A day is enough for a good first impression – if you commit to one route and do not try to see everything.
Morning: the upper town and the way in
Start on Piazza Vittorio Veneto. From there go down into the Palombaro Lungo, the great cistern beneath the square – a good opening, because it explains why the city is here at all. Then along the viewing terrace and down into the Sasso Barisano.
Midday: Civita and cathedral
The climb to the Civita leads to the cathedral with its view of both districts. In the lanes around it there are places for a break; the cooking of Basilicata is plain and filling.
Afternoon: Sasso Caveoso
The second Sasso is the more striking. Allow for a furnished Casa Grotta, a rock church – Santa Maria de Idris, say – and the square in front of San Pietro Caveoso.
Evening: the view from outside
At sunset it is worth changing perspective: either to the terrace at Palazzo Lanfranchi or, with a car, across to the Belvedere Murgia Timone. Afterwards back into the lanes – lit, the city looks different again.
What to leave out
Museums, the gorge and the rock churches in the park do not fit into one day together. Better two things at leisure than six at a run.
Read on
- Matera in 2 days – the version with more room
- Free things to see in Matera – what costs nothing
