Imagine a city that’s been inhabited for more than 9,000 years, its origins stretching back to prehistoric communities that existed long before the dawn of recorded civilization. Throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, the settlement survived the earliest transformations of human society; and later it witnessed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the upheavals of the European Middle Ages, and the emergence of the modern globalised world.
Widely believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, Matera is a southern Italian city in the Basilicata region. And as the city enters its tenth millennia, it’s undergone another amazing transformation. Following several decades of investment and redevelopment, boutique hotels, stylish wine bars, and refined local restaurants now sit alongside prehistoric cave dwellings, museums, and rock-carved monasteries.
Built around the edges of several rocky valleys, the city’s limestone houses seem to spill down the hillside. At sunrise and sunset, the entire city is bathed in a beautiful golden hue, creating spectacular photo opportunities at every turn. Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, you can explore these prehistoric homes during your visit, many of which remained inhabited until as late as the 1950s! As you get to know Matera you’ll discover a treasure trove of hidden courtyards, underground chapels with medieval frescoes, and sweeping vistas across the Gravina canyon.
Formerly considered one of Italy’s poorest regions, Matera is now a thriving cultural hub, and was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The city was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and featured in the blockbuster James Bond movie, ‘No Time to Die’ in 2021.
And so whether you’re interested in history, photography, gourmet cuisine, or simply want to experience one of Europe’s most unique destinations, Matera offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable vacation in Southern Italy.
How To Get To Matera, Italy?
Situated in the southern Italian Province of Basilicata, Matera is around 55 km inland from the coastal city of Bari. For international travelers, the best way to reach Matera is to fly into Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI). Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is well connected to major European travel hubs, including London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam – with a flight taking about 2 to 3 hours from within Europe.
If you’re travelling from further afield, then you’ll first need to fly into Rome’s Leonardo-da-Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO). Flight times from North America to Rome typically range from about 9 to 14 hours, and from Asia about 12 to 15 hours. Once you arrive in Rome, you can catch a connecting domestic flight to Bari – which will take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a regional train, which takes about 4 to 6 hours, or rent a car and drive, which takes about 5 hours.
Once you get to Bari, you can jump on a local bus which leaves from the city center several times a day, and takes about 1.5 hours. Otherwise, you can take a taxi, or rent a car, which will also take about 1.5 hours.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Matera, Italy?
With its beautiful Mediterranean climate, Matera is a year-round destination, although the experience varies from season to season. Even so, the optimal times to visit Matera are during the spring, between April and June, and the autumn, from September and October.
During the spring and autumn, day time temperatures range from 15 to 25 Degrees Celsius – ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the city of Matera. In the spring, the wild flowers are blooming in the surrounding countryside, and the skies are clear and blue. You’ll also avoid the main bulk of the tourist crowds which can sometimes get a little overwhelming during the summer months.
During the summer, the peak of the Italian tourist season, temperatures can regularly reach 30 Degrees Celsius and sometimes exceed 35 Degrees Celsius. The weather is extremely dry, which makes the heat easier to manage, although it can be tough to walk up the many steep stairways and streets in the city. If you do visit during the summer months, it’s a good idea to plan your sightseeing for the early morning and evening to avoid the intense heat of the midday sun.
And so for most people, the late spring and early autumn offer an ideal balance of great weather, small crowds, and better prices on hotels and flights.
What To Do In Matera, Italy?
Guided Walking Tour of Historic Matera
Discover the timeless beauty of Matera on this two hour guided walking tour through the historic Sassi districts of the city. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll explore the winding alleys and stone stairways of the city, visit atmospheric viewpoints, and see some of the city’s most famous buildings.
The tour includes visiting a prehistoric cave to learn how families once lived in these rock dwellings. Next, you’ll visit a Rupestrian church, one of 150 rock-carved places of worship dug directly into the limestone cliffs. Originally built in the Early Middle Ages, these cave churches were built by Byzantine monks and used for worship and congregational meetings. The church has a lovely set of handpainted frescoes on the walls, and great views of the valley below.
Finally, you’ll return to the meeting point where you’ll receive a 10% discount coupon to use at the MòVado Food & Drink – a popular local cocktail and snacks bar. The tour meets and finishes at the Martuli Viaggi office on 3 Via Alessandro Volta in the historic center.
You can find out more about the tour, and book your places, here.
