Behind the gorge a bare plateau begins, with rock churches, drystone walls and the best view of the city.
The Parco della Murgia Materana protects the landscape around the Gravina di Matera. Marked paths link viewpoints, cave churches and the valley floor.
The classic
Down from the city into the gorge, across a bridge on the valley floor and up the other side to the viewpoints of the Murgia. Depending on route and pace that takes one to two hours each way, with a good deal of height gain.
The comfortable version
Drive around the gorge onto the plateau and walk only the short paths to the viewpoints from there. That gives you the full view of the city as well.
When
Spring and autumn are ideal. In summer set off early: there is practically no shade on the plateau. In spring orchids flower between the stones and birds of prey circle above the gorge.
Safety
The edges are unsecured in many places and the rock is slippery in patches. Sturdy shoes, water and a charged phone belong in the kit. With small children it is better to stay up top.
Read on
- Parco della Murgia Materana – the park with the paths
- Gravina di Matera – the gorge itself
- Jazzo Gattini – the information point on the plateau
