If you are looking for a fascinating destination for your next trip, Matera could be the answer. This unique city, famous for its Sassi, offers a journey through time between ancient houses carved into the rock and spectacular rock churches. Walking through the alleys of this UNESCO world heritage site, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a thousand-year-old history and admire breathtaking views. Matera is not just a destination, but an experience that will leave you speechless, revealing its charm in every corner. Get ready to discover a place where culture and nature intertwine, making your stay unforgettable.
Explore the Sassi of Matera
Walking among the Sassi di Matera is like immersing yourself in another era, where the past and the present intertwine in a fascinating embrace. These ancient districts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a labyrinth of houses carved into the rock, cobbled streets and small squares overlooking breathtaking views. Every corner tells a story, every stone is testimony to an era that doesn't seem to want to fade away.
While exploring Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, don't miss the opportunity to visit the cave dwellings, many of which have been restored and transformed into museums or cozy cafés. Here you can enjoy a coffee accompanied by a bocconotto, a typical dessert of the Lucanian tradition.
Visits to the Sassi are particularly fascinating at sunrise or sunset: the golden light of the sun kisses the rocks creating a magical atmosphere and a play of shadows that makes every photographic shot unforgettable.
Furthermore, for a complete experience, we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water with you; exploring the Sassi may prove more challenging than it seems, but every step will be rewarded with views that will remain etched in your memory.
Visit Matera for an adventure that combines history, culture and beauty in a unique context in the world!
Visit the historic rock churches
Entering the rock churches of Matera is an experience that goes beyond a simple tourist visit; it is a journey through time, an immersion in a spiritual and cultural heritage unique in the world. These sacred places, carved into the rock, date back centuries and tell stories of communities who, over the centuries, have sought refuge and spirituality between the tuff walls.
The rock churches, such as the Cathedral of Matera and the Church of San Pietro Barisano, offer a fascinating example of rock architecture. Each church is decorated with extraordinary frescoes, often in an astonishing state of preservation. For example, the Church of Santa Maria di Idris stands majestically on a rock, with a breathtaking view of the city.
During your visit, don't miss the opportunity to explore the medieval frescoes that adorn the walls, telling stories of saints and martyrs. Furthermore, many churches host cultural events and religious celebrations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience local spirituality.
To make your visit even more memorable, consider joining a guided tour. The expert guides will not only lead you through these evocative places, but will also share anecdotes and curiosities that will enrich your experience.
Don't forget to bring your camera: every corner of the rock churches is a work of art to capture!
Discover authentic Lucanian gastronomy
When we talk about Matera, we cannot ignore exploring its authentic Lucanian gastronomy, a true journey into the flavors and aromas of tradition. The cuisine of this region is a reflection of its history, simple but rich in taste, with fresh and genuine ingredients.
A dish not to be missed is pasta alla guitar, served with fresh tomato and basil sauce, or pecorino di Filiano, a cheese with an intense flavor that goes perfectly with local cured meats such as wild boar sausage . Don't forget to taste Matera bread, famous for its crunchy crust and soft centre, perfect for accompanying any meal.
For dessert lovers, bocconotti and calzoncelli are unmissable delights, filled with jam and typical sweets, which tell the story of a cuisine that has been handed down from generation to generation. Another fundamental aspect of Lucanian gastronomy is the importance of wines: try a glass of Aglianico del Vulture, a full-bodied red that enhances every dish.
To make the most of this experience, visit one of the traditional taverns in the heart of the Sassi, where you can taste typical dishes prepared with passion and love. Don't forget to ask the locals for advice: their knowledge of Lucanian cuisine is a treasure to discover, and each dish has a story to tell.
Panoramic walks through the alleys
Walking through the alleys of Matera is an experience that stimulates all the senses. Every corner tells stories of a fascinating past, while the warm light of the sun reflects on the ancient stones of the Sassi. Imagine getting lost among the cobbled streets, surrounded by houses carved into the rock and flowered balconies that add a touch of colour.
The scenic walks not only offer breathtaking views, but also allow you to appreciate the unique architecture of this city. Head towards the Belvedere di Montalbano for a spectacular view of the Sassi, where the houses seem to embrace the mountain. You will discover how the sunset light transforms the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere.
Don't forget to explore the less travelled alleys, where you can find artisans at work and small shops selling local products. You might find a ceramic workshop or a shop that offers typical Lucanian sweets, such as cuddruriedd.
To make your experience even more memorable, wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water with you. Walks through the alleys of Matera are not just a way to discover the city, but a journey through the history, culture and beauty of Basilicata. Don't forget your camera: every step is an opportunity to immortalize the magic of this unique place!
A stay in a dig hotel
Staying in a scavo hotel in Matera is a unique experience that transforms the trip into an unforgettable adventure. These fascinating hotels created from ancient caves offer not only a comfortable bed, but also a dive into the history and culture of Basilicata. Imagine falling asleep wrapped in living stone and waking up with a view of the Sassi, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Structures such as the Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita and the Palazzo Gattini are just some of the options that will allow you to experience the authenticity of Matera. The tastefully furnished rooms maintain historical elements and offer modern comforts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
During your stay, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with typical Lucanian products, such as Matera bread and delicious focacciotti. Many hotels also offer guided tours to explore the rock churches and picturesque alleyways, enriching your experience.
