11 Magical Things To Do In Matera, Italy

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Matera, rightfully known as the City Of Rocks, is one of those ancient cities in Italy that you can’t help but fall in love with. It has been an archived page of history that has lost and regained its significance time and time again.

I was so excited when my friends came over and planned a short trip to Matera. This city seemed so remarkable and there’s no place quite like it in Italy.

Allegedly made by Romans, Matera has a history of thousands of years. And, just like Rome, it was about to be bygone, but the Italian government, through their labor, has not only preserved it but has also made it a renowned travel destination in Italy.

A city so ancient and once lost was re-established and is now a magical place filled with culture, art, and music. I hope some of my experiences, help you step into the magical world that is Matera. So, let’s jump in!

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Whether you have a weekend (like me!) or a day, here are the best things to do in Matera, plus some practical information regarding accommodation and the best time to visit, to help you plan better.

Things To Do In Matera

1. Stroll On The Streets Of Sassi

I felt that the streets of Sassi were very much captivating. These streets divide Matera into two districts but don’t lag in telling the tales of the Paleolithic heritage of the region through time.

History tells that there were caves in this part of the Rocky Mountains which were cut into more hospitable places to live in and survive for the natives.

However, they left the city later and came back only in the ’90s when the European government invited them to live in the same place. This was a way to convert the ghost town into a more habitable place.

A walk through these streets is a must which has over 7000 years of history. The city has stood there to tell the tales of its bravery and how it has risen like a phoenix. It is a must for some motivational kicks.

I took this guided tour of the Sassi di Matera. It was an easier way to navigate through the ancient alleys, churches, and caves of Matera.

2. Stay In A Cave Hotel

When we think about living in a cave, we just presume that we would abandon all the modern luxury facilities to live in natural rocky caves. But in Matera, you will find the perfect amalgamation of the caves with luxurious facilities at a five-star hotel anywhere else.

These lush hotels are way more comfortable and cozier than you can imagine. The small rooms with fine Italian linen and dim lighting are ingredients for an exquisite stay.

Fine dining would also be provided to you in the same opulent environment. I loved my stay in Palazzo Gattini and would highly recommend it. It is one of the best cave hotels in Matera.

3. Float Over Matera In A Hot Air Balloon

One of the first things you should do in Matera is take a hot air balloon ride over the city. Prepare yourself to be spell-bound by the distinctive landscapes of Matera.

Go on a hot-air balloon ride and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey over this ancient city. Most companies provide a complimentary Italian breakfast before the ride begins.

If you are scared of heights, it might still be worth trying. One of my friends who I took around was afraid of heights too. By the time we were up in the air, she enjoyed the ride and felt fine.

This experience will also be one of the most memorable things to do in Matera for you.

4. Sign Up For A Tuk-Tuk Tour

If you are planning to cheat on the stairs of Matera and rather hang out on the straight roads of the city among the city’s fun and frolics then the TUK-TUK tour is a must for you. I enjoyed my ride and found it to be a great way to see the city.

On this exclusive tour, you can book an e-rickshaw even before your visit and visit the famous places of Matera, Italy. The TUK- TUK tours are visitors’ favorites when they visit here.

Your TUK-TUK driver will make sure that they make you visit all the significant places in the main regions of Matera where the vehicle can go.

Another significant advantage that this ride can bring is the exploration of the native people and regional culture which must not be missed by anyone who visits here. After all, the soul of a place lives in its practicing culture. This TUK-TUK ride is one of the fun things to do in Matera.

5. Admire The Rocky Ruins Of Palombaro

What once was a great water source for an entire city are just a few caves left at Matera. But the last sentence falls short on the appreciation of Palombaro and how magnificently Italian ancestors managed to garner water sources on top of the mountain.

The entrance, the architecture and the engineering of this well-shaped miracle are jaw-dropping. It was a fully functioning cistern until the 19th century and you might see water at certain parts of it even today.

6. Visit The Matera Cathedral

Just like the city, the Cathedral of Matera has had a fair share of destruction and construction through the years.

However the outside church has remained untouched and the beauty of the church has remained intact. The insides of the church have been renovated time and time again by the government and have recently been restored by adding a false ceiling only to enhance the beauty of the church. The false wooden ceiling has been decorated by three paintings from the artist Battista Santoro himself.

The church has been dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but you will find many other biblical references and angels like Archangel Michael himself, protecting the walls of the church throughout the cathedral.

