An Overture
Matera is the single most distinctive destination in the south — a honey-coloured warren of cave dwellings (the Sassi) and rock-cut churches carved into a ravine, claimed as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements (cited at 9,000+ years). Once branded "the shame of Italy" for its 20th-century poverty, it was reborn as a 2019 European Capital of Culture and a global icon after appearing in the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021). Today it offers atmospheric cave hotels, ravine hikes, and a deep sense of place. Two nights are recommended; the Sassi are car-free, so park outside and explore on foot.
Top Things to Do
The Two Sassi Districts
Wander Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano via staircases and lanes past ~3,000 cave houses and ~150 rock churches (UNESCO-listed). A 2-hour guided walking tour helps decode them.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
A restored cave home and museum showing 18th–19th-century life, including the "mangers" shared with donkeys and pigs.
Santa Maria de Idris
A 10th-century rock church on a hilltop spur with medieval frescoes and superb Sassi views; a bell-tower climb is available.
Matera Cathedral
Entered from a side street; an intricate interior, frescoes, and a cave-style nativity — climb the bell tower for gorge views.
The Belvederes
Piazza Duomo, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza San Francesco, and the Strada Panoramica dei Sassi for the classic panoramas over the cave city.
The Museums
MUSMA (contemporary sculpture in caves), Museo Nazionale Ridola (archaeology), and the medieval/modern art museum.
Walking Tours
The Two Sassi Circuit
The essential loop: from Piazza Vittorio Veneto descend into Sasso Barisano, climb to the Duomo, then drop through Sasso Caveoso past Santa Maria de Idris and the Casa Grotta — a maze of staircases and rock churches.
Belvedere & Strada Panoramica
Link the great viewpoints — Piazza San Francesco, Piazza Duomo, and along the Strada Panoramica dei Sassi — for the postcard panoramas across the cave city and gorge.
James Bond Filming Locations
Trace the No Time to Die chase through the Sassi along Via D'Addozio and Via Muro, with the Piazza San Pietro Caveoso rooftops where Bond's Aston Martin spun.
Day Trips & Beyond
Murgia Materana Park
Hike the ravine opposite the Sassi for the best head-on Matera views and more cave churches. On foot, descend the gravina footpath and climb the far side (~1 hr each way), or drive to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone; a seasonal shuttle also runs.
SearchGravina in Puglia
The dramatic bridge featured in the Bond film's opening chase. ~30 minutes by car, or car-free by regional train from Matera (change at Altamura).
SearchCastelmezzano & Pietrapertosa
The Lucanian Dolomites villages, ~1 hr 15 min west — the "Flight of the Angel" zipline pair. A car is essentially required (mountain transit is minimal).
SearchAltamura & the Itria Valley
Within reach en route east toward Alberobello — Altamura for its famous bread and cathedral, then Puglia's trulli country. Altamura is on the regional rail line; the Itria Valley is best by car.
SearchHidden Gems
Sunset Drinks Over the Ravine
Crialoss Bistrot or the Quarry Resort lounge (reserve ahead) for cocktails overlooking the Rock Church and gorge as the stone glows gold.
SearchSpot the James Bond Locations
Spotting the No Time to Die filming locations (Via D'Addozio, Via Muro) while wandering the Sassi.
SearchFood & Dining
Signature Dishes
Restaurants
Where to Stay
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- Mid-range · €€
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- Budget · hostel
- Budget · hostel
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Tip — Park outside the Sassi and walk in; reserve view-restaurants and sunset bars in advance.
Practical Notes
Getting There
- By car: The simplest option — ~1 hr from Bari, ~3.5 hr from the Amalfi Coast via the A16 toll motorway, ~1 hr 15 min from Castelmezzano.
- By transit: A train station exists but Basilicata's rail/bus network is sparse — Matera is most reliably reached from Bari.
Getting Around
- On foot only: No vehicle access within the Sassi — wear sturdy shoes for the steep, uneven stone steps.
- Parking: Use the lots outside the historic core.
When to Visit
- Avoid high summer: Matera bakes (one source cites up to ~120°F/49°C on the exposed stone).
- Best windows: Late April–May and September–October are ideal.
How Long & Booking
- Two nights: Lets you do the Sassi, the museums, and the Murgia ravine hike properly.
- Reserve ahead: Book view-restaurants and sunset bars in advance.
Notable Insights
Don't Miss
- The definitive view: Earth Trekkers and The Geographical Cure both budget two nights and stress the Murgia Park ravine hike for the head-on Matera panorama.
- Bond fame: Laura the Explorer leans into the city's No Time to Die celebrity.
Practical Contradictions
- Summer heat: The recurring warning across sources is the heat on the exposed stone — shoulder seasons are strongly preferable.
- A must on every itinerary: Every source treats Matera as unmissable.