Best Things to do in Matera
A walking tour with a local guide will help you optimize your time spent in Matera.
In the meantime, here are some ideas on what is worth doing in the city of the Sassi.
Matera, how many days?
One of the questions I’m often asked is: how many days does one need to visit Matera? For me, traveling isn’t about ticking off a list of places. I suggest taking your time. With every step, brief conversation, cup of coffee, and meal, the city reveals more of itself.
That said, a trip schedule is important. So, my answer is: I believe at least a couple of days are needed to properly visit Matera.
Here are some tips on what to do during your stay in Matera
Engage with local people
A place is also defined by its people, and the people of Matera are very friendly—at least that’s what everyone tells us! We are naturally hospitable. For years, our city remained unknown or was known only for being isolated and underdeveloped. Now that the world has taken notice of Matera, we are thrilled. We are grateful to see visitors coming to explore our city, and we take great pleasure in talking with them. So strike up a conversation—at a restaurant, a bar, the local market, with your host, or with your lovely tour guide.
Taste local food
I’m sure you’ll enjoy the local cuisine—everyone seems to love the traditional food of Matera. It’s crafted to satisfy our culinary sensibilities. Matera’s cuisine is simple, focusing on the quality of ingredients, with an emphasis on vegetables and minimal use of meat. Almost all restaurants offer traditional dishes, sometimes with a modern twist. Don’t miss out on the traditional street food either. You can read more about this in the Matera Food Guide.
Visit a Cave Dwelling Museum
Palombaro Lungo
Matera is also renowned worldwide for its water collection and storage system, a remarkable feature that contributes to the unique heritage of the Sassi, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Channels dug into the rock and gutters directed rainwater into cisterns for storage. Spring water, on the other hand, was stored in large cisterns known as Palombari. The largest of these, Palombaro Lungo, can now be visited. Located beneath the main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it is an enormous structure, capable of holding about 5 million liters of water, stretching 50 meters long and 18 meters deep. It was constructed by connecting pre-existing caves. The entire city once relied on this large cistern for drinking water, lowering buckets to retrieve it. When running water was introduced to the city, the Palombaro Lungo was abandoned and forgotten for decades, only to be rediscovered in 1991. A visit to the Palombaro Lungo offers a deeper appreciation of Matera’s ingenious water collection system
Take a day trip
Matera is surrounded by beautiful places to visit. Nearby, Altamura (20 km away) offers a charming old town with a stunning cathedral built by the will of Emperor Frederick II. Gravina (27 km) is situated on the edge of a beautiful canyon, featuring a scenic aqueduct bridge and churches of significant value. Craco (56 km) is a ghost town that was completely abandoned in the 1960s following a landslide. It has a hauntingly evocative atmosphere. To reach it, you travel through sparsely inhabited areas that showcase the natural spectacle of badlands, known as ‘Calanchi’. Metaponto (47 km) is located on the Ionian coast and, besides being a seaside resort, was once an important Greek city where Pythagoras lived. It preserves significant archaeological remains. Bari (60 km) is the largest city in southeastern Italy. It is a dynamic and youthful city with a seaside, and it boasts a beautiful old town with a castle, a cathedral, and the Church of San Nicola. Alberobello (69 km) seems like a place from another world. The Trulli of Alberobello are among the most unusual houses you will ever see.
Visit a quarry
For a long time, the caves of the Sassi also served as quarries, as their excavation provided building material as well. In addition to these, there are actual quarries located around the city. These quarries, primarily used during the 1900s, have since been abandoned and repurposed for artistic and cultural endeavors. The vertical cut walls of these quarries create a striking and evocative landscape that captivates visitors. Among these, the Palomba Sculpture Park deserves special mention. This unique site, where nature and art intertwine, showcases a collection of contemporary sculptures set against the dramatic backdrop of the quarry walls, offering a truly remarkable and inspiring experience.
Museums
Palazzo Lanfranchi Museum is housed in a beautiful 17th-century building. It features a section dedicated to medieval art, primarily showcasing religious works, as well as the D’Errico Collection, one of the most important collections of paintings in southern Italy. The museum also houses the Carlo Levi Collection, which includes numerous works by the great Italian painter and writer.
