What to see in Matera
Sassi de Matera
The Sassi di Matera area, including Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, is a popular tourist attraction and one of the many wonderful things to do in Matera, Italy. This part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, and is famous for the Matera caves and dwellings that have a fascinating appeal to them. The area’s landscape is incredibly unique, which is one of several reasons tourists choose to visit the attraction while visiting Matera, Italy. If you want to, you can have the ultimate Sassi de Matera experience by staying in one of the hotels in caves!
If you would like to learn about the area’s history and its deep cultural roots, you can take a guided Matera walking tour with an experienced Matera tour guide. The tour guide will answer questions and provide detailed information on the inception of the caves, along with lots of interesting facts about them. You’ll also be able to visit the Casa Grotta, which is a cave that has been reconstructed to look as it might have done when someone first lived in it – it’s a truly fascinating thing to see! Other notable places to have a look at are the cave churches of Madonna Delle Virtù, Lucia alle Malve, and San Pietro Caveoso.
Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Once you have got your bearings around Matera, the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera is another excellent spot to visit, and is made up of houses, churches, and hermitages, all built close together, many carved into caves. It is on the top list of places people visit when wanting to experience Matera Italy tourism. It is an amazingly intact example of a troglodyte settlement, dating back as far as the 15th century. If you want some beautifully preserved historical sites to visit, this is the place for you.
Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Eustace
Another one of the many things to do in Matera, Italy, is to visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Eustace. You can take a walking tour through the area to learn about the city and its rich history.
The guide will make the most of the trip by providing helpful tips on things you can do and see during your stay. With a friendly, local guide by your side and plenty of stunning sights to see, a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Eustace will leave you with fond memories of your trip. You’ll find the cathedral in the famous Piazza Duomo.
Casa Noha
Casa Noha is a historical house, located in the top part of Sasso Caveoso. It’s the gateway to city and a brilliant place to start your walk through the Sassi.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
The Casa Grotto (the cave houses) gives an excellent insight into what life was like for a peasant back in the 1950s. You’ll find everything is just as it was back then, from the kitchen to the tub for washing clothes in, the bed with its original bed clothes. It’s a real step into the history of Matera!
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
The historic centre of the ancient town of Matera (Piazza Vittorio Veneto) is worth visiting for its cafes and restaurants that surround it. A great place to stop for a bite to eat and a drink after a long walk around the town.
Santa Maria di Idris
This historic church is located at the top of Montirone near San Pietro Caveoso. It’s one of the oldest rock churches in the area, dating back to the 15th century. The temple name ‘Idris’ comes from the Greek Odigitria (guide of the street).
How to travel in Matera
There are various different ways to travel in the area, so wherever you are in the city, you’ll be able to get around. Here are a few travel tips to help you navigate the city;
-
If you don’t have a car to travel in, there are trains, taxis, and busses!
-
It’s possible to have a day trip to Matera. The Bari to Matera train makes this an easy option! You’ll go from Bari Centrale train station to Matera Centrale railway station which is located right in the centre of the town.
-
If you decided to drive into the city, make sure you look up the locations of carparks before you arrive – Matera parking is not always easy so make sure you have a few options!
-
View your Matera Italy map to find out how to get to this location from your hotel (or use google maps!)
-
The closest airport to Matera is Bari airport, which is 53.7km away.
