Matera

Things to do in Matera

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Attractions
Culture & history
Food & drink
Outdoor & sports
Day tours
City sightseeing
Water activities
SIM card
Group Tours
Private tours

Top 10 attractions in Matera

View all Attractions
Matera
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Basilicata

Matera

6.7
5.0/5
1 reviews
Matera is a stone city with a history of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Its soul lies in the "Sassi" cave dwellings that cascade along the canyon: grayish-white limestone caves nested within each other, descending along the slope. Wandering through the stone alleys of the Sassi district is like entering a labyrinth; around any corner, you might stumble upon a medieval cave church—this area is dotted with hundreds of rock-hewn churches, and places like the Rupestrian Church of Santa Lucia still retain Byzantine-style frescoes. The Cave Dwelling Museum in the Sasso Caveoso district restores the daily life of a family living in a cave in the past, with straw mattresses, stoves, and animal pens arranged as they were in the old days. Hiking through the Gravina Canyon and crossing the suspension bridge to the Murgia Plateau reveals a landscape resembling a wilderness; the Murgia Timone viewpoint faces the entire cave complex and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. This stone city is also a filming location for many movies; "The Passion of the Christ," "Ben-Hur," "Wonder Woman," and "No Time to Die" have all set their scenes here. The Festa della Bruna, which has continued for hundreds of years, is held every midsummer, and the parade of the papier-mâché float is a highly anticipated traditional event in the stone city.Matera · 10m from downtown
Sassi di Matera
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Basilicata

Sassi di Matera

5.1
4.8/5
23 reviews
Sassi di Matera is a vast, ancient cave settlement carved into the cliffs along the Gravina River canyon. The history of human habitation here dates back to the Paleolithic era, and it is considered one of the earliest human settlements in Italy. The entire cave area consists of two main districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Dwellings, churches, and even animal pens were carved directly into the soft limestone rock, with roofs often serving as streets for neighbors, and stone houses cascading down the entire valley slope. Historically, local farmers and herders carved caves into the rock face to live in, gradually developing into a permanent village. Due to poor living conditions within the caves, most residents moved to the new city, and the old district fell into decline until it was restored and redeveloped at the end of the 20th century. Today, as you stroll through the stone alleys, you can enter cave dwelling museums that recreate the daily life of farmers from the past, visit hundreds of rock-hewn churches scattered throughout the area—many of which still retain frescoes from the Middle Ages—and find that many caves have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and shops. Because the landscape of the mountain city resembles ancient Jerusalem, it has frequently been chosen as a filming location, with movies such as "The Passion of the Christ," "Wonder Woman," and "No Time to Die" all filmed here. The Sasso Caveoso district is closer to the original cave form, with most of the rock-hewn churches and cave dwelling museums concentrated there, while the Sasso Barisano district has undergone more restoration and has a more orderly appearance. At dusk, head to the Piazzetta Pascoli viewpoint or look back from the Murgia Plateau on the opposite bank; the expanse of caves filling the valley slope in the sunset and lights is an iconic image of Matera.Matera · 564m from downtown
Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna”

Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna”

4.3
Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna” is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina. Built in the 13th century, it is a Romanesque-style building. The cathedral is very prominent. It is located on the highest point of the city, and the old town is divided into two parts by the cathedral. A rose window can be seen on the facade, and the decorative patterns on the archway feature a Byzantine style. The cathedral also has a bell tower.Matera · 573m from downtown
Long Cistern
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Basilicata

Long Cistern

4.1
is a unique attraction in the city of Matera, in the Basilicata region of Italy, located beneath this ancient city and showcasing Matera's rich historical and cultural heritage. It is an ancient cistern system built hundreds of years ago, which was used to collect and store rainwater to cope with periods of drought. Today, has become a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the wonders of this underground world. This cistern system consists of a complex network of underground passages and caves, and visitors can explore these historic underground structures with a guided tour. The air inside is fresh and cool, and ancient stone carvings and architectural traces can be seen on the walls. It is not only a place that showcases the history and ingenuity of Matera, but also an important window into understanding the local lifestyle and water resource management.Matera · 192m from downtown
Belvedere Pascoli

Belvedere Pascoli

3.5
Matera · 611m from downtown
Chiese Rupestri

Chiese Rupestri

3.4
In the Sassi of Matera, there are several Chiese Rupestri scattered throughout, where the interior rock walls of the caves are adorned with stunning colorful frescoes that feature a Byzantine style.Matera · 636m from downtown
Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana

Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana

3.3
Matera · 6.4km from downtown
Cave House in the Sassi of Matera

Cave House in the Sassi of Matera

3.2
Matera · 729m from downtown
Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso

3.1
Matera · 711m from downtown
Visite Guidate Matera/Visitare Matera

Visite Guidate Matera/Visitare Matera

3
Matera · 607m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Matera

Featured Culture & history in Matera

View all Culture & history
Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - Premium Guide
󱌍

Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - Premium Guide

4.9/5
· 154 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 136.77
MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum: Entry Ticket
󱌍

MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum: Entry Ticket

Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMYR 45.59
Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta
󱌍

Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta

4.6/5
· 10 reviews
Free cancellation
FromMYR 92.75
Casa Noha: Entry Ticket
󱌍

Casa Noha: Entry Ticket

Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMYR 41.04
Sassi di Matera and Park of Rupestrian Churches - Half-Day E-Bike Tour
󱌍

Sassi di Matera and Park of Rupestrian Churches - Half-Day E-Bike Tour

Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMYR 682.29
Discover Matera - 2-days / 1Night Tour with Meal and Tickets
󱌍

Discover Matera - 2-days / 1Night Tour with Meal and Tickets

Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMYR 670.89
Matera: Walking Tour in English, Spanish and German
󱌍

Matera: Walking Tour in English, Spanish and German

Duration: 150 mins
Free cancellation
FromMYR 159.57
Matera: Tour of the Sassi with iconic rock-cut churches
󱌍

Matera: Tour of the Sassi with iconic rock-cut churches

4.8/5
· 668 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
96.1% of travelers recommend
FromMYR 91.18

Featured Food & drink in Matera

View all Food & drink
Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera
󱌍

Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera

4.5/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMYR 401.19
Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare
󱌍

Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare

Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromMYR 301.99
Puglia: Tour of Masseria Seppunisi and Cheese and Burrata Food Tasting
󱌍

Puglia: Tour of Masseria Seppunisi and Cheese and Burrata Food Tasting

4.8/5
· 279 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
27 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 205.16
Bike & Bite: Discover Bari on Two Wheels
󱌍

Bike & Bite: Discover Bari on Two Wheels

5.0/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromMYR 223.39
Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better
󱌍

Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

4.9/5
· 510 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 228.79
Private guided tour in Alberobello with free tasting: discovering the trulli
󱌍

Private guided tour in Alberobello with free tasting: discovering the trulli

4.9/5
· 49 reviews
Duration: 150–180 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
98% of travelers recommend
FromMYR 417.30
Bari: The Ultimate Street Food Tour with a Local
󱌍

Bari: The Ultimate Street Food Tour with a Local

4.9/5
· 39 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.4% of travelers recommend
FromMYR 224.99

Featured Outdoor & sports in Matera

View all Outdoor & sports
Sassi to Murgia across the Tibetan Bridge Walking Tour
󱌍

Sassi to Murgia across the Tibetan Bridge Walking Tour

Duration: 24 hrs
English
FromMYR 454.85
Calanchi of Montalbano Jonico - Bike Tour
󱌍

Calanchi of Montalbano Jonico - Bike Tour

Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMYR 250.18
Matera Murgia Timone Belvedere Sunset Guided Tour & Transfer
󱌍

Matera Murgia Timone Belvedere Sunset Guided Tour & Transfer

4.8/5
· 27 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
22 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 113.98
Matera: MateraSotterranea Underground City. Entry Ticket
󱌍

Matera: MateraSotterranea Underground City. Entry Ticket

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 20 mins
Free cancellation
FromMYR 36.48
Polignano, Ostuni and Locorotondo: between the sea and the Itria Valley
󱌍

Polignano, Ostuni and Locorotondo: between the sea and the Itria Valley

4.6/5
· 25 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
21 consecutive positive reviews
FromMYR 246.19
Castellana Caves & Polignano by Boat – From Bari & Polignano
󱌍

Castellana Caves & Polignano by Boat – From Bari & Polignano

4.4/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
FromMYR 319.13
Visit to the Castellana Caves and Free Time in Polignano a Mare
󱌍

Visit to the Castellana Caves and Free Time in Polignano a Mare

4.6/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 3–7 hrs
Free cancellation
FromMYR 273.54
Monopoli: Boat cruise with aperitif and swim stop in crystal-clear waters
󱌍

Monopoli: Boat cruise with aperitif and swim stop in crystal-clear waters

5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
Free cancellation
FromMYR 136.77
Matera Today's weatherMostly cloudy 7-16℃
Matera weather for the next 2 days11/5: 9-16℃, 11/6: 10-14℃

Free things to do in Matera

Sassi di Matera

Sassi di Matera

5.1
4.8/5
23 reviews
Matera · 564m from downtown
Trulli, Rione Monti

Trulli, Rione Monti

8.4
4.3/5
15 reviews
Alberobello · 54.9km from Matera

What travellers say about Matera

user-avatar
Flyingdumboo27 May 2023
5.0
where James Bond movie was filmed. very beautiful town albeit there was not nothing much else to do

Matera

user-avatar
Luigi Tarini3 October 2024
4.0
i suggest to go to Belvedere (gps Jazzo Gattini parking) to see Matera from far. time is from 18:00 to night when lights on. food: lamb and tomatoes. frie pizza with onions is for strong stomAch, otherwise avoid.

Sassi di Matera

Popular cities near Matera

Amalfi

Amalfi

Positano

Positano

Alberobello

Alberobello

Rome

Rome

Naples

Naples

Lecce

Lecce

Bari

Bari

Taormina

Taormina

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Matera?

Don't miss these attractions in Matera: Matera, Sassi di Matera, and Cathedral Basilica of Matera “Most Holy Mary of the Bruna”. If you like Culture & history, try Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - Premium Guide. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera.

You can give Altamura + Matera Bus: Free Stop at the Bakery and Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera and Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.