Matera Basilicata, Italy Travel Guide
You walk through streets that are roofs, and explore churches hidden within rock, connecting with an ancestry that predates much of recorded history.
Matera sits in the heart of Basilicata, a region in Southern Italy often overlooked compared to its more famous neighbors, Puglia and Campania. This geographical position grants Matera a quiet charm, maintaining a distinct identity. The city finds its setting on the edge of a deep ravine, the Gravina stream carving through the landscape. This natural feature dictated Matera's unique architectural development. The city effectively divides into two main sections: the ancient "Sassi" and the modern "Piano."
The Sassi itself splits into two main districts: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Sasso Barisano, positioned north, generally appears more restored and commercial, offering a smoother transition from the modern city. Sasso Caveoso, located south, retains a more rugged, preserved appearance, providing a sense of Matera’s ancient past. These two Sassi areas flank the Civita, the highest point of the old city, crowned by the Matera Cathedral.
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with evidence of human presence dating back approximately 10,000 years. Early inhabitants sought shelter in the natural caves of the Gravina ravine, later expanding these into complex networks of dwellings. Over millennia, these simple caves transformed into multi-layered homes, complete with cisterns, drainage systems, and animal pens, all carved from the soft rock.
By the early 20th century, Matera faced severe challenges. The Sassi had become overcrowded and unsanitary. Residents lived in extreme poverty, often sharing their cave homes with livestock. Disease was rampant. Carlo Levi's influential book, "Christ Stopped at Eboli" (1945), depicted the dire conditions, bringing attention to the plight of its inhabitants. In response, the Italian government initiated a forced evacuation program in the 1950s. Initially, the Sassi remained a forgotten quarter. However, a transformation began in the 1980s. Visionaries recognized the unique historical and architectural value of the Sassi. They initiated restoration efforts, aiming to preserve the cave dwellings and repurpose them. In 1993, the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera received designation as an UNESCO World Heritage site.
First human settlements in natural caves.
Monastic communities carve rupestrian churches.
Sassi faces extreme poverty and unsanitary conditions.
Forced evacuation and relocation of Sassi residents.
Sassi designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The UNESCO designation brought international attention and resources, fueling further restoration and development. Abandoned caves transformed into charming hotels, restaurants, and artisan workshops. Matera emerged as a symbol of regeneration, a place once synonymous with poverty now a symbol cultural heritage.
The pinnacle of this revival came in 2019 when Matera served as the European Capital of Culture. This prestigious title brought a year-long program of events, exhibitions, and performances, solidifying Matera's position on the global cultural map.
The Capital of Culture year showcased Matera's ability to blend its ancient past with contemporary artistic expression, attracting record numbers of visitors and further cementing its transformed identity. Matera’s history is not just about its age; it details a compelling narrative of decline and triumphant rebirth, making it a powerful place to visit.
Matera today offers visitors an experience unlike any other. The city’s core identity remains rooted in its Sassi, where ancient cave dwellings have been lovingly restored and repurposed. You can stay in a cave hotel, dine in a cave restaurant, and explore museums housed in caves. This immersion into Matera’s past combines with modern comforts, a deeply memorable stay.
Beyond the Sassi, the modern Piano area provides typical city amenities, from shops and cafes to more conventional hotels. Matera's transformation brought a renewed sense of pride and cultural vibrancy. Artisan shops line the winding paths, selling local crafts, from terracotta whistles to Matera bread. Restaurants serve delicious Basilicata cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes.
The surrounding Murgia Materana Park provides a natural counterpoint to the city’s historical density. Here, hiking trails lead to ancient rock churches and offer incredible panoramic views of the Sassi, letting you appreciate the city’s unique position from afar. Matera attracts photographers, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience away from the more crowded tourist circuits. It is a city that prompts reflection on humanity’s past and its capacity for renewal. Matera continues to evolve, embracing its history while building a future that welcomes all who seek its unique story.
Experience cave hotels and restaurants, a fusion of ancient history and modern comfort.
Dine on authentic Basilicata cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients.
Hike in Murgia Materana Park for stunning Sassi vistas and ancient churches.
The modern Piano area offers city amenities, while artisan shops line the winding paths of the Sassi, selling local crafts like terracotta whistles and Matera bread. This blending of old and new defines Matera's cultural atmosphere.