7. Admire The Frescoes Of Matera Rock Churches

Exploring the rock churches is one of the most incredible things to do in Matera. The Matera Cathedral may snatch the limelight after the restoration of its inner ceilings but the Matera Rock Churches are the place that has stood the test of time and has remained as gorgeous as ever.

The secret of their formidable beauty is the frescoes on the walls of the caves in which these churches are built. These are not just the churches but a group of houses, churches, monasteries and hermitages built in the caves of Murgia.

Together they are called The Sassi and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. A few churches which need honorable mentions here are Santa Maria de Ibris, Santa Lucia alle Malve and San Pietro Barisano.

8. Explore The Museums Of Matera

When the government of Matera restored the city for its new citizens as well as for tourists and visitors, they had to take a huge responsibility to save the history cloaked in this city for thousands of years.

Some pieces might have just got damped under rocks and inside caves. But their initiatives gave birth to several Museums around the region which became a true source of knowledge and enlightenment about the different kingdoms which were once a part of this land and the people who inhabited them.

The National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art is one of the most significant museums of the region showcasing sacred art paintings and ancient mosaics along with the National Archaeological Museum where you will find artifacts of the Neolithic era.

Sassi in Miniatura is a tiny version of the city along with the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture.

9. Enjoy The Italian Food With An Exclusive Touch Of Matera

The city of Matera prides itself in serving ancient and regional delicacies which may not be found anywhere in the entire Italy. If you wish to ditch your hotel food for one night you may find lip-smacking cuisines at L’Abbondanza Lucana, a restaurant famous for its cuisines.

Baccanti and Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante are other stops where you can have food rich in taste. 

When it comes to fine wine Baccanti offers some aged ones with your meal.

But if you want to wrap your fingers around a glass of wine and swoon on the Sassi breeze then you should visit Enoteca Dai Tosi. Though it is a bar inside a cave, the ambiance won’t let you feel dull for a moment. Instead, you would be prompted to socialize.

10. Enjoy The Matera Sunset

The nightlife of Matera has a lot to offer. The sight of lit houses and streets as they make a garland from the bottom of the mountain to the top becomes an unforgettable sight. There would be a period of twilight and if you find yourself visiting during the rainy seasons you would not be able to resist gazing at the skies.

The colors and the patterns in the Matera sky are unmissable. Enjoying a sunset over the city is one of the most unmissable things to do in Matera for sure!

The golden hour of the sunset mixed with the yellow lights of the city makes for one memorable moment. And if you find yourself visiting Matera during the winter months, a snow shower might visit you, but only if you are lucky.

11. Visit The Historical House Of Casa Noha

This historical house introduces you to the city of Matera through the means of a film. It takes you through all the events from the former times and how the city was rebuilt.

The rooms and quarters of Casa Noha also give you a perspective about the living conditions of the local people in those times.

Where To Stay In Matera, Italy?

When you are looking for a place to stay in Matera, you should consider the Sassi di Matera area which offers you an opportunity of staying in cave hotels that date back to the 17th century. It is also the heart of this historic city and has almost all the major attractions that you look forward to visiting. Below are some cave hotels that we found worth mentioning;

Budget-Friendly (upto € 50): La Casa di Gianni is a favorite amongst travelers for its beautiful rooms, central location and fantastic views. Plus it is a very pocket friendly option to stay in Matera. Facilities include free WiFi, free parking, spacious family rooms and comforting room amenities.

Mid Range (€ 50 – € 100): Fra I Sassi Residence is a centrally located property set in restored 17th-century buildings inside the Matera Sassi UNESCO site area. I stayed here and the location couldn’t have been better. Rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, cozy, family friendly and boasts amazing views of the historic center. Free WiFi, an on site bar, hearty breakfast and sun terrace are some of the other facilities provides by the hotel.

Luxury (€ 100+): Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel is a splurge-worthy hotel in Matera. The rooms are unique, elegantly decorated, cozy, comfortable, soundproof, and filled with modern luxuries. The interiors of the hotel reflect ancient times and make your stay much more memorable. The Spa and wellness center in the hotel features a Turkish bath, sensory showers, a hot tub, and a relaxation area with herbal teas. Other facilities include free WiFi, a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Babysitting services too are available for convenience.

Best Time To Visit Matera, Italy

Matera is located in Southern Italy. Though it is an all year round destination, the best time to visit this ancient city is from May till November. During these months the weather is warm and pleasant.

So, these were my most favorite things to do in Matera that will make your vacation fun and exciting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will surely leave you fascinated through its rich history and landscape.

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