If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a place where time seems to stand still — where cobblestone streets twist between ancient caves and sunlight dances on pale limestone — then it’s time to visit Matera. This southern Italian gem, tucked into the hills of Basilicata, feels less like a modern city and more like a living museum.
Matera’s labyrinth of stone dwellings, known as the Sassi, tells a story that spans thousands of years. Once considered Italy’s “shame” for its poverty and neglect, it has since been reborn as one of Europe’s most enchanting travel destinations. Whether you’re an architecture lover, a history buff, or simply a traveler looking for something extraordinary, Matera will take your breath away.
The City Frozen in Time: A Brief History of Matera
To truly appreciate Matera, you have to understand its past — and what a past it is. This is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The city grew from its caves, literally carved out of soft limestone cliffs overlooking the Gravina canyon.
For centuries, Matera’s inhabitants lived in cave homes dug directly into the rock, with entire families — and sometimes their animals — sharing the same space. The Sassi di Matera (Sassi of Matera) form two main districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, both of which preserve the essence of ancient life.
By the mid-20th century, however, poverty and poor living conditions led to mass evacuations. The government relocated residents, and the caves were left to crumble. Yet, in a remarkable twist of fate, Matera’s forgotten dwellings were rediscovered decades later as symbols of resilience and heritage. In 1993, UNESCO recognized the Sassi as a World Heritage Site, praising their unique cultural significance. What was once a ghost town became a global treasure.
The Magic of the Sassi: Exploring Matera’s Cave Homes
Walking through Matera feels like moving through a dreamscape. The Sassi sprawl across a hillside, forming a honeycomb of arches, stairways, and terraces that seem to melt into one another. Each corner reveals another breathtaking view — a church carved into stone, a sunlit courtyard, or a quiet passage that suddenly opens onto a panoramic vista.
Inside the cave homes, the atmosphere is otherworldly. The air is cool and still, with walls that whisper centuries of stories. Many of these spaces have been restored into boutique hotels, cafés, and artisan shops while preserving their ancient charm. Imagine sipping espresso in a centuries-old cave café or sleeping under a vaulted rock ceiling where generations once lived.
Be sure to explore Sasso Caveoso, known for its raw authenticity and sweeping views over the canyon. Then wander through Sasso Barisano, where you’ll find more restored dwellings and elegant accommodations. Don’t miss Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a museum home that recreates daily life before the city’s evacuation. It’s both humbling and fascinating — a glimpse into the humanity of those who lived here long before the tourist crowds arrived.
(Tip: For more hidden Italian gems, explore our Epic Destinations category for inspiration beyond the usual tourist trail.)
Explore the Cave Churches Hidden in the Cliffs
One of the most unforgettable things to do when you visit Matera is to step inside its ancient cave churches, known locally as chiese rupestri. These sanctuaries were carved directly into the rock between the 8th and 13th centuries and adorned with colorful Byzantine-style frescoes that still survive today. Don’t miss Santa Lucia alle Malve, the oldest monastic complex in Matera, or San Pietro Barisano, which hides a mysterious underground crypt.
Each church tells a story of faith and artistry preserved in stone, and exploring them feels like traveling back through time. Guided tours are available for those who want to understand the symbols and history behind these sacred spaces.
Watch the Sunset from Belvedere di Murgia Timone
For a view you’ll never forget, head across the canyon to Belvedere di Murgia Timone — the best panoramic lookout point in Matera. From here, the city appears like a glowing sculpture at dusk, its honey-colored buildings cascading down the hillside. You’ll see the Sassi illuminated by thousands of tiny lights, a sight so cinematic it’s been featured in films like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die.
The short hike to the viewpoint is part of the Parco della Murgia Materana trail system, where you can also spot prehistoric caves and native wildflowers along the way. Bring a picnic, a camera, and a moment to simply take it all in — this is Matera at its most magical.
Visit Matera: A Modern-Day Adventure Through Ancient Streets
There’s something special about the moment you first visit Matera. The city seems to exist in its own rhythm, somewhere between ancient and modern. Wandering its narrow streets, you can’t help but feel transported.
