Matera

Ville classée au Patrimoine Mondial de l’UNESCO pour ses Sassi: des petites habitations troglodytes creusées dans la roche.

Locations

9

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Trusted advice from our verified community

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Lydia et Catherine - La Croisée des Mondes

This city is a real favorite for us!! It is beautiful, majestic, and even becomes mysterious when an opaque veil of mist covers it at dusk.

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Lydia et Catherine - La Croisée des Mondes

Matera is located in the province of Basilicate. However, it is one of the must-see stops during a road trip in Puglia because the city is only an hour's drive from Bari. The third oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, is a true gem that is well worth the detour!

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Aurelie @lilifoodiestravel

Visit the city on foot and to not miss anything, stop by the tourist office to pick up a map of the city.

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Mylène @unreveunvoyage

I also recommend that you take the pass allowing you to visit 3 monuments in the city. The pass is €7 per person. It allows you to discover: - The Church of Madonna di Idris and Dan Giovanni in Monterrone. - Santa Lucia alle Malve - San Pietro Parisano

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Mylène @unreveunvoyage

It's impossible to enter the old town by car; you will need to park in the streets or in one of the parking lots in the modern city, such as the one on Viale Aldo Moro (near the train station) or Via Pasquale Vena. Matera can only be visited on foot.

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Aurelie @lilifoodiestravel

If you have time, take a detour to Matera. This city has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993 and is made up of many Sassi.

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Aurelie @lilifoodiestravel

It is a lively, commercial city where you will find a good restaurant. A city made up of numerous Sassi (cave districts that are still inhabited).

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Aurelie @lilifoodiestravel

Matera was one of my favorites!

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Mylène @unreveunvoyage

Whether it's at sunrise, in the middle of the day, at sunset, or at night, the city is beautiful. If you can, stay for 2 nights to enjoy it at any hour.

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Places to discover

Selected by our community of explorers

Ancient troglodyte houses in Antera Matera Casa Grotta, reflecting the unique history of the region.

Antera Matera Cave House

  • Monument

An ancient dwelling, a sassi, typically furnished.

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Hidden gem

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  • Viewpoint

There are many beautiful viewpoints in Matera. But this one must be earned, and it rewards you well: a 20-minute walk awaits before you can observe the cave city from a breathtaking perspective.

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Panoramic view of the houses of Matera from the Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, with the silhouette of a woman in a hat in the background.
Panoramic view of Matera from the Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, with its cave houses and the church in the background.

Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio

  • Viewpoint

View overlooking the city of Matera.

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Hidden gem

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  • Stroll
  • Museum
  • categories.art

The former quarry of Matera now hosts an open-air museum where the rusty metal artworks contrast with the landscape and make the place magnificent.

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Ancient frescoes in the Duomo of Matera, illustrating religious scenes and the artistic history of the region.
Richly decorated ceiling of the Duomo of Matera, illustrating biblical scenes with baroque details.
Richly decorated altar of the Duomo of Matera, illustrating medieval sculptures and ornate frescoes.

Cathedral of Matera

  • Monument
  • History

The Duomo is considered the cathedral of Matera.

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Panoramic view of the Piazza del Duomo illuminated, showcasing the historic architecture and the peaceful evening atmosphere.
Enchanting nighttime view of the historic city of Matera with its illuminated cave houses.

Cathedral Square

  • Viewpoint

Historical site located in front of the Cathedral of Matera, offering a nice view of the city.

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Delicious meal at Grotta nei Sassi with varied dishes: pasta, shrimp, and stew, creating a unique culinary experience.

Cave in the Sassi

  • Restaurant
  • Food & Drinks
  • Local Specialty

A restaurant renowned for its typical and regional dishes.

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Night view of the Chiesa San Pietro Barisano overlooking the illuminated city of Matera, highlighting its unique architecture.
Statue of the patron saint in the baroque altar of the Chiesa San Pietro Barisano, testifying to the religious history of Matera.

Church of San Pietro Barisano

  • Monument
  • Church
  • Mandatory Booking

The largest rock-cut church in the city.

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Verdant valley of Torrente Gravina, with winding stream and lush vegetation, ideal for hiking in nature.

Gravina Stream

  • Walk
  • Nature

Watercourse located near Matera.

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Comfortable room at Locanda di San Martino, with stone vaults and soothing decor, perfect for a relaxing stay.
A pool corridor illuminated in blue, with a silhouette moving in the water, at Locanda di San Martino.

Inn of Saint Martin

  • Housing
  • Hotel

A historic hotel inside an old church and the surrounding caves.

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Panoramic view of the Murgia Materana park at dusk, overlooking the rock formations and troglodyte architecture.
Panoramic view of the Murgia Materana Park, with its rocky hills and lush vegetation at dusk.
Overlooking Parc Murgia Materana, an ancient building emerges among the vegetation and picturesque rock formations.

Murgia Materana Park

  • Parc
  • Viewpoint

A natural, archaeological, and historical park on the heights of the city.

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Metal walkway inside Palombaro Lungo, revealing rock walls illuminated by natural light.
Historical cave of Palombaro Lungo, characterized by its stone walls and fascinating openings.
Delicate fresco of the Palombaro Lungo, illustrating holy figures in faded tones. A glimpse of the local cultural heritage.

Palombaro Lungo

  • Touristic
  • Monument

An underground reservoir that supplied the city with water.

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Historical bell tower with a balustrade, illuminated by the blue sky, located near Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

  • Shopping
  • Restaurant
  • Viewpoint

The most important square in the historic center.

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Picturesque and narrow street in Sasso Barisano, highlighting the stone buildings and the soothing shade.
Picturesque street in Sasso Barisano, with historic buildings and a clear blue sky. Charming and medieval atmosphere.

Sasso Barisano

  • Neighbourhood
  • History

The second district of Matera, denser and more winding.

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View of the picturesque alleys of Sasso Caveoso, illuminated by street lamps at dusk, offering a unique historical charm.

Sasso Caveoso

  • History
  • Shopping
  • Neighbourhood

One of the 2 historic districts of Matera, famous for its sassi.

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Elegant room at Albero della Vita, with a comfortable bed and soft lighting under a vaulted stone ceiling.

Tree of Life

  • Housing
  • Villa

Holiday accommodation just steps from the historic center and close to typical restaurants and shops.

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Surrounding areas