Matera is one of those places that makes your jaw drop before you’ve even stepped out of the taxi. Carved into the limestone cliffs of southern Italy, this ancient city looks like a film set – which, fun fact, it actually is.

Panoramic view of Matera, Italy, one of the best places to stay in Puglia; its stone buildings and a prominent church tower stand majestically under a partly cloudy sky.
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Matera is best known for the Sassi – an ancient cave district that’s now full of boutique hotels, candlelit restaurants, and rock-carved churches. But there’s more to Matera than just stone and silence.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Matera – from rock churches and rooftop viewpoints to cave hotels fit for 007.

Wander the Sassi di Matera 🪨

This is the main event – and it’s every bit as magical as you’ve heard.

Stone buildings with weathered facades are stacked on a hillside under a cloudy sky.

The Sassi (literally “stones”) are a pair of ancient districts made up of cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, linked by narrow alleys and winding staircases. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another century… or a Bond film.

📍Don’t miss: Sasso Caveoso for that raw, untouched vibe, and Sasso Barisano for some of the best restored cave hotels and restaurants.

A woman in a black coat and hat leans against a stone wall, water bottle in hand. She's exploring an old town with stone buildings and cobblestone streets, perhaps pondering the best places to stay in Puglia under the partly cloudy sky.
Narrow stone street in an old town with historic buildings, steps on the left, and a tower visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Step Inside a Cave House at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario 🏠

Ever wondered what life was like in these ancient homes?

Rustic stone room with a loom, wooden furniture, and a bed. Decor includes pots, baskets, and dried herbs hanging on walls. A small wooden table and chairs sit in the center.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

This preserved cave dwelling is set up just like it would have been in the 18th century – complete with antique tools, rough-hewn furniture, and a carved-out stable.

It’s compact, it’s quirky, and it’s kind of humbling.

Marvel at Matera Cathedral ⛪

Perched dramatically at the city’s highest point, Matera Cathedral is a 13th-century gem with golden Baroque interiors and views that’ll stop you mid-scroll. It’s worth climbing just for the panorama over the Sassi.

Historic stone church with a bell tower, set on a cliffside surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky.
View through an archway of a historic stone building with a tall bell tower, set against a cloudy sky. A railing runs parallel to the arch.

Hike Across the Ravine to the Murgia Park 🥾

For the best views of Matera (and some serious step count), cross the Gravina River via the footbridge and hike into Parco della Murgia Materana.

A scenic view of the Gravina Ravine reveals a deep green valley with rocky cliffs beneath a cloudy sky. Pink wildflowers dot the foreground, adding splashes of color to nature’s masterpiece.
Gravina Ravine, Matera, Italy.

It’s dotted with wild herbs, ancient caves, and rupestrian (rock) churches carved right into the cliffs. Early morning or golden hour is peak photo time.

Get Spooked (in a Good Way) at Cripta del Peccato Originale 😱

Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of cave churches,” this Crypt of the Original Sin is filled with vivid 8th-century frescoes, hidden inside a humble cave.

Ancient cave interior with faded religious frescoes on curved walls, showcasing spiritual figures, illuminated by natural light.
Ancient frescoes in the Crypt of the Original Sin

Some of the frescoes depict the story of Adam and Eve. You’ll need to book ahead for a guided tour – but it’s absolutely worth it.

Tour the James Bond Filming Spots 🍸

If Matera looks familiar, you probably saw it in No Time To Die. Bond whizzed through the narrow streets on a motorbike and stayed in a cave hotel.

Classic silver car parked on a cobblestone street next to old stone buildings.
Aston Martin DB5 in the streets of Matera

Join a guided tour or DIY it with stops at Piazza Duomo, Sasso Barisano, and Palazzo Gattini.

🎥 Tip: Try to watch the film before your trip – it adds to the thrill.

Stay in a Cave Hotel 🛏️

There’s nothing quite like waking up in a luxurious stone-carved suite, sipping coffee on your balcony as the sun hits the honey-coloured rooftops.

Modern bedroom in a stone cave with white furniture, including a bed and shelves. Curved stone walls and ceiling with soft lighting create a minimalist and serene atmosphere.
Aquatio hotel (Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa)

Matera has some seriously stylish cave hotels – check out Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa or Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita.

👉 Browse cave hotels on Booking.com.

Visit the Rock Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve 🎨

One of the most beautiful rock churches in the Sassi, Santa Lucia alle Malve was once home to a Benedictine nunnery.

Ancient stone room with arched ceilings and religious frescoes on the walls, depicting figures and scenes.

Inside, you’ll find some of Matera’s best-preserved frescoes – delicate, haunting, and over 1,000 years old.