The National Archaeological Museum Domenico Ridola, established in 1911 through a donation from the local archaeologist Domenico Ridola, presents a rich collection of archaeological finds that provide valuable insights into the region’s ancient history.
The MUSMA, or Museum of Contemporary Sculpture of Matera, is located in the stunning 16th-century Palazzo Pomarici. It boasts an impressive collection of over 400 artworks by international artists, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
In addition to these major museums, Matera is home to numerous smaller museums that offer unique insights into the city’s cultural heritage. Among them are the Bread Museum, the Olive Oil Museum, and the Museum of Peasant Civilization, each of which explores different aspects of Matera’s rich traditions and history.
Go to Church
Visiting the churches of Matera is essential for truly grasping the city’s rich cultural and historical depth. The medieval churches, such as the Cathedral, highlight the architectural splendor and spiritual significance of the past, while the Baroque churches, with their elaborate decorations, showcase a different era of artistic expression. However, it is the sheer number of rock-hewn churches that sets Matera apart. These ancient sanctuaries, carved directly into the rock, are scattered throughout the city and its surroundings, each with its unique history and charm. Their simplicity, often adorned with ancient frescoes, provides a fascinating insight into a unique form of religious architecture that is deeply woven into Matera’s identity. The abundance of these rock churches makes exploring them a must for anyone wanting to fully experience the city’s unique heritage.
Wear comfortable shoes
If you want to fully enjoy your walk through the Sassi, it’s essential to choose comfortable shoes. The ancient paving stones, while beautiful and full of character, are irregular and can be quite slippery, especially after rain. The stunning views, intricate architecture, and countless hidden gems of the Sassi will naturally draw your attention, making it easy to forget to watch where you step. To ensure you can explore safely and comfortably, it’s important to wear shoes with good grip and support. Taking this small precaution will allow you to immerse yourself in the experience without the worry of slipping or discomfort, letting you focus entirely on the breathtaking surroundings.
Feel safe
According to the prestigious Italian newspaper *Il Sole 24 Ore*, Matera has consistently been praised as one of the safest cities in Italy for many years. This recognition is a testament to the city’s welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of community among its residents. As a visitor, you can feel at home here, knowing that you are in a place where safety and tranquility are valued. Whether you’re exploring the narrow, winding streets of the Sassi, strolling through the vibrant city center, or enjoying a quiet moment in one of the many picturesque squares, you can relax and walk carefree at any time of day. Matera’s reputation for safety allows you to fully immerse yourself in its unique charm and beauty, ensuring a worry-free experience as you discover all that this extraordinary city has to offer.
Walk
Matera is a small city, where the charm lies in exploring its historic streets on foot. Your accommodation will likely be situated in the Sassi or in a central area, meaning you won’t need a car to get around. In fact, driving through the narrow, winding streets can be challenging and unnecessary. Instead, you can park your vehicle in one of the many available car parks, whether public or guarded, and enjoy the city at a leisurely pace. Matera is a people-oriented city, designed for walking and soaking in its unique atmosphere. By leaving your car behind, you’ll be free to wander through the ancient alleys, discover hidden corners, and fully experience the vibrant life of the city, all while enjoying the slower pace that makes Matera so special.
Enjoy the nightlife
Especially on weekends and every day during the summertime, the old town of Matera comes alive with people enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find locals and visitors alike strolling through the streets, having a drink, or dining in one of the many bars and restaurants that the city has to offer. The most bustling areas are around Via Ridola, Piazza Sedile, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which are just outside the Sassi. These spots are perfect for experiencing the lively spirit of Matera. So, don’t head to bed too early—take a leisurely walk, grab a drink, and immerse yourself in the energetic and convivial atmosphere of this lively city. It’s a wonderful way to end your day and experience Matera at its best.
Get lost
Getting lost is almost inevitable when you walk through the narrow, winding, and labyrinthine alleys of the Sassi without a tour guide. But, in all seriousness, wandering aimlessly in such a stunning environment is part of the experience. Every twist and turn reveals new perspectives, hidden corners, and breathtaking views. Embrace the adventure, and let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the Sassi as you explore its ancient streets.
Ready to love Matera?
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