20 Best Things to Do in Matera, Italy (2026 Travel Guide)
Discover Matera, Italy's ancient cave city, a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports you through millennia of history. This collection highlights the iconic Sassi districts, fascinating cave dwellings, historic churches, and breathtaking viewpoints offering panoramic vistas. Perfect for travelers seeking a unique cultural immersion and a journey back in time.
Sassi di Matera
The ancient cave dwellings of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the city's most iconic attraction, offering a glimpse into millennia of human history.
Palombaro Lungo
A remarkably preserved ancient underground cistern beneath Matera, capable of holding vast amounts of water.
Casa Grotta
A recreated cave dwelling showing the traditional way of life in Matera's Sassi districts.
San Pietro Barisano
One of the largest rock-hewn churches in Matera, carved directly into the tufa rock.
Madonna della Virtu e San Nicola dei Greci
A complex of two ancient rock churches featuring historical frescoes, nestled within the Sassi.
Sasso Caveoso
One of Matera's two ancient Sassi districts, known for its well-preserved cave dwellings and historical atmosphere.
San Pietro Caveoso
A charming area within the Sasso Caveoso district, offering stunning views and a sense of timelessness.
Belvedere di Murcia Timone
A scenic viewpoint offering a breathtaking panoramic vista of the ancient city of Matera across the ravine.
Santa Maria de Idris
A historic rock church complex dramatically carved into a rocky outcrop in the Sassi di Matera.
Matera Cathedral (Duomo)
The main cathedral of Matera, a Romanesque-Apulian style church with a prominent bell tower offering city views.
Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli
A picturesque viewpoint in Matera providing lovely vistas of the ancient Sassi districts.
Locanda di San Martino
A unique hotel accommodation experience housed within ancient cave dwellings in Matera.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
A luxury hotel and spa offering an upscale stay within the historic cave structures of Matera.
Il Belvedere
A restaurant known for its exceptional views over Matera's Sassi, providing a memorable dining experience.
Hotel San Giorgio Matera
A comfortable hotel situated conveniently for exploring Matera's historic center and cave districts.
Corte San Pietro
A stylish boutique hotel integrated into the historic Sassi caves, offering a unique blend of old and new.