Discovering Matera: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ancient Italy's Crown Jewel

Our just released Destination Guide: Matera offers travelers the definitive guide to exploring Italy's most ancient city. Matera's journey from prehistoric settlement to "national shame" in the 1950s and finally to its remarkable rebirth as a UNESCO World Heritage site and European Capital of Culture is nothing short of remarkable. This travel companion unlocks the secrets of one of Italy's most authentic yet under explored regions, revealing the true essence of Matera. In our newly released comprehensive guide, you'll discover the following:

Things To Do And See

Put down the map and getting lost wandering through the magical Sassi districts, especially along Via Fiorentini, Via S. Antonio Abate, and Via Madonna delle Virtù. For the best views, head to Belvedere Murgia Timone across the gorge for "the most iconic panorama of Matera's Sassi districts, especially magical at sunset when the stone city glows golden."

Where To Eat

Matera's food scene celebrates the rustic traditions of Basilicata, featuring dishes that developed from peasant roots yet offer rich, complex flavors using simple, high-quality local ingredients. The culinary landscape ranges from family-run trattorias serving authentic regional specialties like orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, cruschi peppers, and hearty lamb stews, to sophisticated restaurants reimagining these traditions with contemporary techniques in atmospheric cave settings.

Where To Stay

Matera offers a truly unique accommodation experience centered around its famous cave dwellings, with luxury hotels, boutique B&Bs, and affordable guesthouses thoughtfully integrated into the ancient Sassi districts. These cave accommodations range from rustic to opulent, with skilled renovations that maintain original architectural features like vaulted ceilings and stone archways while incorporating modern amenities, creating spaces that balance historical authenticity with contemporary comfort.

Check out our comprehensive destination guide here to plan your perfect trip to Matera, whether you're visiting for a weekend or settling in for an extended stay.