Matera Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Located in the Basilicata region of Italy, Matera is a captivating city that boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Known for its unique cave dwellings, Matera is often referred to as the "City of Stone" and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its fascinating architecture, ancient ruins, and picturesque landscapes, Matera offers a truly immersive and unforgettable travel experience.
One of the main highlights of Matera is the Sassi di Matera, a complex network of cave dwellings that date back thousands of years. These dwellings are carved into the soft volcanic rock and were inhabited by humans as early as the Paleolithic era. Today, many of these caves have been transformed into museums, hotels, and restaurants, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the unique way of life of Matera's ancient inhabitants.
As you wander through the narrow, winding streets of Matera, you'll come across numerous churches, monasteries, and palaces, each with its own story to tell. The most notable of these is the Cathedral of Matera, which is located in the heart of the city. With its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes, the cathedral is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Matera's history, a visit to the Museo Nazionale Ridola is highly recommended. This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the city's past, from its prehistoric origins to its more recent history as a thriving cultural center.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in Matera. The nearby Parco della Murgia Materana offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and rugged cliffs. This national park is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
In addition to its historical and natural wonders, Matera also offers a vibrant culinary scene. The city is known for its delicious regional cuisine, which includes dishes such as orecchiette pasta, lamb stew, and traditional pastries. Don't miss the opportunity to dine in one of Matera's charming trattorias and savor the flavors of this unique region.
Matera Attractions - What to See and Explore
Matera offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Palazzo Lanfranchi, Sassi di Matera, Castello Tramontano, Matera Cathedral. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Matera – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Matera, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Castel del Monte (Alta Murgia National Park), Castellana Caves (Castellana Grotte), Basilica di San Nicola (Bari).
Best Time To Visit Matera
Learn when is the best time to travel to Matera weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Pizza
Pizza, a cherished Italian delicacy, consists of a round, flattened dough base topped with tomatoes, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients. Traditionally, it's baked at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven. The term "pizza" was first documented in Italy in the...
Dish
Pasta
Pasta, a cherished dish originating from Italy, is primarily made from grain flour—usually wheat—combined with water or eggs. It comes in a multitude of shapes and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, or frying.
Food
Ravioli
Ravioli are a delectable type of pasta that feature a savory filling encased in thin pasta dough. Originating from Italian cuisine, these delightful pockets are typically served in broth or with a rich sauce. They come in various shapes such as square, circular, or...
Pasta
Ricotta
Ricotta is a delightful Italian cheese crafted from the whey of sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk left over from the cheese-making process. To produce ricotta, the remaining proteins in the whey are coagulated by acidifying and heating it.
Cheese
Antipasto
Antipasto is a traditional way to commence a formal Italian meal. This delightful platter typically showcases an assortment of cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, cheeses, and pickled vegetables.
First course
Basilicata