Matera Attractions

Top Things to Do in Matera

Things to Do in Matera


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Matera.


Top Attractions in Matera

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.




From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Anuj_Mithani
    Mumbai, India3,924 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Once dubbed the "shame of Italy’ for its caves that housed the city’s poor, it has seen a miraculous revival to become one of the most extraordinary places to visit not just in Italy but the world. The Sassi di Matera are actually two districts (Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano) roughly separated by the catehdral, and both merit a careful and slow paced exploration. (we had a detailed map provided by our host). Every nook and cranny is a delight, and every turn presents a photo-op. I'd recommends staying a few nights (we spent three) to really absorb it all, and relish Matera by night and early hours of morning when nobody is around.
    Written 8 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a gem of a find. We especially enjoyed the conversations with the Poet Donato Cascione. The collection he has accumulated is pretty exceptional - where we could see how they may have lived in the past from an iron forge in one room to a room dedicated to a cobbler. The photos of his family and friends dispersed were just delightful. We feel blessed to see this and meet Donato…
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BellBoy53
    Brisbane, Australia610 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good introduction to the recent history and how the sassi came about. Best done first up on your visit to Matera. Worth the small entry fee.
    Written 5 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BellBoy53
    Brisbane, Australia610 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must visit to understand more fully the recent history of Matera and its people. Firstly visit Casa Noha then come here. Here there is the original sassi in which are displayed the artefscts of the people's everyday life and an audio guide explains it all. Next door is the Neviera (snow cave) in which a very informative video film narrates more about the history, then finally is a cave church. All of these provide valuable informtion and are places not to be missed when undertsanding the history of Matera.
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Becky S
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was very beautiful and ancient, felt very sacred and unique to this area. Thankfully we got a taxi to take us, because I think we might have struggled to find it. The narration was fascinating.
    Written 26 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • duhoz
    Beroun, Czech Republic6,315 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best tourist office of the South. First off all open even in low season. Nice, great and knowledgeable staff, with great command of English, ready to help. You can book a tour or just ask for advise what to see, the best spots to visit and get good maps, guide books or bus schedules. A little bit queue in the morning.
    Written 9 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dina365
    New York City, NY43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I highly recommend visiting this museum. (Note: you need to book a few days ahead). When you arrive you are given a tablet with audio explaining the various rooms, processes, and people involved in olive oil production in the past. The guide also helps demonstrate the workings of the old machinery. At the end you do an olive oil tasting. The whole experience was very informative and engaging and a definite highlight of our time in the Sassi.
    Written 25 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anuj_Mithani
    Mumbai, India3,924 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed this half day hike across the ravine to get to the top of the hill at the belvedere offering the most stunning view of Matera. It's important to have proper fottwear, the initial descent from Matera itself into the ravine is tricky with uneven surfaces and loose rock - our host even recommended walking sticks which proved helpful. After you cross the bridge, the ascent is relatively easy till you get to the top. Ensure you carry caps and water/snacks - the bright sun with little or no tree cover all the way can be harsh. You take the same route back - and budget at least 3 hours for the whole trek (incl return), preferably starting early to avoid crowds..
    Written 4 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Church Santa Maria de Idris is located on top of a small hill, carved into a rock, with spectacular outside appearance.
    The interiors are small, only two rooms with medieval semi preserved frescoes - no photos. It's included in the Combo Church pass.
    Written 9 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sassi Barisano is the upper part of unique Matera. It was developed after people learned they could cut limestone blocks for building their houses instead of digging the caves.
    The whole area is absolutely mind blowing - allow at least one full day and one night. Walk as much you can over the area and admire terrific different view points.
    Written 9 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luis Enrique C
    Brasilia, DF52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magnificent underground structure. It was practically an underground neighborhood, which included housing cisterns, granaries, furnace, crypt, etc. The ticket costs 5 euros, they will provide you with an audio guide that will explain everything you are going to visit in the underground.
    Written 15 June 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is Matera Caveoso - the oldest part of Matera. Caveoso means cave dwellings which people cut thousands years ago for living space, worship space,...etc. It reminds on Cappadocia on a smaller scale.
    They're located across the gorge from Matera Barisano old town. It's a nice, medium demanding several hours hike which will reward you with fab views.
    Written 10 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.