Things to Do in Matera offer a journey into a city that feels like a movie set, where every stone tells a story from long ago. Matera is in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its old cave homes, beautiful scenery, and true southern charm. People often call it “La Città Sotterranea” (the Underground City) or “City of Stone.”
The limestone cliffs that make up Matera’s maze of homes, churches, and passageways were carved out by people. It looks like a dream world that has been put on hold. But Matera has changed over time into a place that has a lot of history, culture, food, and beautiful scenery that looks like it came straight out of a movie. People from all over the world come to make art, film, and visit there.
This detailed guide will help you plan your trip to Matera by showing you the best things to do there that are meaningful, real, and will stay with you forever. It’s a UNESCO cave city and a great place to see movies. You will have an experience that lasts forever, not just for now.
1. Go to the Old Cave Districts, Also Known as the Sassi di Matera
The Sassi di Matera, which include Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, are the city’s heart and soul. There are thousands of cave homes in these two old neighborhoods. Some of them are as old as the Paleolithic period.
What Makes the Sassi So Special
The Sassi are a living museum that shows how people have changed over time. They are caves that were once homes, churches, and places to work. They were all carved into the tufa rock. You’ll see arched doorways, stone stairs, hidden courtyards, and wide terraces with great views of the ravine as you walk through the narrow streets.
The Most Fun Things to Do in the Sassi
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: Step inside a cave house that looks like it did in the 1700s.
- Sasso Caveoso: The less smooth and more photogenic of the two Sassi. It has great views of the Gravina canyon.
- Sasso Barisano: Closer to the city today and has cave hotels, restaurants, and artisan workshops.
Tip from an expert: Go early in the morning or at sunset to see how the golden light shines on the stone walls.
2. Explore Matera’s Historic Sites and Ancient Caves
Matera is full of historic sites and ancient caves that reveal the city’s unique past. Walking through these areas gives you a glimpse into life from centuries ago.
Must-See Historic Spots
- Ancient Cave Homes: Step inside traditional caves that have been preserved to show how people lived in the past.
- Sasso Caveoso Viewpoints: Wander through streets with incredible views of the Gravina canyon and historic terraces.
- Sasso Barisano Areas: Explore artisan workshops, small museums, and local craft shops nestled in the old stone buildings.
Why They Are Timeless
These historic sites show how life in Matera evolved over thousands of years. The stone architecture and hidden corners reflect a culture and way of life that continues to inspire visitors today.
3. Stay in a Cave Hotel for the Night
One of the most interesting things you can do while traveling is sleep in a cave.
Recommended Cave Stays
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: A famous eco-luxury hotel.
- La Dimora di Metello: Beautiful cave suites with a spa.
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel: Elegant design and terraces on the roof.
Evergreen Appeal: Staying in a cave is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a piece of history and comfort.
4. Walk Across the Gravina Canyon
The Gravina di Matera is a deep gorge that separates the old city from the Murgia Plateau.
The Bridge That Hangs
A footbridge connects the Sassi to Murgia Materana Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with caves and old hermitages.
Nature and Hiking
- Sentiero delle Chiese Rupestri trail: Leads to hidden chapels and great views.
- Birdwatchers can see peregrine falcons flying over the cliffs.
5. Find Out About the Movie Side of Matera
Matera is one of the most popular places in the world to film because it looks so unusual.
Movies Filmed in Matera
- The Passion of the Christ (2004)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- No Time to Die (2021)
Evergreen Insight: Matera’s appeal as a movie location never fades. You can go on walking tours all about movies.
6. Piazza Vittorio Veneto: The Modern Center of Matera
This is the living, beating heart of the newer part of Matera.
What to Do and See
- Explore Palombaro Lungo, an ancient underground cistern.
- Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the piazza cafés.
- Visit panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Sassi.
Why It’s Always There: The Piazza connects the old and new parts of Matera, showing the city’s evolution.
7. Go to the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture (MUSMA)
Italy’s only museum that focuses solely on sculpture is the MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera).
Why It Stands Out
- The contrast between old stone spaces and modern art installations is striking.
- Sculptures and multimedia works interact naturally with the cave architecture.
Advice from an expert: After MUSMA, visit nearby artisan shops for local ceramics and crafts.
8. Eat Matera’s Traditional Food
Matera’s cuisine celebrates rustic southern Italian flavors.
