Matera Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera
Matera

The magic of the Sassi and the words of Carlo Levi are what usually come to mind for any tourist on the way back from a holiday in Matera. 

Definitely one of the most singular and fascinating cities of the South, whose tuff houses, baroque palaces and urban experimentation mingle chaotically, Matera is located on the western edge of the Murgia Plateau. From a tourist, rural and landscape standpoint, a holiday in Matera is a unique and unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once in their life.

The Church of Rupestre dello Spirito Santo, at the heart of the city centre, was one of the seven Benedictine settlements in the city. Between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the ancient rock church was extended to the side with a tuff construction, while the rest of the church underwent a series of changes due to its prolonged use as a home over the course of the centuries. Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the city's main square, completely surrounded by historic seventeenth and eighteenth-century buildings. You absolutely can't miss Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, with a striking view of the Sassi on top of which the Basilica Cattedrale stands. The cathedral offers a splendid view of Sasso Barisano and stands at the highest point of the city, on the Civita Hill. The outside of the basilica is in Romanesque-Apulian style, while on the inside it is characterised by invaluable baroque works.

If you want to know more about Matera's rural past, you absolutely must visit the Casa Grotta, filled with furniture and farm tools typical of the era which give a precise idea of how farm life was organised in the houses of the Sassi, as Carlo Levi described it in the book Christ Stopped at Eboli. A large rock hollow frames the entrance arch to the Casa Grotta, the only constructed element on the grotto that the habitation was made out of, and the last changes to its façade date back to the 1700s.

The city of Matera means folklore and events, jazz concerts and live classical music, village festivals and religious feasts, but also outdoor activities and authentic dishes from the rural tradition. Far from the lights and intrusive noise of the large cities and mass tourism, Matera should be explored on foot, up and down the stone lanes, between rock houses and churches exalted by the fairytale evening lighting. Let this timeless city's charm sweep you away, too. Check out our holiday packages to Matera now and get ready to experience a new unforgettable adventure!

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 £90 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£90
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (748 reviews)
"Extremely beautiful view and unique place however they charged us for using the swimming pools which is unusual and they didn’t tell us about this when we wanted to go in, during check out we found out that we had to pay. Expedia also doesn’t mention that the pool is 18+ and my twelve year old daughter ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

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

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA

5 out of 5
Via Conche, Matera, MT
The price is £208 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
£208
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa property in Matera. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (500 reviews)
"Incredible location; the morphing of caves into amazing rooms was ingenious. Amazing spa. Outstanding service"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA
UNA HOTELS MH Matera

UNA HOTELS MH Matera

4 out of 5
Via Germania, snc, Borgo Venusio, MT
The price is £79 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£79
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Matera. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (230 reviews)
"It will difficult to go around without a car"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

UNA HOTELS MH Matera
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 Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (313 reviews)
One Night in Matera!
"The total experience was excellent. We were in Room 12 and the view was worth every penny. The staff were very nice and helpful. The coffee and breakfast in the morning were excellent. You must stay here!"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Fra i Sassi - Residence
Residence del Casalnuovo

Residence del Casalnuovo

Via Casalnuovo 116/118, Matera, MT
Stay at this residence in Matera. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Viewpoint of Matera and the Sassi and Sassi ...
Fantastic service!
"Carmella was wonderful and made sure we got what we needed. She definitely made two tired travelers feel right at home."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2024

Residence del Casalnuovo
Residenza del Monaco Bianco

Residenza del Monaco Bianco

Via Lucana 200, Matera, MT
Stay at this spa residence in Matera. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 9 Sep 2024

Residenza del Monaco Bianco
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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