Location: Matera
Top Things to do in Matera
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Matera, Basilicata
Get to Matera quickly, because it’s still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists. In town, visit the Domenico Ridola National Museum. Matera’s real claim to fame, though, and the reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the extensive series of cave dwellings ("i sassi") southeast of town, first inhabited by Benedictine and Basilian monks. You’ll see individual cells, chapels, and even some churches, many adorned with Byzantine decorations and frescoes.
Restaurants in Matera
1. Sassi di Matera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15,727 reviews
Matera, conosciuta come La città dei Sassi, si è sviluppata intorno al suo antico borgo. Nel 1993 è diventata Patrimonio Mondiale dell’UNESCO e sarà Capitale Europea della cultura 2019. Questi riconoscimenti hanno riscattato una città ritenuta vergogna nazionale. Grazie al volere di Togliatti e De Gasperi che hanno voluto lo sfollamento dei Sassi Matera conosciuta come La città dei Sassi si è sviluppata intorno al suo antico borgo. Nel 1993 è diventata Patrimonio Mondiale dell’UNESCO e sarà Capitale Europea della cultura 2019. Questi riconoscimenti hanno riscattato una città ritenuta vergogna nazionale. Grazie al volere di Togliatti e De Gasperi che hanno voluto lo sfollamento dei Sassi, Matera si è ripresa da questo periodo oscuro I Rioni del centro storico Il centro storico è suddiviso in quattro parti: Civita, Sasso Barisano, Sasso Caveoso e Il Piano. Le antiche civiltà che hanno popolato il lato della gravina dove attualmente sorge Matera, si sono insediate sulla Civita.
Reviewed By 422stefanam - Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Sassi di Matera is a beautiful place, you have the impression you step in another world, an ancient one. Impressive churches, history all around, stunning views from each corner, splendid both by day but especially by night. Lots of restaurants to eat, lots of narrow streets where to get lost and enjoy the silence and the charm of the old city. You can admire it also from Gravina, if you pass on the other side of the canyon.
2. Sasso Barisano
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Primoitajuba - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Don’t miss the Sassi ! It’s impossible to describe ! An incredible experience in the heart of Basilicata . Small and charmy city with wonderful restaurants, food and wines !
3. Cattedrale di Matera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 891 reviews
Reviewed By LEnriquesC - Brasilia, Brazil
The Chapel of the Annunciation is very precious, with several sculptures, among which a beautiful Pieta in the upper part. It is dedicated to Santa Maria della Brunna, whose Byzantine icon it has. And formerly there was in its place the church of San Eustaquio, patron saint of the city, and the ceiling is full of frescoes with scenes from her life.
4. Parco delle Chiese Rupestri di Matera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
According to the World Heritage site, "Matera's Sassi are the best surviving and most complete examples of rock-cut settlement in the Mediterranean region. They have been developed in close harmony with the natural environments."
Reviewed By HvPssptWilTrvl - Newton, United States
There can be no reason not to visit this park. We had a rental car but the site can be accessed by tour bus / van, taxi, Uber, etc. This is an "A No. One" attraction and rightly so. Difficult walking even in the best of conditions. Allow 2-4 hours on a nice day to roam around the trails, take scenic pictures of the city, the gorge, the caves and whatever else you fancy. Rain came out of nowhere. If you plan on a half-day or more visit check the forecast. Best time to visit is in the early morning dim of sunrise when the natural lighting is beyond fantastic. Unfortunately, at sunset the city is to the west of the park and is shrouded in a dull gray cast of dinginess until the automated lights come at dusk when Matera's buildings and piazzas glow in gold hues.
5. Santuario Santa Maria di Picciano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Casa di accoglienza per giornate di ritiro e spiritualità. Camere singole e doppie per un totale di 80 posti letto. Possibilità di campeggio autogestito, per 60 posti.
6. Chiesa di San Rocco
7. Sassi in Miniatura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By WendyandAlbieN - Auckland, New Zealand
A must see-must do during your discovery of Sassi Matera. The artistry and fine hand work required to create this is amazing, and it gives you a good perspective of the actual old city
8. Parco della Murgia Materana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 906 reviews
Reviewed By jerseyjazz - New Jersey, United States
Photographers' paradise! Extraordinary park, both for the views across to the city and for the walks. You can hike back by descending into the gorge, but don't plan to do this unless you are well-equipped with good hiking shoes, water, snacks, and protection from the hot sun. There is not much signage to guide you. We were driven to the park, expecting to hike back. We decided against it and called for a cab ride back. (Bring the number of a few cab companies with you.) It cost 25 Euros for the four of us and was well worth it.
9. Chiesa del Purgatorio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By groupleader45212 - Helena, United States
Although the exterior with its skulls and cross bones looks like Captain Jack Sparrow May have built it; this is a gorgeous little church and right on the mask. Street of the old city.
10. Chiesa San Giovanni Battista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By LEnriquesC - Brasilia, Brazil
The history of this church is tied to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Malta who was all over Europe in the 12th century working in the hospitals. Recorded evidence shows that even as far back as 1143 this was not just a church but a hospital which looked after the needs of the travellers and the pilgrims. This building underwent a total renovation in the 16th century, which closed the antique entrance and opened the new one still in use today.