Things You Have to Try
- Pane di Matera (PGI bread)
- Crapiata (a thick soup with beans)
- Homemade orecchiette or cavatelli pasta
- Lucanian sausage and cheese with Aglianico del Vulture wine
Evergreen Food Adventure: Take a cooking class with a local chef to learn how to make Matera’s dishes at home.
9. Visit the Cathedral of Matera (Duomo di Matera)
Built in the 13th century, the Cathedral of Matera sits atop Civita hill, overlooking the city.
What to Expect
Admire restored frescoes, baroque altars, and panoramic views of the Sassi from the terrace.
A Reason to Visit Forever: The Duomo has been the spiritual and visual center of Matera for centuries.
10. Visit Matera at Night
When night falls, Matera lights up with amber hues, creating a magical scene.
Things to Do in Matera at Night
- Night walking tours
- Dinner on candlelit terraces
- Views from Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio or Piazza Duomo
Why It Will Always Be: Matera’s nighttime beauty is timeless and enchanting.
11. Go to the Murgia Materana Archaeological Park
Across the ravine lies the Parco della Murgia Materana, a UNESCO-protected area.
The Park’s Best Parts
- Grotta del Brigante and Grotta dei Pipistrelli
- Byzantine frescoes along the Rock Churches Trail
- Belvedere di Murgia Timone for iconic skyline views
Always Appealing: Nature, history, and quiet coexist beautifully here.
12. Attend Workshops Run by Local Artists
Matera’s artists maintain its creative spirit.
What to Look For
- Carvings in tufa stone
- Ceramic rooster whistles
- Handmade lace and fabrics
Value That Lasts: Purchasing local crafts preserves traditions.
13. Take a Guided Walking or E-Bike Tour
Local guides make exploring Matera more meaningful.
Why Take a Tour
- Learn how Matera transformed from poverty to cultural pride.
- E-bike tours cover the Murgia plateau sustainably.
Evergreen Benefit: Every step is enriched by local stories and history.
14. Discover Matera’s Hidden Underground World
Beneath Matera lie ancient cisterns and tunnels.
Well-Known Underground Sites
- Palombaro Lungo: A massive ancient cistern
- Casa Cava: Restored cave for concerts and exhibitions
Attraction That Lasts: These underground spaces reveal centuries of human ingenuity.
15. Attend the Cultural Festivals in Matera
Matera celebrates art, religion, and community year-round.
Big Events That Happen Every Year
- Festa della Bruna (July 2)
- Matera Jazz Festival
- Festival of Women’s Fiction
Timeless Wisdom: These festivals preserve traditions across generations.
16. Check Out Day Trips from Matera
Matera is an excellent base for exploring southern Italy.
The Best Ideas for Day Trips
- Alberobello: UNESCO trulli village
- Craco: Basilicata’s ghost town
- Metaponto: Ancient Greek archaeological site
Value of Evergreen: Each adds to Matera’s story and the region’s cultural depth.
17. Watch the Sunset and Enjoy Local Wine
End your day with a glass of Aglianico del Vulture or Matera DOC wine.
Best Places to See the Sunset
- Belvedere di Murgia Timone
- Piazzetta Pascoli
- Terraces of cave hotels and restaurants
Why It’s Always There: Matera’s sunsets and wines are timeless.
18. Learn About Matera’s Past at Casa Noha
The Italian Heritage Fund (FAI) runs Casa Noha, which tells Matera’s story through multimedia projections.
Why It Lasts: It connects visitors to Matera’s resilience and rebirth.
19. Walk Around Without a Plan and Get Lost
One of the best things to do in Matera is to wander freely.
Evergreen Knowledge: The most memorable experiences often come from spontaneous exploration.
20. Think About How Matera Has Changed
Once known as “the shame of Italy,” Matera is now a symbol of renewal and cultural pride.
Lesson for All Time: Matera shows how preserving and rethinking heritage can create a better future.
Conclusion: Matera, Where Art, Time, and People Come Together
When you visit Matera, you’re not just moving through space; you’re also moving through time. Every corner, cave, and cobblestone tells the story of civilizations long gone.
There are countless things to do in Matera (a UNESCO cave city and movie set) that go beyond fashion and technology. You can explore cave homes and frescoes, taste local food, and watch the sunset over stone.
Matera isn’t just a place; it endures. It reminds everyone that some stories are carved in stone, not written down.