The UNESCO-listed Rupestrian Churches are ancient cave churches carved into the rock dating back to the Byzantine era.

Cool Off Underground at Palombaro Lungo 💧

This massive cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto is an underground marvel, once used to collect rainwater.

A narrow walkway with railings runs between tall, weathered stone walls, creating an enclosed, cavern-like area with a play of light and shadow.

You can walk along its edge and learn how Matera’s residents survived in such a dry region – total Indiana Jones vibes.

Catch Sunset from Belvedere Murgia Timone 🌅

One of the best photo ops in town, this cliffside viewpoint across the gorge offers front-row seats to the golden light spilling over Matera’s rooftops. It’s a short hike (or a quick drive), and worth every step.

Panoramic view of Matera, Italy, showcasing its ancient stone buildings and church tower under a cloudy sky, set against the rugged beauty of its rocky landscape.
View from the Belvedere di Murgia Timone.

Pop into MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture) 🖼️

Art lovers, this one’s for you. Housed inside a restored cave palace, MUSMA blends modern sculpture with ancient stone walls – the contrast is stunning. Even if you’re not big on museums, the setting alone is worth a look.

From the Musma Museum at Palazzo Pomarici, enjoy a breathtaking view of Matera's rocky landscape adorned with historic stone buildings and a deep valley, all framed under a clear blue sky.
View from Musma museum at Palazzo Pomarici.

Try the Local Specialities 🍷

You can’t visit Matera without diving fork-first into the local cuisine.

Try peperoni cruschi (crispy red peppers), orecchiette pasta, Lucanica sausage, and of course the iconic pane di Matera. Pair it all with a bold glass of Aglianico wine.

Dried red chili peppers in a black ceramic bowl.

🍴 Where to eat: Check out Trattoria del Caveoso for hearty local dishes or Osteria al Casale for something a little more refined.

If you’re a foodie traveller, you’re in luck – Matera is right next door to Puglia, one of Italy’s best food regions. Think creamy burrata, rustic focaccia, and the freshest seafood. I’ve written a full post on Food and Drink from Puglia, Italy.

Take a Guided Tour 🎟️

Matera’s winding alleys and ancient cave dwellings can feel like a giant stone maze. A guided tour is the best way to unlock its stories and hidden corners.

Some fun options to consider:

👉 Check tours on Viator here or browse Get Your Guide.

Vintage electric tuk-tuk parked on a cobbled street in an old Mediterranean village with stone buildings and green shutters, capturing charming travel moments in Europe.

Handy Tips for Matera 🌟

👟 Wear comfy shoes – the Sassi are basically a giant stone stairmaster.
🕶️ Bring sun protection – the stone reflects heat, and shade is limited.
🚗 Skip the car – parking is a nightmare, explore on foot or book a guided tour.
📸 Golden hour is magic – early morning and sunset are the best times for photos.
🍷 Try local wines – Basilicata’s reds (Aglianico, Primitivo) are fantastic.

FAQs about visiting Matera 💡

Below are some frequently asked questions about things to do in Matera.

Q: How do I get to Matera? 


A: Matera can be reached by train, bus, or car. The closest airports are Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS), from where you can take a train or bus to Matera.

Q: What is the best time to visit Matera? 


A: The best time to visit Matera is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller. Summers can be hot, and winters can be chilly.

Q: How long should I plan to stay in Matera? 


A: A typical visit to Matera can range from one to three days, depending on your interests and the depth of exploration you desire. However, even a day trip can provide a worthwhile experience. Matera also features on my Puglia itineraries.

Q: Are there any famous local dishes or specialities in Matera? 


A: Matera is known for its delicious cuisine. Some popular local dishes include orecchiette pasta with meat sauce, peperoni cruschi (crispy peppers), and bread made with durum wheat. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local wines as well.

Q: Is Matera accessible for people with limited mobility? 

A: Matera’s historic centre, including the Sassi, is characterised by narrow streets and steps, which can make it challenging for people with mobility issues. However, efforts have been made to improve accessibility, and some areas are wheelchair-friendly.

Final Thoughts on Matera ✨

Matera is one of the most cinematic cities in Italy – and one of the oldest in the world. Whether you come for the caves, the cuisine, or the Bond nostalgia, it’ll leave a lasting impression. Just bring comfy shoes and a little curiosity, Matera will do the rest.

Here are some further articles related to this post about things to do in Matera.

🌅 Tips for travelling in Italy: Ultimate Q&A Guide.
🌞 Puglia Travel Guide.
🗓️ Puglia 7 day Itinerary.
😋 Food and Drink from Puglia, Italy.

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