Imagine a stone city carved out of the rocks, with James Bond himself driving through its labyrinth of rocky alleys, staircases, and houses. If this sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve seen it in a movie. That enigmatic film town is Matera, nestled in the southern Italian region of Basilicata.
I must admit, my decision to visit Matera was heavily influenced by its appearance in the Bond movie “No Time to Die.” The captivating car chase through the narrow streets of this ancient stone city left me mesmerized. 😊
But Matera is far more than just a movie set. This awe-inspiring city has a rich history. Once a symbol of poverty and illness, Matera was a source of shame for Italy. Today, it stands in stark contrast as the pride of southern Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fascinating fact: Film tourism has led to a dramatic increase in visitors. In 2004, Matera attracted just 10,000 tourists. By 2017, this number had skyrocketed to 400,000, and in 2019, it reached 620,000. Although 2023 saw a slight decrease to 420,000 tourists, the city’s allure remains undeniable. (And as you can see, I’m part of that trend 😄).
Tip: Can’t get enough of Italy? Be sure to visit Cinque Terre National Park for more breathtaking sights and experiences.
Best Time to Visit Matera
You can visit Matera year-round, but the best weather is typically from April to November. While January and February are the coldest months, temperatures still remain a mild 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
TIP: Best Places to Visit in Italy
Best Hotels and Accomodation in Matera
You have several options for visiting Matera. You can either stay in the town itself or choose to live in the surrounding area, such as Bari, which also has an airport. Matera is ideal for a day trip or a visit of up to three days. During my trip, I combined my visit to Matera with a stop in the town of Alberobello.
Your choice of accommodation will depend on your schedule, but staying directly in Matera can be an unforgettable experience.
For a unique stay, you can book a cave room with breathtaking views of the city at Il Belvedere. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Antica Torre di Iuso. For those seeking luxury, the Anima Pietra Luxury Suite is an excellent choice.
22 tips on what to see and do in Matera
Matera will captivate you at first sight with its breathtaking views, intricate rock maze, and mysterious history. Wondering what to see in Matera? Here are my 22 top recommendations for things to see and do in this enchanting city.
A Walk Through the Historic Centre
Matera’s main attraction is its historic district, Sassi di Matera, with a history that dates back to the Paleolithic era. People carved houses into the limestone tuff rock, creating homes that lacked hot water and electricity until the 1950s. These homes were shared with animals—not just pets like dogs, but also horses, cows, chickens, and pigs! 😯 This led to extremely poor hygienic conditions.
After World War II, Matera was an impoverished area plagued by diseases and infections due to poor sanitation. An interesting and tragic fact: infant mortality rates exceeded 50%!
What was once a symbol of disgrace is now a cultural treasure. Take a stroll through this stone town and immerse yourself in the spirit of ancient times while enjoying the stunning panoramas.
Recommendation: Plan your route in advance. Wandering aimlessly in Matera can cause you to miss many fascinating spots, and it’s quite easy to get lost in the winding stone streets.
Cave houses in Sassi di Matera
The Sassi cave houses date back to the prehistoric troglodyte settlement and are believed to be among the first human settlements in Italy. The houses are excavated in calcarenitic rock, which is called “tufo”.
You can walk and explore the complexes of rock houses and narrow stone alleys, or take a guided tour through GetYourGuide.
Belvedere di Murgia Timone Viewpoint
For a stunning view of the entire city, head to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone viewpoint. From here, you can take in breathtaking panoramas of Matera.
Cathedral di Matera
Don’t miss the Cathedral of Matera, built in the Apulian Romanesque style and dedicated to Madonna della Bruna and St. Eustachius, the patron saints of Matera. The intricate four-story bell tower is particularly striking and sure to catch your attention.
Ridola Museum
Founded by Senator Domenico Ridola in 1911, the Ridola Museum is housed in the Convent of Santa Chiara. This museum boasts a fascinating collection of archaeological artifacts discovered in and around Matera.
The exhibits feature ceramics, sculptures, tools, and other objects spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages.
Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina Museum
The Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina museum offers a glimpse into life in the caves of Matera. It showcases traditional crafts, daily activities, and typical family dwellings.