Start your adventure early in the morning, when the golden light paints the stone walls. Stroll through the Sassi di Matera, taking time to peek into open doorways where artisans craft pottery and leather goods by hand. As you walk, you’ll notice the city’s unique vertical layout — houses stacked atop one another, roofs doubling as terraces for the homes above.
Be sure to visit the Rupestrian Churches, carved into the cliffs and decorated with faded frescoes. The Church of Santa Maria de Idris, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, offers stunning views and a haunting glimpse into medieval spirituality.
As evening falls, make your way to Piazza Vittorio Veneto. From here, the city lights begin to twinkle, illuminating Matera’s ancient stones in a warm, golden glow. Watching the sunset from this spot is pure magic — it’s when Matera truly comes alive.
If you have more time, don’t miss exploring the surrounding Parco della Murgia Materana, a rugged natural park dotted with prehistoric caves and panoramic viewpoints across the canyon. You’ll see just how deeply nature and civilization intertwine here, creating a landscape unlike any other in Italy.
Matera on Screen: From Obscurity to Hollywood Fame
It’s no surprise that filmmakers have fallen in love with Matera’s cinematic allure. Its dramatic landscape, timeless architecture, and golden-stone glow have turned it into a favorite set for historical and biblical films.
Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ (2004) was one of the first major productions to showcase Matera’s striking resemblance to ancient Jerusalem. Since then, the city has appeared in Ben-Hur (2016) and even the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021), which opened with a spectacular chase through Matera’s winding streets.
Each film has drawn new visitors, putting Matera firmly on the world’s travel map. But despite the fame, the city hasn’t lost its soul. Its charm lies in how it balances its growing popularity with deep respect for its past.
Staying in a Cave: Where to Sleep, Eat, and Soak It All In
Spending the night in a cave might sound unusual — until you do it in Matera. The city’s restored Sassi accommodations blend history with luxury, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay:
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita — Perhaps Matera’s most famous hotel, featuring minimalist cave rooms lit by candlelight and furnished with rustic simplicity.
- Locanda di San Martino — A charming mid-range option with a spa built into an ancient cave.
- Le Dodici Lune — A cozy boutique stay located in the heart of Sasso Caveoso.
Where to Eat:
Matera’s food scene reflects its agricultural roots. Try crapiata, a local bean and grain stew, or the famous pane di Matera, a sourdough bread with a crisp crust and soft center. Pair it with regional wines like Aglianico del Vulture.
Dine in a candlelit cave restaurant such as Ristorante Francesca or Baccanti Ristorante, where you can enjoy slow-cooked lamb and pasta dishes with truffle or ricotta. For a casual lunch, grab a focaccia materana from a local bakery and find a scenic spot to enjoy it with a view.
Local Experiences:
- Join a guided night tour to see the Sassi illuminated under the stars.
- Visit local artisans crafting ceramics and woven goods using traditional methods.
- Attend a cooking class and learn to make orecchiette, southern Italy’s beloved ear-shaped pasta.
(Pro Tip: To make the most of your trip, plan your visit to Matera during spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner.)
How to Get There and When to Go
Matera may feel like another world, but it’s surprisingly accessible. The nearest major airport is in Bari, about 65 kilometers away. From Bari, you can reach Matera by car in roughly an hour, or take the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (local train) — a scenic route that winds through the countryside.
If you’re coming from Naples or Rome, driving is the easiest option, allowing you to stop at other beautiful southern towns along the way. Matera also connects to nearby attractions like Alberobello, famous for its conical trulli houses, making it a perfect addition to a wider Italian road trip.
As for timing, the best periods to visit Matera are April–June and September–October. Summers can be scorching, while winter offers a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere with fewer tourists.
Don’t miss Festa della Bruna, held every July 2nd — Matera’s biggest celebration, filled with fireworks, parades, and local traditions that light up the ancient streets.
Time Capsule Town
Matera is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time. From its humble cave dwellings to its current status as a UNESCO-listed wonder, this Italian village has defied the odds and redefined its destiny.
When you visit Matera, you’ll experience not just a place, but a story — one carved in stone, whispered through centuries, and waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re walking the quiet alleys at dawn or watching the city glow at dusk, Matera will leave you enchanted, humbled, and eager to return.
So pack your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and step into Italy’s city of stone — where history lives, light lingers, and time stands still.