The Top Things to do in Matera, Puglia, Italy 2024

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In this article, you’ll find the top things to do in Matera and also get a glimpse into its interesting history that has seen this ancient city rise and fall over the centuries.

As we wandered around Matera, the mist filled the ravine.

The wispy fog followed us around the winding, narrow alleyways and stairways of this eerily haunting place. 

The crumbling facades and cramped cave dwellings conveyed a deep melancholy, enhanced further by the faded, monochromatic colours.

Matera seeped into our souls.

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view over the roofs of Matera
View across the rooftops of Matera
View of Matera from the other side of the Ravine
Matera on the edge of the Gravina Ravine

MAP OF MATERA ATTRACTIONS

This map of things to do in Matera highlights places to visit in Matera and other nearby places.

Click on the right-hand side square box to expand, and the left box to see the Matera Map key.

What to do in Matera

Matera isn’t just a place — it is an experience.

This list of top things to do in Matera will help you decide how to spend your time in this ancient city. Whether you have just a day or longer, a visit to Matera is so worth a stop on any Italy itinerary.

Read on for some of Matera’s highlights.

1. VISIT CASA NOHA

We would recommend a visit to ‘Casa Noha’ to absorb a real historical sense of Matera. 

It’s a great place to start your visit and gives more meaning to your strolls through this ancient city. 

Films are displayed on the walls of this old home and you are taken through the extraordinary journey of Matera’s history. 

We were unprepared for the effect that Matera would have on us.

Death, disease, and horrific deprivation had brought this once fine-tuned, prosperous city to the depths of despair. But, its history was also its saviour, and it is rising once again. 

🎟 Buy Entry Tickets for Casa Noha here and skip the queue (Free cancellation )

St Francis of Assisi Church, Matera Italy
St.Francis Assissi Church, Matera Italy

At Casa Noha Learn the History Matera – The Shame of Italy

In the 17th century, Matera had evolved into a well-balanced, insular and self-sufficient town. It was in harmony with the environment. However, in the 18th century, things changed. 

Trading increased and many new immigrants arrived.  As a result, Matera became overpopulated and thus began the breakdown of its sustainability.

By the 1940s, thousands were living in atrocious conditions in the Sassi. Harrowing footage showed families cramped together with their animals. Disease was rife due to the lack of running water and heating and the infant mortality rate was a heartbreaking fifty per cent.

Fortunately, in the early 1950s, Matera’s plight became public.

This was largely due to the reports of author Carlo Levi who visited the Sassi di Matera and was horrified at the living conditions. This then sparked a reaction within the media and Matera became known as ‘The Shame of Italy’. Politicians finally began to take an interest in the plight of the Sassi di Matera.

In 1952, the government ordered that the Sassi homes were unfit for human habitation. They moved about 15,000 of the population to new quarters, located in the more modern part of Matera.

The old Sassi di Matera and the modern apartment blocks further up the hill
Modern Matera in the background, overlooking the old Sassi di Matera in the foreground

The abandonment of the area led to further degradation of the Sassi. 

In the 1980s,  a group of young people lobbied for the restoration of the Sassi. They had found abandoned archaeological treasures, including the ancient rock churches and believed that the city of Matera should not become forgotten.

Eventually, their determination and persistence won through and people started to return to the Sassi.

Matera was reborn.

2. EXPLORE THE ANCIENT SASSI DI MATERA

The old quarters of the town consist of a labyrinth of cave dwellings (Sassi) built into the soft limestone rock. The roofs of many of the Sassi are the foundations for the next.

 It is hard to imagine that some of the holes in the rocks were once entrances to a home. 

The Sassi began as a prehistoric troglodyte settlement and it is believed to be among one of the first human settlements in Italy.

Knowing their history and the story of how Matera became known as the shame of Italy, made visiting the sassi particularly evocative.

