The 17 things to do in Matera

About to fly to the mountainous region of Basilicata in Italy? Here's our list of the impossible to do in Matera!

Third oldest city in the world, Matera is occupied from the Paleolithic. Here you have an appointment with History, at the mercy of the troglodyte houses dug into the mountain slopes. The city is full of rocky churches and has a collection of museums that are more exciting than others. Visiting Matera is finally enjoying the extraordinary landscapes of Puglia Not far. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Matera!

1. The Sassi

Literally meaning the stones, Sassi designate the troglodyte dwellings that make Matera's charm. Separated by a rocky promontory in the heart of the old town, they gather in two quarters: Sasso Barisano to the north and Sasso Caveoso south.

Long theatre of a poor life in unhealthy conditions, they were considered a national shame in the early 1950s. The families are then displaced, Sassi abandoned, before returning to their letters of nobility thanks to an important rehabilitation. They are now part of UNESCO’s world heritage.

Take a walk in the tidal of alleys to get back to time and push the door of the Antica Matera Casa Grotta to discover a reconstruction of life in the troglodyte habitats until the 1950s. A thousand lights, Sassi offer an unforgettable night show!

2. The Duomo

Another impossible to visit in Matera, the Duomo the largest religious building in the city. The cathedral of Matera as it is also called, was built between 1230 and 1270 and unveils a rather sleek Roman style.

Inside, you will discover some interesting works like the statue of the Madonna della bruna , the patron saint of the city, or the medieval fresco of last judgment.

3. La Chiesa del Purgatorio

In baroque style, the church of purgatory is, as its name suggests, dedicated to death and redemption. On the façade you will notice sculptures in the shape of skeletons, as well as a large number of skulls on the front face of the basilica.

Inside, you will discover many paintings, eight of which represent the Passion of Christ. An organ of the XVIII century, the statue of San Michele Angelo and the frescoes add to the magic of the place.

4. Rustic churches

No way to talk about things to do in Matera without evokeing his few 150 rock churches ! Inscribed to Unesco’s world heritage, most often dug into the rock, their depleted facades offer a striking contrast with the refinement of the interiors.

One of them, the church of San Pietro Caveoso, unveils a fabulous view of Matera and its countryside since its court. The Rupestrian Church of the Madonna de Idris , that of Santa Barbara, San Giovanni Battista and Madonna delle Virtu are also essential.

5. Le Convicinio di Sant’Antonio

If you don’t have time to travel the city to tour the rock churches, focus on the city Convicinio di Sant’Antonio . This set of 4 rocky churches is in good place in this ranking of the best things to do in Matera.

Raise your eyes to admire the Greek cross in relief of Sant’Eligio. Inside, contemplate the frescoes still in very good condition, which represent the faces of several saints.

6. The monastery of Sant’Agostino

Dating from the late 16th century, the monastery of Sant’Agostino won its place in this ranking of the best things to visit in Matera. Recognized as an Italian national monument in 1988, it offers a beautiful example of baroque architecture. It includes a convent and a church.

Destroyed by an earthquake in 1734, it was undergoing remarkable renovation. On the façade you will discover the statues of Saint-Austin, Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre. Inside, the fresco of the Holy Trinity is worth a look.

7. La Casa Noha

In the list of monuments to visit in Matera, the Casa Noha stands in good position. Blottie in a palace of the 16th century, it unveils a structure in tuf, cornices and sculptures and beautiful vaulted ceilings.

A staircase leads you inside, where a multimedia course allows you to discover in detail the history of the city. A film designed by Giovanni Carrada is projected on the walls, floors and ceilings of the rooms.

8. Cripta del Peccato Originale

Also to be done in Matera, the crypt of original sin is an ancient place of worship of the Lombardy era. It houses a superb collection of colorful frescoes, which allowed it to be listed on the Unesco world heritage.

On the left wall, the frescoes of the Apostles, the Virgin Queens and the Archangel hide in three niches. To better understand the meaning of other frescoes, offer yourself a guided tour or take a audioguide in French !

9. The Materasum Ipogeo

Another impossible to visit in Matera, the Materasum Ipogeo is a real city under the city. To 12 meters depth stretches a network of underground galleries with an area of approximately 1 200 m2 .

Destinated over time for various uses, it was able to serve as a attic, tank, housing, ice room, crypt... One. audioguide is highly recommended here. Animations such as artistic exhibitions and concerts are regularly scheduled.

