Matera

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Top 10 attractions in Matera

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Matera
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Basilicata

Matera

6.7
5.0/5
1 reviews
Matera is a stone city with a history of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Its soul lies in the "Sassi" cave dwellings that cascade along the canyon: grayish-white limestone caves nested within each other, descending along the slope. Wandering through the stone alleys of the Sassi district is like entering a labyrinth; around any corner, you might stumble upon a medieval cave church—this area is dotted with hundreds of rock-hewn churches, and places like the Rupestrian Church of Santa Lucia still retain Byzantine-style frescoes. The Cave Dwelling Museum in the Sasso Caveoso district restores the daily life of a family living in a cave in the past, with straw mattresses, stoves, and animal pens arranged as they were in the old days. Hiking through the Gravina Canyon and crossing the suspension bridge to the Murgia Plateau reveals a landscape resembling a wilderness; the Murgia Timone viewpoint faces the entire cave complex and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. This stone city is also a filming location for many movies; "The Passion of the Christ," "Ben-Hur," "Wonder Woman," and "No Time to Die" have all set their scenes here. The Festa della Bruna, which has continued for hundreds of years, is held every midsummer, and the parade of the papier-mâché float is a highly anticipated traditional event in the stone city.Matera · 10m from downtown
Sassi di Matera
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Basilicata

Sassi di Matera

5.1
4.8/5
23 reviews
Sassi di Matera is a vast, ancient cave settlement carved into the cliffs along the Gravina River canyon. The history of human habitation here dates back to the Paleolithic era, and it is considered one of the earliest human settlements in Italy. The entire cave area consists of two main districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Dwellings, churches, and even animal pens were carved directly into the soft limestone rock, with roofs often serving as streets for neighbors, and stone houses cascading down the entire valley slope. Historically, local farmers and herders carved caves into the rock face to live in, gradually developing into a permanent village. Due to poor living conditions within the caves, most residents moved to the new city, and the old district fell into decline until it was restored and redeveloped at the end of the 20th century. Today, as you stroll through the stone alleys, you can enter cave dwelling museums that recreate the daily life of farmers from the past, visit hundreds of rock-hewn churches scattered throughout the area—many of which still retain frescoes from the Middle Ages—and find that many caves have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and shops. Because the landscape of the mountain city resembles ancient Jerusalem, it has frequently been chosen as a filming location, with movies such as "The Passion of the Christ," "Wonder Woman," and "No Time to Die" all filmed here. The Sasso Caveoso district is closer to the original cave form, with most of the rock-hewn churches and cave dwelling museums concentrated there, while the Sasso Barisano district has undergone more restoration and has a more orderly appearance. At dusk, head to the Piazzetta Pascoli viewpoint or look back from the Murgia Plateau on the opposite bank; the expanse of caves filling the valley slope in the sunset and lights is an iconic image of Matera.Matera · 564m from downtown
Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna”

Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna”

4.3
Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna” is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina. Built in the 13th century, it is a Romanesque-style building. The cathedral is very prominent. It is located on the highest point of the city, and the old town is divided into two parts by the cathedral. A rose window can be seen on the facade, and the decorative patterns on the archway feature a Byzantine style. The cathedral also has a bell tower.Matera · 573m from downtown
Long Cistern
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Basilicata

Long Cistern

4.1
is a unique attraction in the city of Matera, in the Basilicata region of Italy, located beneath this ancient city and showcasing Matera's rich historical and cultural heritage. It is an ancient cistern system built hundreds of years ago, which was used to collect and store rainwater to cope with periods of drought. Today, has become a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the wonders of this underground world. This cistern system consists of a complex network of underground passages and caves, and visitors can explore these historic underground structures with a guided tour. The air inside is fresh and cool, and ancient stone carvings and architectural traces can be seen on the walls. It is not only a place that showcases the history and ingenuity of Matera, but also an important window into understanding the local lifestyle and water resource management.Matera · 192m from downtown
Belvedere Pascoli

Belvedere Pascoli

3.5
Matera · 611m from downtown
Chiese Rupestri

Chiese Rupestri

3.4
In the Sassi of Matera, there are several Chiese Rupestri scattered throughout, where the interior rock walls of the caves are adorned with stunning colorful frescoes that feature a Byzantine style.Matera · 636m from downtown
Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana

Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana

3.3
Matera · 6.4 km from downtown
Cave House in the Sassi of Matera

Cave House in the Sassi of Matera

3.2
Matera · 729m from downtown
Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso

3.1
Matera · 711m from downtown
Visite Guidate Matera/Visitare Matera

Visite Guidate Matera/Visitare Matera

3
Matera · 607m from downtown

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Casa Noha: Entry Ticket

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7D6N • Puglia Accessible in a 7 Day Holiday by Rickshaw and Apecar

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7D6N • Puglia Accessible in a 7 Day Holiday by Rickshaw and Apecar

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5D4N • Italy

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3.7/5
7 reviews23 booked
Basilica of San Francesco di Paola + Galleria Umberto I + Naples Royal Palace + Capri Island + Cathedral Basilica of Matera "Most Holy Mary of the Bruna" + ancient city of Pompeii | Explore Italy in depth, discover its local culture, and visit handpicked attractions all in 1 trip | Choose your own specialty dining, no forced spending throughout, Chinese-speaking guide, and room sharing available for solo travelers
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Experiences you can't miss in Matera