Things to do in Matera tour - white old stone houses all packed together


⭐️ Book this highly-rated guided tour of Matera Sassi here – Explore the UNESCO-listed site’s alleys, churches, and historical caves on this unique cultural adventure in Matera.

⭐️ 4.7/5 Star Reviews | ⏳ 2.5 hours | Book Here

The sassi of Matera
The Sassi of Matera
hole in a rock that used to be a home in the Sassi di Matera Italy
Once a cave home in Matera

3. VISIT THE CAVE-DWELLING OF VICO SOLITARIO

The Cave Dwelling of Vico Solitario is a museum within one of the caves. It displays typical period furnishings and artisan tools and provides an interesting insight into the peasant way of life within these dark, cramped caves. 

In a typical cave-dwelling, a family, with on-average six children, lived with their animals. In a small alcove of the cave would be the animal stall. This often contained a mule, pigs, chickens and other farm animals.

There were no toilet facilities, only a ‘cantero’,  a terracotta pot with a wooden lid kept by the bed.

Entrance Fee: About €3.00 For more details visit the Cave Museum webpage.

kitchen in a stone cave
The Matera Sassi kitchen 

4. VISIT THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY OF IDRIS

This spectacular church, the Church of Saint Mary of Idris,  is carved into the rock and takes pride in place above the old city of Matera. The church dates back to the fifteenth century and has a small bell tower. 

From in front of the church, you can have more amazing views of Matera.

Church in the centre of Matera, rising above the mist
Church of Saint Mary of Idris in Matera
Church of Saint Mary of Idris  - a roughly hewn church in old stone
Church of Saint Mary of Idris in Matera

On the next level down from the Church of Saint Mary of Idris, you’ll find the church of San Pietro Caveoso. This church, also known as the Church of St Peter and Paul was originally built in 1218 but has undergone many refurbishments since then.

church-of-San-Pietro-Caveoso
Church of San Pietro Caveoso

Consider taking this Matera Cave Town & Sassi Guided Walking Tour which includes a visit inside the Church of Saint Mary of Idris. Other highlights of this tour include:

  • The fascinating history of Matera Sassi
  • Admire the Rupestrian churches and their 1000-year-old frescoes
  • Visit the Casa Grotta
  • Enjoy wonderful views of the Matera Sassi and the landscape of the Matera Gravina
  • See the baroque area of Matera with its churches and buildings

5. WANDER THE OLD MATERA CITY

Just wandering around these narrow winding paths and getting lost in the maze of steps and alleyways is a delight in itself. The variety of architecture, churches and Matera’s ancient aura captivated us.

Include the Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli (see map) on your stroll through the old city. Bel vedere means the best view and from this point, there are fantastic views across Matera.

Another great viewpoint is the Belvedere Luigi Gurrigghio, which is near to Matera Tourist Information Centre.

👣 If you would like a more structured and informative walk through Matera book a group guided walking tour or a Private walking Tour 👀 

person walking up stone steps with walkways crossing overhead
an arch way in Matera with a clock tower as one pillar

6. HIKE IN MURGIA NATIONAL PARK

The landscape around Matera, in the Murgia National Park, is characterised by deep ravines and vast highland plateaus. Hidden within the nooks and crannies of this wild landscape are ancient caves, rock churches, fortified farmhouses and shepherd tracks.

These all provide rich evidence of the traditional human settlement that evolved alongside the natural environment. Walking across this rugged landscape with a view across the pale, sepia buildings evoked a biblical feel.

It is hardly surprising that this was the background used in the filming of the controversial movie, The Passion of Christ

From the Jazzo Gattini Visitor and Environmental Education Centre  (see map) in Matera, you can get maps and details of the many trails in the area. 

The trails offer panoramic views across the ravines and lead you to explore the rock churches and pre-historic villages. There is also a small museum there and the possibility to watch short films about Matera and the Rupestrian Churches.

