Things to Do in Matera: Tours & Activities

Matera is small enough to cover on foot – and layered enough that one day is not enough. An overview of what the city has to offer.

The Sassi do not explain themselves. A guided tour turns a handsome backdrop into a city you can understand.

Beneath the city lies a second one: cisterns, cellar vaults and cave churches, cut into the soft limestone.

Behind the gorge a bare plateau begins, with rock churches, drystone walls and the best view of the city.

In the Sassi a bicycle stands no chance – but all around it takes you into a landscape that would be too far on foot.

Matera almost photographs itself. These points are especially worthwhile – and the time of day matters a great deal.

Twice a day the sun stands low above the gorge. The city then looks different from every photograph you have seen of it.

The cooking of Basilicata is poor in ingredients and rich in results. Classes and tastings are the most direct way into it.

Wet paving on steep steps is unpleasant – but a good part of the city lies underground anyway.

Caves are an adventure for children. Steps and unsecured edges are the opposite – with a little planning the two go together.

Things to Do in Matera