Matera | The Ancient Labyrinth
Things to do
📍Explore Sassi di Matera
Sassi di Matera is the name of the old town area of Matera. It is a labyrinth of cave dwellings and stone streets built using the natural landscape as a base. The best way to see it is to explore it and getting lost in the maze that is its streets. No matter where you pop out you’ll see incredible views and interesting buildings. It is truly unique and world heritage listed for good reason!
📍Rock Churches
Matera is filled with over 150 beautiful rock churches. Some are small with remnants of fresco paintings on the cave walls and others are large and still is use today.
There are many you can enter for free while others require a small entrance fee usually ranging from €1 - €5. By no means exhaustive here are a few to consider:
⛪️San Pietro Caveoso - set on the cliff edge and includes a wooden painted ceiling towards the altar.
⛪️Cattedrale di Matera - The main cathedral of Matera and a main location in the local festival of Madonna della Bruna.
⛪️The Church of Santa Maria De Idris - filled with 12th - 17th century frescos and provides stunning views all around it.
⛪️Chiesa Rupestre Sant'Antonio Abate - a small church dug entirely into the rock.
Remnants of a fresco dating back to the Middle Ages.
📍Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera
There are many houses set up to experience the old Matera cave houses. This one is well worth the entry fee and gives insight into what living in Matera was once like. The entry fee is low and includes an audio guide in multiple languages which walks you through the space and how it was used. After you finish up in the main house there are a few other rooms to visit. One includes a documentary which gives the history and contemporary life of Matera.
📍Belvedere Murgia Timone
Across the canyon from the main town of Matera is Belvedere Murgia Timone, a viewpoint in the regional park Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana. As well as offering an incredible view you can explore some of the oldest caves which date back to the Palaeolithic and a number of churches.
How to reach it:
🚎There are tours which will take you from Matera to the park and allow you free time to explore. These tend to book out quickly so be sure to book in advance.
🚗If you have a car there is parking but it does require a bit of a walk to reach the viewpoint.
⛔️ There is a walking trail that runs from Sassi di Matera down through the canyon and across to Murgia Timone. However, it has been blocked off due to being unsafe as it is very steep and unstable in places.
📍Palombaro lungo
Located underneath the main piazza Palombaro lungo was the largest cistern to provide water for Matera. Entry is €3 and you will be given an information leaflet. Next to it you also see the remnants of the church arches of the Chiesa Rupestre dello Spirito Santo which now serves as an entrance down into Sassi di Matera.
Eat & Drink
🍕 5 Lire
A great spot for pizza with a view! This was a great choice for some yummy pizza at a good price. The terrace offers a great view of Matera for while you eat. Be aware though there are only a few tables outside so depending how busy they are you may not get one. If this is the case you can also choose take away and there is a view point just down the road where you can enjoy your pizza.
🍝 Orecchiette pasta
Originating in the southeast of Italy orecchiette is often a choice in restaurants in Matera as well as being sold in many of the local shops.
🍦Vizi degli Angeli - Gelateria Artigianale
Perfect for some gelato on a hot day! The staff are friendly and happy to recommend or let you try flavours before you decide.
Getting there
🚗 Car - If you've rented a car Matera can easily be added to your road trip. There is parking and hotels often specify if and where their parking may be.
🚌Bus - From Bari airport there is a bus that you can take to Matera from just outside the terminals. It costs €3.40 for one way and takes just over an hour. It can be booked directly through the Marozzi Bus company website.
This is the option I chose and it made things very simple. If you are travelling from the airport be sure to select the departure location as Bari Aeroporto not Bari.
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For when you’re on a budget...
For the cave experience...
For a beautiful space...
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