Private Trip to the Vineyards of Ginosa with Wine Tasting
If you’d like to experience the rural idyll of Matera’s countryside, then this private half-day tour to a local organic vineyard is exactly what you’ve been looking for. The leisurely tour departs from Matera, where you’ll meet your guide and be driven out to the winery through the dream-like landscapes in an air conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival, your guide will explain the traditions and expert craftsmanship that go into the making of the world renowned Puglian wines.
During your explorations of the estate, you’ll visit the winery’s cellars, walk through the surrounding vineyards, and learn about how the unique limestone soils help to create the signature taste of the region’s wine. Once you’ve been shown around the estate, you’ll settle down in an open air courtyard to enjoy a carefully curated tasting of fine regional wines, paired with a delightful selection of local delicacies.
And as the tour comes to an end, you’ll be driven back to Matera, and dropped off at the meet up point at Martulli Viaggi tours office. An absolute must-do for wine enthusiasts,and anyone who wants to learn about the traditions of rural life around Matera.
You can find out more about the trip to the vineyards, and book your places, here.
Private Tour of Parco della Murgia at Sunset
This tour takes you out amongst the dramatic scenery of the Parco della Murgia as the sun sets. Located in a large canyon just outside the city, the protected parkland is best known for its rugged landscapes, unique biodiversity, and extraordinary archaeological heritage. After meeting your guide, you’ll be driven out to the park in an air-conditioned vehicle.
As you walk through the park your guide will explain the history of the area and point out interesting plants, rock features, and viewpoints. You’ll also visit prehistoric rock-hewn caves, see prehistoric traces of human settlements, and stop by some of the ancient churches that were carved out of the solid rock of the cliffs.
One of the tour’s highlights is seeing an 8th Century hand-painted fresco in what was once an active Rupestrian church; after which you’ll climb up to the most spectacular beauty spots where you’ll enjoy views of both the park and city of Matera. Packed full of stunning photo opportunities, this sun set tour of Parco della Murgia is a great way to round off a wonderful day in Matera.
Ideal for families with children, small groups, couples, and nature lovers, the tour departs from Via Don Giovanni Minzoni in the historic center of Matera.
You can find out more about the tour, and reserve your places, here.
Visit the MUSMA Museum in Matera
While Matera is best known for its rock carved churches and ancient cave dwellings, the arts of sculpture are still very much alive in the city. The MUSMA – or Museum of Contemporary Sculpture – is a one-of-a-kind museum located in a historic cave in the Sassi district. Situated in the 16th Century Palazzo Pomarici, it’s the only museum that’s dedicated to sculpture in the world that is situated in a cave, yet alone a cave that was carved out of the rock by human hands. Essentially, this means that Matera’s museum of sculpture is housed within a giant rock sculpture!
As you can imagine, the galleries are quite unforgettable, arranged in underground chambers, former cellars, and hand-carved rock rooms where the contemporary artworks are displayed against dramatic backdrops of Matera’s iconic limestone architecture. Containing a large collection of contemporary artworks, including 400 sculptures from the late 19th Century right up to the present day, it showcases work by leading local, Italian, and international artists. Pieces made of bronze, steel, glass, ceramic, and stone, are all carefully displayed throughout.
Thought provoking, inspiring, and guaranteed to impress, a visit to Matera’s contemporary MUSMA museum of sculpture is an interesting way to complement your explorations of the city’s prehistoric past.
You can find out more about the museum’s current exhibits and its opening times, on the official website, here.
Stay at Il Belvedere Hotel
Sitting high on the upper edge of the historic Sasso Caveoso district in Matera, Il Belvedere hotel enjoys one of the most enviable locations in the city, with spectacular views across the picturesque stone dwellings that define the UNESCO-listed landscape. Set within lovingly restored caves, cisterns, and underground spaces, the hotel seamlessly blends the centuries-old architecture with thoughtful modern comforts and decor.
Guests can relax on the panoramic terrace – a perfect spot for a morning coffee or a cocktail at sunset – while the generous breakfast of traditional regional products is the ideal start to any day. Conveniently situated along the main road leading to the historic Sassi district, the hotel has ample public parking and a friendly staff that’s always on hand to help arrange your day trips and tours.
The hotel offers a good selection of air-conditioned and spacious cave-style accommodations. Each room features soundproofing, private bathrooms with walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries, a flatscreen TV, super-luxurious fittings, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar and refrigerator. A lovely place to stay during your time in Matera, couples will appreciate the romantic setting while Il Belvedere hotel is also family-friendly and welcomes small groups as well.
You can find out more about Il Belvedere, and book your rooms on the hotel website, here.
