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.
On foot through the Sassi
The basis of everything: walking through both cave districts, up to the Civita, down towards the gorge. To understand how it fits together, combine that with a furnished cave dwelling and a rock church.
Going underground
Cisterns, cave churches and cellar vaults – a good part of the city lies beneath the visible surface. The Palombaro Lungo under the main square is the easiest way in.
Out into the landscape
The Parco della Murgia Materana begins right behind the gorge: walking trails, rock churches in open country and the classic view of the city from across.
Eating and drinking
The cooking of Basilicata is down to earth: bread, pulses, vegetables, sheep’s cheese, peperoni cruschi. Cooking classes and wine tastings are among the most popular things on offer locally.
Museums and art
From the regional museum in Palazzo Lanfranchi through contemporary sculpture at the MUSMA to the multimedia city history at Casa Noha – there is choice in bad weather too.
Simply looking
The underrated item: sit on one of the terraces and watch the light move across the Sassi. That needs no ticket.
Read on
- The Sassi di Matera – the heart of it all
- Museums in Matera – which house suits whom
- Viewpoints in Matera – where to look from
