Things to Do in Matera: The Sassi, Cave Churches and How to Plan Your Visit (2026)

The best things to do in Matera all start in the Sassi. These ancient cave districts line a ravine in Basilicata. Here, people lived in rock dwellings for thousands of years. Then, in the 1950s, the state moved most residents out, and today the caves hold homes, hotels and restaurants again. This guide explains what to see, how to plan your time and how to get there.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Things to do in Matera at a glance

Why Matera matters

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. According to UNESCO, “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera” joined the World Heritage List in 1993 (checked September 2026). In fact, UNESCO calls it the most outstanding intact cave settlement in the Mediterranean. However, the story was not always proud. In the 1940s, the writer Carlo Levi described the poverty of the Sassi in Christ Stopped at Eboli. As a result, the government relocated most residents in the 1950s. Later, restoration brought the caves back to life, and in 2019 Matera was a European Capital of Culture.

Walk the Sassi

The old town has two districts. Sasso Barisano faces north toward Bari and has more restored houses, shops and hotels. Sasso Caveoso, by contrast, faces south and feels older and more open, with caves cut into the slope. Between them rises the Civita, crowned by the 13th-century cathedral. So start at the top, near the cathedral, and walk down through both districts. Wear shoes with good grip, because the stone steps are steep and polished. Also, the lanes twist and double back, so allow extra time and do not rely only on your phone map.

Of course, history here has many layers, so a Matera Sassi walking tour is worth considering, especially on a first visit.

Cave houses and Casa Noha

Several cave homes are open as small museums. Inside, they show how families once lived with their animals in a single room, with cisterns for water. In addition, Casa Noha, in the Civita, belongs to the FAI, the Italian National Trust. According to the FAI, it hosts a multimedia story of Matera from prehistory to today (checked September 2026). Therefore, it makes a good first stop. Because opening days vary, check the FAI page before you go.

Things to do in Matera beyond the Sassi: churches and the Murgia

Matera and the land around it hold many chiese rupestri, rock-cut churches, some with medieval frescoes. For example, several stand inside the Sassi, while others dot the Murgia plateau across the Gravina ravine. Moreover, the plateau belongs to the same UNESCO site. From there, the view back to the town is one of the most photographed in southern Italy. You can hike down and across the ravine, or drive around; either way, then, allow half a day, and bring water in warm months.

Evenings, food and where to stay

Above all, stay overnight. In the evening, day-trippers leave and the Sassi light up. Then locals take their passeggiata, the evening stroll, in the upper town. Many cave dwellings are now hotels and guesthouses, so you can sleep in the rock itself. Meanwhile, look for crapiata, a legume and grain soup. Also, try the bread of Matera, which has PGI status. For more southern food, see this Bari street food tour.

How to get to Matera and what to combine

The nearest airport is Bari. From there, Matera is roughly an hour by car. Alternatively, the regional Ferrovie Appulo Lucane railway links Bari and Matera. Note, however, that it is not part of the Trenitalia network. For a day trip, the Alberobello and Matera day trip from Bari covers two UNESCO sites. For a longer stay, instead, compare an 8-day Puglia tour. Or build your own route with our southern Italy itinerary.

Also nearby, the villages of the Lucanian Dolomites appear in our guide to hidden villages in Italy. Similarly, the ghost town of Craco features in dark tourism in Italy. For the neighboring region, see our Puglia travel guide.

Matera also fits neatly into our Puglia itinerary as a two-night stop.

Staying overnight in Matera? Compare places to stay below, and see our Puglia itinerary to plan the rest of the trip.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Things to do in Matera: frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Matera?

One full day and one night cover the highlights. With two days, you can add the Murgia plateau and a slower visit to the churches.

When did Matera become a UNESCO site?

In 1993, when UNESCO listed the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera.

Can I stay in a cave in Matera?

Yes. Many cave dwellings in the Sassi are now hotels and guesthouses.

How do I get to Matera from Bari?

By car in roughly an hour, or on the regional Ferrovie Appulo Lucane railway. Day tours from Bari also run.

What are the top things to do in Matera?

Walk both Sassi and visit a cave house and Casa Noha. Then see the rock-cut churches and the view from the Murgia plateau.