Matera perched on the top of the steep ravine
Gravina de Matera

7. VIEW MATERA FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF MURGIA TIMONE

Take a trip to this viewpoint on the opposite side of Matera (see Map or coordinates: 40.6641, 16.61767).

From here you have a marvellous view of Matera City the Gravina de Matera and the Sassi di Matera.

You can also get to this point by walking from Matera, across the Ponte Tibetano della Gravina.

panorama of matera and the gorge
View of Matera from the viewpoint

8. VISIT SOME OF MATERA’S ROCK CHURCHES

Within the Murgia National Park, is the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. 

Here there are over 150 ancient rock churches, with origins mainly from the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries some of the churches have also been used as homes or animal shelters.

In 1993, UNESCO added both the Sassi di Matera and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches to the World Heritage List. We came across this tiny Matera rock church, Chiesa Rupestre di Madonna delle Tre Porte, and its peeling frescoes just near the Murgia Timone observation point (above).

Also, nearby you’ll find the ruins of Chiesa Rupestre di San Falcione. (see map)

Matera Italy rock church and its peeling frescoes
Chiesa Rupestre di Madonna delle Tre Porte, Matera
The opposite side of the ravine to Matera, the Murgia National Park with its many rock churches and ancient trails.
The opposite side of the ravine as seen here from Matera, is the Murgia National Park, with its many rock churches and ancient trails
Matera Cave in the hillside
Just one of the many caves in the hillside opposite Matera.

For a 2.5-hour guided tour in the area, including visits to the rock churches check out this Guided Tour of Parco Murgia | 5/5 ⭐️ | ⏰ 2.5 hours

9. VISIT THE FILMING LOCATIONS OF THE JAMES BOND MOVIE, NO TIME TO DIE. 

Matera features heavily in the James Bond Movie, ‘No Time to Die‘.

This James Bond 007 Tour includes all the Matera locations used in filming No Time to Die with stories and funny anecdotes about the filming and production in Matera.

The perfect tour for James Bond fans | 5/5 ⭐️ Star Ratings | ⏰ 2 hours

👉 Book here or find out more details

Here is a trailer that features the narrow alleyways and streets of Matera.

NO TIME TO DIE Trailer – In Cinemas October 2021.

As reported in GQ Magazine, the bridge, Puente Gravina in Gravina in Puglia was computer-generated into the scenes in Matera, so it looks like the bridge actually crosses the ravine beside Matera.

However, this beautiful two-tier Roman Bridge bridge, which 007 James Bond jumps off of is actually about 30km from Matera.

 10. TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ALBEROBELLO

Take a trip from Matera to the nearby town of Alberobello to visit the unique Alberobello Trulli. Alberobello is only about an hour and a quarter drive from Matera so this heritage-listed site is an easy visit and a must-see while in the area.

It is an enthralling place and its unique trulli look like mini-homes that might house fairies and goblins.

Your Matera to Alberobello experience will be well worth it.

Alberobello-Trulli-pic
Alberobello Trulli houses

WHERE TO STAY IN MATERA, ITALY


MATERA ACCOMMODATION

There are heaps of accommodation options in Matera, where you can choose to stay in a guest house in the old town in a traditional refurbished sassi or in a newer type of accommodation

Find your best deals here on Booking.com.

Booking.com

MATERA CAMPSITE

Our camper site, at Masseria Radogna, was in the Murgia National Park.

This is also where the Visitor and Environmental Education Centre was located.

As the roads in Matera are extremely narrow, and our van wasn’t, it was very fortunate that the manager also offers a shuttle from the campsite to Matera.

Matera Campsite
Matera Campsite in Murgia National Park

WHERE IS MATERA?

The ancient Matera city lies in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy, but is so close to the border of Puglia, that it is often referred to as a Puglia attraction.

  It is built on a rocky outcrop above the vast limestone ravine known as the ‘Gravina of Matera’.

