With plans to travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy, you may have asked, “What are the must-sees in and around Matera, Italy?” The city is home to beautiful cathedrals, preserved cave dwellings, and exquisite restaurants. If you know how to get to Matera, you can travel around the area to see some of the top tourist attractions. With its narrow streets and natural caves, It’s a fantastic place to incorporate into a road trip along the Amalfi Coast if you want to extend your trip! One to tick off your UNESCO world heritage list!

Did you know? Matera is where the well-known 'Passion of the Christ' was filmed starring Mel Gibson. The last supper scene was filmed at the rock church of San Nicola dei Greci. The cross procession was filmed in the alleys of Sasso Caveoso.

Concrete buildings in Matera at night — Credit: Unsplash

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.

table and chairs outside a white stone building overlooking Matera in the day — Credit: Unsplash

Cave Restaurants in Matera Italy

Baccanti Restaurant

The Baccanti restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Matera. It has received high ratings from tourists and locals alike. The food is of the highest quality, and the service is impeccable. Those who have dined at the restaurant have many positive things to say about their experiences. The menu consists of a great selection of meals to choose from, including various starters and fresh pasta dishes.

While visiting Matera, the city of caves, you can experience the area's remarkable history and culture. Be sure to find out where to stay in Matera to have a safe, comfortable, and relaxing experience. Many hotels are available for guests, including the Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort and the Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita. Wouldn't it be amazing to say you've stayed in a cave hotel?!

Looking out at Matera at Golden Hour from a cave — Credit: Unsplash

Trattoria del Caveoso

In the heart of the Sassi, the Trattoria del Caveoso welcomes its guests in a warm and elegant environment, where you can taste typical dishes of the Lucanian tradition. Regional cheeses, pasta & grilled meats in a stylish space carved into the rock, plus a beautiful terrace.

All this is accompanied by excellent, finely selected wines, including the native Aglianico and national wines.

La Lopa

The Lopa , an ancient wrought iron tool used for dredging wells, is the perfect metaphor for this "home" in the heart of the Sassi of Matera. As La Lopa reveals hidden treasures, the food reveals the wonders of the land. They also offer lots of vegetarian options and bread made by La Nonna.

Ristorante Francesca

With a light, clean, elegant interior carved into the rocks and traditional ingredients with generous portions, this is a wonderful restaurant.

Agriristories

Taste, refinement and simplicity are the characteristics of Agriristories cuisine. Precious products and dishes from the lands of Lucania, among aromas and flavors that you can still find today. You can eat here in the restaurant and buy products to take home.

We hope this inspired you to consider Matera Caves for your next Italian holiday. There is enough to do in this area to warrant a trip here alone. Savour it as the region is unspoilt for now…