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Matera Resources & References

Matera Resources & References

Basilicata, Italy

Digital Planning Tools

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps

    Download offline maps for Matera.

  • Google Translate

    Offline Italian language pack helps.

  • Trenitalia

    Official app for train connections to Bari.

  • FlixBus

    For long-distance bus tickets.

  • Weather App

    Helps plan daily activities and attire.

Useful Websites

  • Basilicata Turistica

    Official tourism website for the region.

  • Matera Tourist Information

    Up-to-date local attraction information.

  • Booking Platforms

    Extensive listings for Matera accommodation.

  • Social Media Accounts

    Follow for inspiration and event updates.

  • Travel Blogs

    Personal insights and Matera guides.

Print & Literary Guides

Recommended Guidebooks

A good Italy travel guidebook including Southern Italy and Matera. Detailed walking maps of the Sassi are available locally.

Historical Reads

"Christ Stopped at Eboli" by Carlo Levi presents Matera's harsh past. Look for history books specific to Matera for deeper context. An Illustrated history of Matera also helps.

Local Publications

Upon arrival, visit the tourist information office for free brochures, event listings, and local maps. Current information on festivals or temporary exhibitions is available.

Emergency Contacts & Health

Emergency Numbers

  • 112: General European emergency number
  • 118: Medical emergencies (ambulance)
  • 113: National Police ("Polizia di Stato")
  • 115: Fire Brigade ("Vigili del Fuoco")

Health & Documents

  • Ospedale Madonna delle Grazie: Matera's main hospital
  • Pharmacies ("Farmacia"): Green cross sign
  • Embassy/Consulate: Contact details for your country
  • Lost Document Procedures: Report to local police

Matera Exploration

Documentaries/Films

  • "The Passion of the Christ" (2004) filmed in Sassi
  • "Ben-Hur" (2016) chariot scenes filmed here
  • Documentaries on Sassi's history and transformation

Music/Art

  • Traditional Lucanian folk music
  • Byzantine-era frescoes in rock churches
  • Local contemporary art

Online Communities

  • TripAdvisor forums for traveler reviews
  • Fodor's forums for specific advice
  • Reddit's r/travel or r/Italy subreddits

Safety & Practical Advice

Important Travel Considerations

Emergency Contacts

  • 112 (General European Emergency)
  • 118 (Medical Ambulance)
  • 113 (National Police)
  • 115 (Fire Brigade)

Medical Care

  • Ospedale Madonna delle Grazie (Matera's hospital)
  • Pharmacies (Farmacia) for minor ailments
  • Familiarize with emergency exits at accommodation

Document Loss

  • Report lost documents to local police
  • Obtain a police report
  • Contact your embassy or consulate
  • Arrange for emergency travel documents

Cultural Immersion

Local Customs

  • Always greet shopkeepers ("Buongiorno/Buonasera")
  • Embrace a relaxed service pace
  • Ordering "caffè" yields an espresso

Community Respect

  • Respect residential areas in the Sassi
  • Avoid excessive noise late at night
  • Use marked crossings when possible

Navigational Skills

Terrain Awareness

  • Wear proper walking shoes with grip
  • Sassi paths are uneven and involve steps
  • Use maps for navigation where GPS may falter

Planning Efficiency

  • Visit Casa Noha early for context
  • Explore Sassi in morning or late afternoon
  • Pre-book popular tours or restaurants

Essential Reminders

Preparation Points

  1. Check passport validity and renewal needs
  2. Research any Schengen visa requirements
  3. Book international flights to Bari (BRI)
  4. Book Matera accommodation, especially cave hotels
  5. Consider travel insurance

Pre-Departure Tasks

  1. Refine your daily Matera itinerary
  2. Book specific tours and experiences
  3. Reserve a rental car if needed
  4. Consult your doctor for any prescriptions
  5. Inform your bank of travel dates

Travel Prep Icons

Passport & Visa

Ensure all travel documents hold validity.

Flight & Stay

Confirm bookings for flights and accommodation.

Insurance & Health

Secure travel coverage and review medications.

Important Tip

Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. This saves data and makes information accessible without internet connectivity within the Sassi.

Further Matera Insights

Cultural Understanding

Historical Narratives

  • "Christ Stopped at Eboli"

    A classic account of Basilicata's past.

  • "Matera: History of a City"

    Academic or popular history books on Matera.

  • Sassi transformation documentaries

    Look for films about Matera's rebirth.

Artistic Appreciation

  • Byzantine-era frescoes

    Appreciate the art of the rock churches.

  • Traditional Lucanian folk music

    Reflects the region's roots and daily life.

  • Cultural performances

    Check local listings for events.

Explore & Connect

Community Forums

Websites like TripAdvisor forums offer traveler reviews and advice.

Language Learning

Apps like Babbel offer basic Italian lessons to pick up phrases.

Online Resources

Official Matera tourism accounts provide inspiration and updates.

Essential Preparations

Pre-Trip Steps

  • Passport validity check
  • Book international flights
  • Book Sassi accommodation
  • Consider travel insurance

Final Checks

  • Confirm all bookings
  • Pack first aid kit
  • Download offline resources
  • Pack sturdy walking shoes

Post-Arrival & Departure

Arrival Actions

  • Clear immigration upon arrival
  • Collect checked luggage
  • Activate local mobile services
  • Locate Matera tourist office

Departure Tips

  • Allow time for last-minute souvenirs
  • VAT refund procedures (if applicable)
  • Review pre-departure timing for airport
  • Repack luggage efficiently

Digital Backup

Create a digital folder on your phone or cloud drive with copies of all your important documents. This backup helps if physical copies are lost.