Matera

Matera is famous for its ancient Sassi, cave dwellings carved into ravines that date back thousands of years. It was European Capital of Culture in 2019 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do

• Explore the Sassi di Matera — Walk the two main Sassi districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, at dawn for fewer crowds.
• Visit the Rupestrian Churches — Santa Maria de Idris and Madonna delle Virtù contain ancient Byzantine frescoes.
• Tour the Casa Grotta museum — This restored cave home shows how families lived in the Sassi until the 1950s.
• Hike the Murgia Plateau — Cross the Gravina canyon for panoramic views of the Sassi from the opposite cliff.
• Visit MUSMA sculpture museum — A modern sculpture museum housed inside a historic cave palazzo.

Food to try

• Pane di Matera — A crusty IGP-certified sourdough bread made from durum wheat with a distinctive horn shape.
• Crapiata — A hearty ancient legume and grain soup traditionally eaten on August 1st.
• Agnello al forno — Oven-roasted lamb seasoned with local herbs, a Sunday staple in Basilicata.
• Peperone crusco — Dried sweet red pepper, fried crispy, used as a condiment or snack throughout the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly in churches — Many rupestrian churches are still active sacred sites requiring covered shoulders and knees.
• Book accommodation early — Cave hotels fill quickly, especially in summer and during local festivals.
• Respect the quiet hours — Matera's old town residents value the afternoon riposo between 1–4pm.