Matera

Travel Guide

Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Known as the city of stone, this labyrinth of prehistoric dwellings and magnificent architecture provides an unforgettable trip.

Explore rows of intricate limestone homes and churches in the remarkable ancient settlement of Matera. Then step thousands of years into the future to discover a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

Marvel as the vast Sassi District appears out of the desolate cliffs. Declared a World Heritage site in 1993, this troglodyte settlement is among Italy’s first areas of human habitation.

Along the eastern edge of the sprawling city is Sasso Barisano, the larger of two stone districts on either side of a steep ravine. Many caves here have been converted into cafés and restaurants. Browse gift shops where you can purchase handmade whistles and ceramics.

On the far side of the ravine you will find Sasso Caveoso, a smaller area of caves which remains almost completely untouched since the time of the first settlers. Walk along dusty paths and wooden bridges and discover the ancient living quarters to get a real sense of what life must have been like for these cave dwellers. The easiest way to reach Sasso Caveoso is by walking from the car-park on Via Madonna delle Virtu.

Head back to town to find out how the caves here have been changed and adapted. The Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtu e di San Nicola dei Greci feature spooky dome-ceilinged rooms and faded frescoes while the Museo della Scultura incorporates magnificent contemporary sculptures from Cambellotti, Matta and Cascella.

Leave this underground maze behind and walk 5 minutes west to the stunning 13th-century cathedral. The highlight of the striking white exterior is a grand rose window. Head inside to discover pretty chapels and gilded motifs.

The city’s newer section has many excellent restaurants and hotels. Try the adapted caves for a more unusual experience. In late September, attend the Women’s Fiction Festival, which includes talks and question sessions with top international authors.

Located in the Basilicita region and a 5-hour drive south of RomeOpens in a new window, Matera is a perfect destination to discover ancient history and fantastic Italian hospitality.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
5 out of 5
Via Conche, Matera, MT
The price is €228 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€228
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 5-star spa property in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (453 reviews)
"Absolutely lovely property and the hotel team was terrific! It was easily our favorite hotels in Puglia during our two week long trip. Grazie!!!"

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
3 out of 5
Via Fiorentini 71, Matera, MT
The price is €112 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
€112
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (690 reviews)
Absolutely stunning, hidden gem, amazing spa
"Stunning little hidden gem in the middle of the Matera sassi, the spa is among the best spas I have ever been to with a large warm 30 degree cave pool with multiple small pools and jacuzzi jets. There is also another pool with slightly cooler water and jacuzzi beds and then two different temperature ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
4 out of 5
Via Roma, 15, Matera, MT
The price is €107 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€107
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (184 reviews)
"Wonderful"

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2025

Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fra i Sassi - Residence
Fra i Sassi - Residence
3 out of 5
Via D'Addozio 102, Matera, MT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (294 reviews)
"A Magical and Romantic Cave Hotel Experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our stay at Frai i Sassi in Matera was absolutely unforgettable! Staying in a beautifully restored cave hotel was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—truly unique, romantic, and steeped in history. The blend of rustic charm and modern comfort made our ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Fra i Sassi - Residence
Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Via Lucana 200, Matera, MT
Book a stay at this spa residence in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Had a great time. Nice location nearby main area in Matera. Very easy to get out and walk around."

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2024

Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Private hilltop villa with infinity pool ideal for your visit to Puglia.
Private hilltop villa with infinity pool ideal for your visit to Puglia.
Matera
Stay at this villa in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Viewpoint of Matera and the Sassi and Sassi and the Park of the ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Just. Awesome.
"The villa more than lived up to the photos and descriptions. Stunning hilltop location that offered privacy, 360–degree views, and easy access to Matera and a couple of small charming towns, as well as day trips to the higher-profile tourist towns like Polignano, Alberobello, etc…. The accommodations ..."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2024

Private hilltop villa with infinity pool ideal for your visit to Puglia.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Matera

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
34
5 - Excellent 89%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 11%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A fantastic experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a really unique place. We only had half a day there and will definitely return for 2-3 days to more thoroughly explore the town and its surrounds.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I would recommend Rossella rooms to anyone who wants to visit Matera.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Matera is a very interesting place with a fascinating history.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The town was beautiful and so much history to see and take in Views were stunning and plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Was gobsmacked by Matera. Had no idea about this place. Very interesting.