Matera was once the proud, prosperous capital of the region. However, it suffered greatly from the changing world and began a steep decline. In fact, the demise was so great that Matera became known as the ‘Shame of Italy’.

However, this once-destitute city has been reborn. It has risen from the depths of poverty, desperation and misery and continues to rise. So much so, the European Union awarded Matera Italy, the coveted title of European Cultural Capital of 2019.

Matera, a Unesco World Heritage site, is known for the hundreds of cave dwellings on its mountainside (Sassi di Matera) and the city is set in amongst a wild landscape with a myriad of ancient rock churches. 

This video by the Travel and Discover Channel gives a brief overview of Matera 

Matera Video Tour - Italy 🇮🇹 European Capital Of Culture 2019

GETTING TO MATERA, PUGLIA 

The closest airport to Matera is at Bari, on Italy’s eastern coast which is about an hour’s drive.

The easiest way to get to Matera is by travelling in your own vehicle as taking public transport to the town is not particularly easy and can be time-consuming. 

However, if you need to take public transport you can get a train from Bari and then a bus to Matera, with the journey taking just over two hours.

🚘 Check out Rental Car Prices here at DiscoverCars.com

If you are considering renting a motorhome, we found the Motorhome Republic excellent and they found the best deals for us.

Matera Things to do FAQs

1. What are the top attractions and activities in Matera, Italy?

In Matera, you can explore the ancient Sassi di Matera, visit Casa Noha for a glimpse into the city’s history, take a guided tour of the James Bond 007 filming locations, hike in Murgia National Park, and visit some of Matera’s rock churches. Other popular activities include wandering the old Matera City, taking a day trip to Alberobello, and enjoying breathtaking views from Murgia Timone’s viewpoint.

2. How Do I Spend My Day in Matera, Italy?

Spending a day in Matera offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Start your day by visiting Casa Noha to gain insight into Matera’s captivating history. From there, explore the ancient Sassi di Matera, wandering through the narrow alleyways and cave dwellings. Don’t miss the Church of Saint Mary of Idris for its spectacular rock-carved architecture and stunning views of Matera.

3. What are some recommended viewpoints to capture the essence of Matera during the day?

For breathtaking views of Matera, head to the Murgia Timone viewpoint on the opposite side of the city. It offers a marvellous panorama of Matera City, the Gravina de Matera, and the Sassi di Matera. You can also enjoy fantastic views from Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli and Belvedere Luigi Gurrigghio in the old city.

4. Is hiking in Murgia National Park a worthwhile activity?

Definitely! Hiking in Murgia National Park offers a memorable experience amid deep ravines and highland plateaus. The park’s rugged landscape features ancient caves, rock churches, and shepherd tracks, providing evidence of traditional human settlement in harmony with nature.

Is it feasible to explore Alberobello on a day trip from Matera?

Yes, a day trip to Alberobello from Matera is entirely feasible. The unique Alberobello Trulli, heritage-listed cone-shaped houses, are a must-see attraction. It takes around an hour and a quarter to drive from Matera to Alberobello, allowing you to experience this enthralling place and be back in Matera by evening.

Things to do in Matera … That’s a Wrap

We’ve listed ten things to do in Matera here, but part of Matera’s charm is to wander without an agenda and discover your own hidden gems in amongst the monochromatic web of alleyways and streets.

We’d love to hear what you discover and about your favourite parts of Matera.

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Things to do in Matera Pinterest pin

PLANNING YOUR ITALY TRAVELS?

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For a more thorough list visit our Travel Resources page here.

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Shelley

Shelley, a former primary school teacher with a law degree, and her husband Lars co-own Lifejourney4two. Their adventure began in Perth, Australia, and has since taken them through Europe and Africa in motorhomes and bush campers. Shelley's travel guides combine practical advice with engaging stories, mirroring their shift from 'One Day' to 'Day One'. Together, they aim to inspire others to embark on their own travel dreams.

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