Church of San Francesco D’Assisi
Located in the heart of Matera, the Church of San Francesco D’Assisi is a beautiful Catholic church built in the Baroque style.
Lanfranchi Palace
Situated in the city center, Lanfranchi Palace is a prime example of local architecture. Today, it houses a museum of medieval and modern art.
Church of Santa Maria di Idris
The Church of Santa Maria di Idris is a charming small church carved out of rock. It’s worth visiting for the stunning views from the outside and the exceptional frescoes inside.
Palombaro Lungo
Palombaro Lungo is a remarkable underground cistern from the 16th century, once used to store water for the town’s inhabitants. Today, it is open to the public as part of a museum and can be found beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Castello Tramontano
Perched on the hill above the center of Matera is Castello Tramontano, an unfinished fortress from the 16th century. Built by Count Giovan Carlo to oversee the town, the count was deeply in debt and unpopular with the locals due to the heavy taxes he imposed for the castle’s construction.
In 1514, angry citizens murdered Count Giovan Carlo, leaving the castle incomplete.
Murgia Materana Park
Explore the nature trails of Murgia Materana Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and visit the fascinating local caves.
Ponte Tibetano della Gravina
Within Murgia Materana Park, you’ll discover the nine-meter-high Tibetan suspension bridge, Ponte Tibetano della Gravina. This bridge connects the two banks of the canyon, offering a unique opportunity to admire the natural beauty and hidden spots of Matera as you walk across.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Experience the authentic lifestyle of an original dwelling at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, where a family of eleven lived alongside a horse, pig, and chickens. The space was used to its fullest potential, with children sleeping in drawers and a stable built right next to the bed.
La Fontana Dell’Amore
The Fountain of Dell’Amore features several beautiful sculptures and is tied to the romantic tradition of young people falling in love in Matera. Young men would wait by the fountain to strike up conversations with the girls who approached it.
Chiesa del Purgatorio
Located on Via Ridola, the Baroque Chiesa del Purgatorio is dedicated to the souls in Purgatory. Its unique facade is adorned with eerie skulls and death motifs, making it a fascinating sight to behold.
Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum
Around Matera, you’ll find several statues by the Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. If you enjoy his style, be sure to visit his museum in Matera. Admission costs 12 euros.
Excursions Around Puglia
From Matera, you can take various excursions around the region. Get inspired by the wide range of trips available on the travel portal GetYourGuide. Here are some recommended destinations:
- Bari: The capital of the Apulia region, located on the Adriatic coast in southern Italy. It perfectly combines a large, vibrant metropolis with a historic city. With an airport, Bari serves as an excellent base for exploring Puglia.
- Alberobello: A small town in the Italian province of Bari, known for its unique trulli houses. These houses are built without mortar, covered with white lime plaster, and adorned with various ornaments.
- Polignano a Mare: A picturesque town on the Adriatic coast, famous for its stunning beach, white houses, and cliffs over the sea.
- Potenza: The capital of the Basilicata region, located in southern Italy. This city is an important port on the Adriatic coast.
- Pompeii: Take a longer trip to Pompeii, an ancient city near Naples. Destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash, preserving many buildings, streets, and artifacts from ancient Rome.
Fun Facts About Matera
Matera is a breathtaking and mysterious place with several fascinating attractions:
- Mussolini once said that Matera was only suitable for internal exile. In the 1950s, Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi ordered the eviction of half the inhabitants to newly built tufa houses due to the deplorable sanitary conditions.
- Matera was named the 2019 European Capital of Culture.
- Matera is often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the South of Italy”.
- The town’s emblem is a chicken.
- In addition to the latest Bond film, Matera was featured in The Passion of the Christ starring Mel Gibson, and Wonder Woman from 2017.
- The cave houses were still in use in the 1950s, with residents living without hot water or electricity.
- Matera was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.
Frequently asked questions:
How to get to Matera?
The nearest airport is in Bari, from where you can take a train or bus. Matera is not directly accessible by car, but there are car parks on the outskirts of the town where you can leave your vehicle.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Matera?
No, entry to the city is usually free, but for some historical sites and museums you will need tickets.
What is typical of the local architecture?
Matera is famous for its “Sassi” – cave-like living structures carved into the limestone. These rock houses form the unique shape of the town.
