historic, Great Food. Loved meeting everyone along our way. Probably my new favorite city in Italy!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 1, 2019

Matera is an amazing town with excellent dining and cultural opportunities.

5/5 - Excellent

Ranjit
Oct 28, 2019

Most unique

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 17, 2019

Matera is an amazing place and can see why it is a World Heritage site. To stay here you need to be able to do lots of steps and climbing so bring good shoes since you will do many steps to have to get too and from hotel room.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 2, 2019

One of the most interesting and memorable stops of our trip.

5/5 - Excellent

AliceFornsri
Aug 22, 2019

An experience beyond expectations We were totally blown away by this city and all it offered in natural beauty. An amazing treat to have as a memory.

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