Matera almost photographs itself. These points are especially worthwhile – and the time of day matters a great deal.
Piazzetta Pascoli
The classic: the whole Sasso Caveoso with the Monterrone in the foreground. Lit head-on in the afternoon, crowded at sunset. See Piazzetta Pascoli.
Belvedere Murgia Timone
The city in full width from across the gorge. The postcard shot. Most impressive in the late afternoon and in the blue hour – see Belvedere Murgia Timone.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
Church, rock cone and the edge of the gorge in one frame – and one of the few level squares in the middle of the district. See Belvedere di San Pietro Caveoso.
Porta Pistola
The view down into the Gravina, noticeably quieter than the well-known terraces. See Porta Pistola.
The roofs of the Sasso Barisano
From the upper lanes a tangle of terraces, chimneys and domes, with the cathedral bell tower behind – see Belvedere Via D’Addozio.
A word on the time of day
At midday the pale limestone looks flat and washed out. The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset bring the terraces out in relief. After dark the lights trace the structure of the city – worth a tripod.
Consideration
People live in the Sassi. Windows, doors and courtyards are private space, not scenery.
Read on
- Viewpoints in Matera – all the views compared
- Sunrise and sunset in Matera – the right hours
