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What to see and do in Matera
The places not to miss, practical tips and the tickets to visit them.
Search by dateMatera at a glance
Matera is famous for the Sassi, houses and churches carved in the rock, a UNESCO site and European Capital of Culture 2019. A city unique in the world, to be lived on foot among stairways, viewpoints and restaurants in caves.
Practical tips
- The best way to see the Sassi is with a local guide: the stairs and lanes are a maze.
- Comfortable shoes are essential: steps and slippery stone.
- Dine in a restaurant carved in the rock: try Matera bread and cruschi, the dried pepper.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the best seasons; in summer it is very hot, but the Sassi are magical at night.
The places not to miss in Matera
- Tickets and visits
Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso
The two districts of the Sassi, with houses carved in the rock, lanes and stairways.
- Tickets and visits
The rock churches
Churches carved in the rock with Byzantine frescoes, such as Santa Maria de Idris.
The Casa Grotta
A traditional cave dwelling carved in the rock, with original furniture and tools.
Matera Cathedral
The Romanesque cathedral at the top of the city, with a tall bell tower and a rich interior.
The Palombaro Lungo
The great underground cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with high vaults and water.
The Murgia Timone viewpoint
The panoramic point opposite the Sassi, on the far side of the gorge.
The Murgia Materana Park
A nature park with paths and rock churches, beyond the gorge.
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