Matera

Travel Guide

Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Known as the city of stone, this labyrinth of prehistoric dwellings and magnificent architecture provides an unforgettable trip.

Explore rows of intricate limestone homes and churches in the remarkable ancient settlement of Matera. Then step thousands of years into the future to discover a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

Marvel as the vast Sassi District appears out of the desolate cliffs. Declared a World Heritage site in 1993, this troglodyte settlement is among Italy’s first areas of human habitation.

Along the eastern edge of the sprawling city is Sasso Barisano, the larger of two stone districts on either side of a steep ravine. Many caves here have been converted into cafés and restaurants. Browse gift shops where you can purchase handmade whistles and ceramics.

On the far side of the ravine you will find Sasso Caveoso, a smaller area of caves which remains almost completely untouched since the time of the first settlers. Walk along dusty paths and wooden bridges and discover the ancient living quarters to get a real sense of what life must have been like for these cave dwellers. The easiest way to reach Sasso Caveoso is by walking from the car-park on Via Madonna delle Virtu.

Head back to town to find out how the caves here have been changed and adapted. The Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtu e di San Nicola dei Greci feature spooky dome-ceilinged rooms and faded frescoes while the Museo della Scultura incorporates magnificent contemporary sculptures from Cambellotti, Matta and Cascella.

Leave this underground maze behind and walk 5 minutes west to the stunning 13th-century cathedral. The highlight of the striking white exterior is a grand rose window. Head inside to discover pretty chapels and gilded motifs.

The city’s newer section has many excellent restaurants and hotels. Try the adapted caves for a more unusual experience. In late September, attend the Women’s Fiction Festival, which includes talks and question sessions with top international authors.

Located in the Basilicita region and a 5-hour drive south of RomeOpens in a new window, Matera is a perfect destination to discover ancient history and fantastic Italian hospitality.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA

5 out of 5
Via Conche, Matera, MT
The price is NT$9,127 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
NT$9,127
NT$10,317 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa property in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (505 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at Cave Aquatica Hotel in Matera! While there’s no on-site parking (common in Matera), the hotel directed us to a nearby lot and arranged transport—Antonio, our driver, was fantastic. Check-in was smooth, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, answering all our ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae

Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae

3 out of 5
Via Fiorentini 71, Matera, MT
The price is NT$3,394 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
NT$3,394
NT$3,872 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (759 reviews)
Unforgettable setting but heat hard to ignore.
"We stayed in Junior Suite #84, located in the dependance, a separate building from the main hotel. The room was incredibly unique — the bathroom was built right into the cave, and the overall aesthetic was both historic and beautiful. Best of all, the private terrace offered absolutely stunning views ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae
Hotel San Domenico al Piano

Hotel San Domenico al Piano

4 out of 5
Via Roma, 15, Matera, MT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
"Hotel located close to famous tourist area and very convenient. Many good restaurants around there. Front staff were excellent with professional knowledge and experience, and very kind to guests"

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

Hotel San Domenico al Piano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fra i Sassi - Residence

Fra i Sassi - Residence

3 out of 5
Via D'Addozio 102, Matera, MT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (314 reviews)
"False advertising that there was parking on location."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Fra i Sassi - Residence
Residenza del Monaco Bianco

Residenza del Monaco Bianco

Via Lucana 200, Matera, MT
Book a stay at this spa residence in Matera. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Had a great time. Nice location nearby main area in Matera. Very easy to get out and walk around."

Reviewed on 2024/9/9

Residenza del Monaco Bianco
Residence San Pietro Barisano

Residence San Pietro Barisano

Rione San Biagio 52/56, Matera, MT
Stay at this apartment in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (189 reviews)
"The staff was fabulous; both helpful and kind. We were unaware that caves are humid, which was our naivete. Breakfast was ample. Our cave was large and had lots of places to sit comfortably, inside and out. The only reason the stay was not 100% excellent was the humidity inside the cave despite running ..."

Reviewed on 2024/9/30

Residence San Pietro Barisano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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