Furthermore, the central location of the scavo hotels facilitates access to all major attractions. From the beauty of the Sassi to the magic of the rock churches, every corner of Matera tells fascinating stories. Book your stay in an excavation hotel and prepare to experience a unique dimension that will take you back in time, making you feel part of this extraordinary place.
Attend local cultural events
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural fabric of Matera by participating in local events that celebrate the history and traditions of the city. Every year, Matera hosts a series of events that they range from music festivals to historical reenactments, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the community and discover Lucanian culture.
One of the most fascinating events is the Culture Festival, which is held in spring and includes concerts, theater performances and art exhibitions. During this period, the Sassi of Matera become a living stage, with artists and musicians performing among the ancient streets and squares.
In autumn, don't miss the Historical Parade, a fascinating re-enactment that transports visitors to the past, with period costumes and parades that tell the story of Matera. It's a perfect opportunity to take unforgettable photos and enjoy an authentic experience.
Furthermore, many rock churches host concerts and spiritual events, where sacred music blends with the unique architecture of the place, creating a magical atmosphere. To stay updated on scheduled events, you can consult the official tourism website of Matera or ask for information at your hotel.
Participating in these events not only enriches your visit, but also allows you to better understand the soul of Matera, making your stay even more memorable.
Guided tours to delve deeper into history
Imagine walking through the Sassi di Matera, a labyrinth of ancient houses carved into the rock, while an expert guide tells you stories of a fascinating past. Guided tours are not just a way to orient yourself in this world heritage site, but represent a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Basilicata.
Local guides, often descendants of families who have lived here for generations, share anecdotes, legends and historical facts that make every corner of the Sassi alive and vibrant. You can visit rock churches such as Santa Maria di Idris and San Pietro Caveoso, hearing stories about how these places have been spiritual refuges for monks over the centuries.
Don't miss the opportunity to take part in a thematic tour, which can include routes dedicated to the daily life of the people of Matera in the past, or tours on local gastronomy, where you can also taste typical dishes that tell the story of the Lucanian culinary tradition.
To make your experience even more authentic, consider booking a tour at sunset, when the golden rays illuminate the facades of the Sassi, creating a magical atmosphere. You can find guided tours easily online or at the Matera tourist office, where they will help you choose the itinerary that best suits your interests.
Discovering the history of Matera through an expert guide will make your trip not only memorable, but also deeply meaningful.
Tip: visit at sunrise or sunset
Visiting Matera at sunrise or sunset is an experience that transforms the beauty of the Sassi into an enchanting picture. Imagine walking among the ancient houses carved into the rock while the sun rises gently, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. The Sassi illuminate with a warm and enveloping light, creating an almost magical atmosphere that is difficult to forget.
During dawn, silence reigns supreme: you can listen to the birds singing and the buzz of life slowly awakening. The streets, still deserted, invite you to discover hidden corners, such as the small squares and rock churches, which seem to tell stories of past centuries. Basilicata is a treasure to explore and, at dawn, every stone seems to shine with new life.
At sunset, however, the city transforms into a stage of vibrant colours. The elongated shadows intertwine with the golden light, creating a play of chiaroscuro that enhances the architectural peculiarities of the Sassi. It is the perfect time to take unforgettable photographs, immortalizing the beauty of these places steeped in history.
Don't forget to bring a bottle of water and a camera! The magic of Matera awaits you, and every sunrise and sunset offers a unique opportunity to experience the city in an authentic way.
Unforgettable photographic experiences
Matera is a true paradise for photographers, where every corner tells a story and every shot can be transformed into a work of art. The Sassi, with their fascinating houses carved into the rock, offer breathtaking scenery, especially during the early hours of the morning or at sunset, when the warm light of the sun kisses the ancient stones. Don't forget to capture the panoramic view from the Belvedere di Montalbano, one of the most evocative points to immortalize the unique landscape of the city.
For photography enthusiasts, it is advisable to bring a wide-angle lens to embrace the vastness of the panorama and a telephoto lens for more intimate details of the architecture. Also consider attending photography workshops organized by local experts, who will guide you to lesser-known places and teach you special techniques to capture the essence of Matera.
Don't forget to explore the rock churches, where the play of light and shadow creates magical atmospheres, perfect for evocative photographs. Finally, to make your experience even richer, bring a notebook with you to write down the emotions and stories behind each shot: it will be a precious memory to relive every time you look at your photographs. Matera is not just to be seen, but to experience and feel through your camera.
Discover the mysteries of prehistoric caves
Matera is not only famous for its Sassi and wonderful rock churches, but also hides a fascinating prehistoric past in its caves. These ancient shelters, carved into the limestone rock, tell stories of the men and women who lived here thousands of years ago. The caves of Matera, such as the famous Grotta di Palombaro Lungo, offer a fascinating journey through time, with archaeological remains that date back to the Paleolithic.
Exploring these caves means immersing yourself in a world of mystery and discovery. You will be able to admire rock carvings and stone tools, while expert guides will reveal the secrets of these cavities to you. Don't forget to bring a torch, as some of them can be dark and fascinating!
For an even more immersive experience, join a guided tour that will take you through hidden passages and secret rooms, where you can hear incredible tales about the lives of our ancestors. Tours are available year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring or autumn, when the weather is mild.
Don't miss the opportunity to discover the prehistoric caves of Matera, a treasure that adds depth and charm to your visit. The combination of history, culture and nature will leave you speechless and enrich your experience in this extraordinary city of Basilicata.