Located in the rugged region of Basilicata, just across the border from Puglia, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Famous for its “Sassi”—ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the limestone rock—Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the 2019 European Capital of Culture. This stone city offers a breathtaking journey through time, from the Paleolithic era to the modern day. Walking through its winding stairways and narrow alleys is like entering a living nativity scene, a place so atmospheric that it has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. Although it belongs to the Lucanian region, Matera is an essential addition to any Puglia itinerary due to its proximity and shared Mediterranean heritage, offering a mystical experience that has no equal anywhere else on Earth.
The two main districts of the historic center, featuring a labyrinth of cave houses, churches, and terraces.
A perfectly preserved cave dwelling that shows how families lived alongside their animals until the 1950s.
A massive underground water cistern, often called the “Cathedral of Water,” located beneath the main square.
Pane di Matera (IGP): Famous for its conical shape and crunchy crust, it is considered one of the best breads in Italy.
Peperoni Cruschi: Sweet, dried peppers fried in olive oil until they become incredibly crunchy—a true symbol of Basilicata.
Crapiata: A traditional, hearty soup made with various legumes and grains, dating back to Roman times.
Caciocavallo Podolico: A rare and flavorful cheese made from the milk of free-roaming Podolica cows.
Discover the secrets of the Sassi and the surrounding Murgia Park with these top-rated tours:
Connected to Bari via the “Ferrovie Appulo Lucane” (FAL), a scenic narrow-gauge railway.
Bari Airport (BRI) is the most convenient airport, located about 65km (1 hour) away by shuttle or car.
Wear very comfortable walking shoes! Matera is full of stairs and uneven stone paths.
Matera is located in the region of Basilicata. However, it is very close to the border with Puglia (only 15 minutes from Altamura) and is most easily reached via Bari.
In the 1950s, it was labeled a national shame due to the extreme poverty and unsanitary conditions of the people living in the caves. This led to the evacuation of the Sassi, which were later renovated and transformed into the world-class destination we see today.
No, the historic center is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and mostly pedestrian. It is recommended to park in one of the multi-story parking lots in the “modern” part of the city and walk down.
Matera’s timeless look has made it a favorite for filmmakers. Famous movies include Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”, the James Bond film “No Time to Die”, and “Wonder Woman”.
While you can see the main Sassi districts in 4-6 hours, staying overnight is highly recommended. The city is breathtakingly beautiful when illuminated at night, and sleeping in a “cave hotel” is a unique experience.
