Presepe Vivente nei Sassi
One of the world's largest living nativity scenes in December, staged in the historic caves of Matera.
PlizioGo
A traditional rustic bean and wheat soup. Look for it in traditional trattorias within the Sassi.
Famous local bread with a thick crust and yellow crumb. Buy a fresh loaf at any local bakery (panificio).
Dried, crispy sweet peppers often served as a snack or over pasta. Available in local specialty food shops and restaurants.
Traditional terracotta whistles painted in bright colors, shaped like roosters. Great souvenirs found in artisan shops in the Sassi.
Visit a salumeria in the modern part of town to pick up caciocavallo cheese and lucanica sausage.
Explore the rugged park across the ravine for ancient cave churches and a peaceful escape from the city.
While popular, early mornings here offer a serene view over the gorge before the tour groups arrive.
Water temperature…
One of the world's largest living nativity scenes in December, staged in the historic caves of Matera.
October film festival that invites independent cinema productions and international guests to the historic city.
Literary gathering in September that brings together female writers, agents, and publishers from around the world.
Angelina Mango enchants the audience at the unique Cava del Sole venue in Matera.
The Basilicata jazz festival in August, presenting concerts in the Sassi districts of Matera.
Matera's most important festival on July 2, culminating in the traditional destruction of a papier-mâché float in the main square.
Matera is one of the most fascinating and unique cities in the world, a place that seems to defy time. Located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, the city is famous for its 'Sassi,' a complex network of cave dwellings carved into the soft limestone rock of a deep ravine. These prehistoric settlements are considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites on Earth and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Matera is like stepping into a biblical landscape; the city has often served as a filming location for historical movies. The Sassi are divided into two districts, the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano, forming a labyrinth of alleys, stairs, courtyards, rock-hewn churches (chiese rupestri) with Byzantine frescoes, and simple dwellings carved into the stone. After its inhabitants were forcibly relocated in the 1950s due to unsanitary conditions, the Sassi have undergone an incredible renaissance. Today, they host stylish boutique hotels, atmospheric restaurants, artists' studios, and museums. Its designation as a European Capital of Culture in 2019 firmly placed Matera on the world tourism map, celebrating its incredible history and surreal beauty.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 20 | 16 | 11 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 59 | 65 | 51 | 43 | 35 | 38 | 36 | 58 | 77 | 89 | 72 |
See what it looks like near Matera right now.
Matera: EPITECH srl - Italy · 2.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Begin your day in the labyrinth of the Sassi, where history is literally carved into stone. Visit the monumental cistern and the magnificent Cathedral on the Civita hill. After lunch in a cave restaurant, explore the fascinating MUSMA museum. The afternoon is dedicated to Sasso Caveoso, its rock churches, and traditional cave dwellings. Finish your day with a hike to the Murgia Park to experience one of Italy's most spectacular panoramas at sunset.
Matera in the rain has a mystical aura. The morning begins in the Sassi where the wet limestone shines, followed by a dry descent into the Palombaro Lungo cistern. At noon, the Cathedral provides shelter. In the afternoon, MUSMA and Casa Grotta are perfect indoor destinations. The day ends with a view of the gorge under dramatic clouds, with city lights reflecting on the polished stones.
Winter in Matera means crisp air and fewer crowds. The morning is fresh in the Sassi, ideal for photos without the masses. At noon, the Cathedral warms us as we admire the architecture. In the afternoon, MUSMA and Casa Grotta provide a cozy cave atmosphere. The day ends early with a spectacular sunset over the Murgia, before the city lights drive away the chill.
Explore Matera on two wheels, starting from the Tramontano Castle. Cycle along the edge of the Sassi and visit Palazzo Lanfranchi. After a ride through the Barisano district, the route takes you out of the city into the Murgia National Park. Enjoy the vastness of the Lucanian landscape and prehistoric caves before returning to the historical center for a final cultural stop at MUSMA.
Cycling in Matera during rain requires caution. The morning starts at the castle, followed by a careful descent to the Sassi. At noon, Palazzo Lanfranchi is an ideal dry stop. In the afternoon, we visit San Pietro church and Murgia Park, watching out for puddles. The day ends in the protective MUSMA.
A winter bike tour offers great views without the heat. Morning at the castle is invigorating. After the Sassi, we warm up at noon in Palazzo Lanfranchi. In the afternoon, the route leads through Murgia Park, where the wind blows fresh. We finish the tour at MUSMA just as it gets dark.
By car, you can easily reach both the heart of the Sassi and the hidden treasures in the surroundings. Visit the Cathedral and the underground Palombaro in the morning. After a short drive, explore the 'Crypt of the Original Sin', a masterpiece of early medieval art outside the city. Crown the day with a drive to the Belvedere on the opposite side of the ravine, from where the Sassi look like a living nativity scene.
By car, we explore Matera comfortably despite the rain. In the morning we visit the Cathedral and the cistern, parking nearby. At noon, we head to the Sassi and Casa Grotta. In the afternoon, we drive to the Crypt of the Original Sin, far from the city center. The day ends at the Belvedere with a view of the city in the mist.
In winter, driving through Matera is very relaxed. In the morning we start at the Cathedral and the cistern. At noon we explore the Sassi without the heat. In the afternoon we drive to the Crypt of the Original Sin, where the winter sun sits low. To finish, we enjoy the sunset at Belvedere Murgia Timone from the warm car.
Italian is the local language; basic greetings like 'buongiorno' and 'grazie' go a long way.
A 13th-century Apulian Romanesque cathedral offering a panoramic view over the Sasso Barisano district.