Featured Culture & history in Matera

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Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta
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4.6/5
· 10 reviews
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MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum: Entry Ticket
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Discover Matera - 2-days / 1Night Tour with Meal and Tickets
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Sassi di Matera and Park of Rupestrian Churches - Half-Day E-Bike Tour
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Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - Premium Guide
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Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour
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Matera: Tour of the Sassi with iconic rock-cut churches
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Featured Food & drink in Matera

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Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews
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Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare
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Private guided tour in Alberobello with free tasting: discovering the trulli
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Bike & Bite: Discover Bari on Two Wheels
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Bari Walking Tour with Pasta Experience
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Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better
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Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

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Alberobello: Wine Experience with a visit to the Winery and the Wine Museum
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Alberobello: Wine Experience with a visit to the Winery and the Wine Museum

5.0/5
· 4 reviews
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Featured Day tours in Matera

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Ape Calessino panoramic tour Sassi di Matera Along.
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Ape Calessino panoramic tour Sassi di Matera Along.

4.1/5
· 8 reviews
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Sassi to Murgia across the Tibetan Bridge Walking Tour
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Matera Guided Sunset Tour: Murgia Timone&Belvedere with Transfer
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Matera Guided Sunset Tour: Murgia Timone&Belvedere with Transfer

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Alberobello and Matera: UNESCO Tour with Guided Visit to Matera, from Bari
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Alberobello and Matera: UNESCO Tour with Guided Visit to Matera, from Bari

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Matera

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· 27 reviews
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Matera: MateraSotterranea Underground City. Entry Ticket
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Matera: MateraSotterranea Underground City. Entry Ticket

5.0/5
· 1 review
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Polignano, Ostuni and Locorotondo: between the sea and the Itria Valley
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4.6/5
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Group Tours in Matera

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11D10N • Italy

Level 211D10N • Italy

4.8/5
11 reviews
Max. 48 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedRoom sharing availableGroup Tours
Explore Sicily and Southern Italy, including ancient sites, volcanoes, coastal towns, cultural experiences, and Mediterranean scenery~ · Visit Taormina, Sicily's jewel, and embark on an immersive journey to discover Italy's unique charm~ · Chinese-speaking tour guide in Europe. Sign up solo and enjoy free room sharing for a worry-free trip from start to finish.
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13D12N • Italy : 6-15 Pax Small Group&5-star Tuscan Manor Hotel+Positano Coastal Cruise+In-depth Sicily Tour

Level 413D12N • Italy : 6-15 Pax Small Group&5-star Tuscan Manor Hotel+Positano Coastal Cruise+In-depth Sicily Tour

Max. 15 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedGroup Tours
In-depth exploration of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia, Val di Funes in Trentino, a boat tour along the Positano coast, and the Adriatic Seaside. · Stay at a 5-star Tuscan manor hotel, with consecutive nights at seaside hotels in Sorrento and Sicily, and enjoy a variety of enriching evening activities. · 6–15 person deluxe small group, dedicated driver service, professional guided in-depth commentary, carefully curated itinerary, with all-inclusive pricing.
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11D10N • Beautiful Puglia, Southern Italy and Sicily

Level 411D10N • Beautiful Puglia, Southern Italy and Sicily

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9D8N • Southern Italy : 6-15 Small Group&Consecutive stays at seaside hotels+Positano coastal cruise+In-depth tour of Sicily

Level 49D8N • Southern Italy : 6-15 Small Group&Consecutive stays at seaside hotels+Positano coastal cruise+In-depth tour of Sicily

Max. 15 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedGroup Tours
Enjoy an in‑depth tour of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia and Trentino's Funes Valley, a boat tour in Positano, and the Adriatic Coast. · Stay in featured star-rated hotels throughout the trip, with consecutive nights at seaside hotels in Sorrento and Sicily, and enjoy a variety of enriching evening activities. · 6–15 person deluxe small group, dedicated driver service, professional guided in-depth commentary, carefully curated itinerary, with all-inclusive pricing.
From EUR 3,222
Matera Today's weatherClear 8-16℃
Matera weather for the next 2 days11/5: 7-16℃, 11/6: 9-16℃

Free things to do in Matera

Sassi di Matera

Sassi di Matera

5.1
4.8/5
23 reviews
Matera · 564m from downtown
Trulli, Rione Monti

Trulli, Rione Monti

8.4
4.3/5
15 reviews
Alberobello · 54.9 km from Matera

What travelers say about Matera

user-avatar
FlyingdumbooMay 27, 2023
5.0
where James Bond movie was filmed. very beautiful town albeit there was not nothing much else to do

Matera

user-avatar
Luigi TariniOctober 3, 2024
4.0
i suggest to go to Belvedere (gps Jazzo Gattini parking) to see Matera from far. time is from 18:00 to night when lights on. food: lamb and tomatoes. frie pizza with onions is for strong stomAch, otherwise avoid.

Sassi di Matera

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Matera?

Don't miss these attractions in Matera: Matera, Sassi di Matera, and Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna”. If you like Culture & history, try Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera.

You can give Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera and Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Ape Calessino panoramic tour Sassi di Matera Along., Sassi to Murgia across the Tibetan Bridge Walking Tour, and Calanchi of Montalbano Jonico - Bike Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Matera is around EUR 25.43 – EUR 99.77. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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