10. La Casa grotta di Vico Solitario

Very popular travellers who seek to do in Matera, the Casa grotta di Vico Solitario allows to better understand how the inhabitants lived in the caves in the eighteenth century.

Located in the Sasso Caveoso , it still has furniture and antique tools. They let people see the difficult living conditions of the inhabitants. You have the possibility to opt for a audioguide in French . To 3 euros , the visit is fast because the accommodation has only two rooms.

11. The Museo Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina

To do absolutely in Matera, Museo Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina leaves no traveller indifferent. Founded by an individual passionate about the history of the city, he mixes documentation on life in caves and objects recovered in the Sassi , before the Italian regime orders families to leave the place.

12. MUSMA Museum

Located in a palace dating from 1600, the MUSMA Museum is nothing less than the most important Italian museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture. An emergency visit to Matera, to discover a large collection. On the programme, works by Duilio Cambellotti, Kengiro Azuma or Maria Lai.

13. Domenico Ridola National Archaeological Museum

We continue the cultural program with the Domenico Ridola National Archaeological Museum, to be done in Matera. The oldest museum in the region was created in 1911.

In one of the 5 rooms you will discover vestiges dating from Paleolithic, such as axes, lances and arrows. Other pieces of the collection testify to the Roman era, such as bronzes, armour and monumental vases.

14. Museo di Palazzo Lanfranchi

Other museum to visit in Matera, the Museo di Palazzo Lanfranchi was built in the 17th century. Constant to medieval and modern art, it is divided into three sections.

The first, which presents sacred art, includes objects and paintings of churches in the region. The second has more than 300 canvases of the medieval Neapolitan school. The third includes works by Carlo Levi and a selection of 150 works by Luigi Guerricchio.

15. The MOOM

To vary the pleasures, now push the doors of the MOOM, a museum dedicated to olive oil. Explaining the secrets of the process of making this essential of Italian gastronomy, the visit ends on a tasting.

16. Belvédère piazzetta Pascoli

Looking for Matera to give you a memory for life? The viewpoint located on the piazzetta Pascoli is the place you need. In front of the Lafranchi Palace, take a walk towards this point of view, which reveals a breathtaking view of the Sassi Caveoso .

17. La Piazza Vittorio Veneto

To conclude on the visits to Matera, take the time to stroll on the piazza Vittorio Veneto . Located near the Sassi and very lively, it is essential to taste it dolce vita Italian.

Attached to a bar or restaurant terrace, order a Spritz or a panzerotto and meet the premises! Before leaving, take a look at the fountains and the monument to the dead.

What to do near Matera?

The park della Murgia Materana

extending over an area of more than 8,000 hectares , this site is among the places to visit in Matera. A must-do for hiking or mountain biking enthusiasts, which offers a multitude of possibilities to take the air between two visits of troglodyte homes and cave churches.

Our advice : join Murgia Timone, which offers a spectacular view of the city.

Puglia canyon

Appeal gravena in Italian, this canyon crosses several villages of Puglia, a region close to the Basilicata. Including 1h10 by car to rally Bari. To offer you the best views on this canyon, stop at Catallaneta and Massafra.

The Castel Del Monte

Last spot to visit in Matera and its surroundings, the Castel del Monte . Built in 1240 by Emperor Frederick II, this castle is now classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Umberto Ecco was inspired to write his novel Le Nom de la rose in 1986 and served as a decor in film scenes Tale of Tales and Wonder Woman .

How do I go to Matera?

Matera does not have no airport on its territory. The closest is located Bari one of the main cities of Puglia. Several airlines like Air France and Alitalia charter regular flights to Bari, live or with correspondence to Milan or Rome .

Other option to benefit from lower rates and to travel on low cost airlines like Easy Jet : l airport Naples . Think about using a flight comparison such as Ulysses to find a cheap flight to Matera!

How to move to Matera?

To move to Matera, you can rent a car at the airport. Notez that restrictions on traffic in large cities, or the affluence in the summer period, can make this means of transport somewhat tedious.

In parallel, many companies bus serve the city of Matera. In the historic centre, you will have no choice but to move on foot or by bike: it is pedestrian .

Where to sleep in Matera?

That's what it is. Sassi , in the historical center (neighborhoods of Civita and Piano) or to Rione Piccialnello , the options are not missing to find accommodation in Matera.

Whether you're looking for cheap accommodation, a guesthouse or a luxury room, think about using a Compare hotels ! For a house or apartment in Matera, check out the offers Airbnb . You will necessarily find accommodation adapted to your needs and budget!