{"id":1811,"date":"2026-10-09T19:43:56","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T23:43:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pugliaperfect.com\/?p=1811"},"modified":"2026-10-30T15:47:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T19:47:15","slug":"matera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pugliaperfectvacations.com\/de\/matera\/","title":{"rendered":"Matera die Prachtvolle"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Visit Matera – A Gem of Southern Italy<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 10,000 years. This ancient city is located in the region of Basilicata in southern Italy and is known for its unique ancient cave dwellings, known as “Sassi”, which are carved into the limestone cliffs of the Gravina Gorge.<\/p>\n

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The first human settlements in Matera date back to the Paleolithic era, when the city was inhabited by indigenous peoples. In the Bronze Age, Matera was a flourishing settlement of the ancient Peucetians, an Italic tribe. The city was later conquered by the Greeks and then by the Romans in the 3rd Century BC, who built aqueducts, roads, and buildings in Matera.\u00a0 \u00a0It remained a part of the Roman<\/a> Empire until its fall. The Byzantine-era Basilica di San Giovanni Battista was built by Justinian during this period, which is still standing today. During the Middle Ages, Matera had been fought over by regional rulers before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Naples<\/a>\u00a0in the 14th century.
\nDuring the Middle Ages, Matera became a prosperous city under the rule of the Byzantine Empire and later the Lombards. The city’s iconic cave dwellings, which were originally inhabited by peasants and livestock, were expanded and transformed into homes, churches, and workshops.<\/p>\n

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In the 17th and 18th centuries, Matera experienced a period of decline and poverty, with its population living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in the Sassi. The city’s reputation for poor health, poverty and squalor led to the government forcibly relocating thousands of residents to new housing developments from 1952-1968, leading to the abandonment of the historic Sassi.\u00a0 Clean-up began.<\/p>\n

Matera’s unique historical and architectural significance began to be recognized, leading to the restoration and preservation of the Sassi. In 1993, Matera was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved ancient cave dwellings, its amazing cistern, and its unique cultural landscape.<\/p>\n

Today, this Italian city is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural heritage. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Matera has been used as a filming location for several movies, including Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”.\u00a0 ‘Wonder woman’ and\u00a0 The James Bond film “Quantum of Solace”. was also filmed in Matera. Matera was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, further solidifying its status as a must-visit destination in Italy.<\/p>\n

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Best Things to do in Matera<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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1.\u00a0<\/strong>Explore the Sassi di Matera<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This ancient cave-dwelling district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Matera’s main attractions.\u00a0 Guided walking tours are a great way to discover the city’s history and hidden gems. These walking tours cover serious ground and many up and down stairs.\u00a0 It can be challenging- be sure to wear good athletic shoes and bring water.\u00a0 If you are not up for this physically- there are Tuk-tuk tours.<\/p>\n

There are actually 2 main Sassi areas divided by a gorge.\u00a0 Sasso Barisano is the town, and where most tours go- while Sasso Caveoso were the caves used by shepherds to shelter and pray.\u00a0 There is also the flatter surrounding area at the top of Sasso Barisano referred to as the ‘Piano’ because, by comparison, the area is flat.<\/p>\n

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Sasso Barisano<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Sasso Barisano is where most tourists start.\u00a0 It is clean and beautiful today- with a storied past.\u00a0 Some of the cave homes date back before the Egyptian pyramids.\u00a0 The Italian government bought 80% of the caves homes starting in 1952, and moved the residents into apartments where they had heat, electricity, and plumbing.\u00a0 Today those historic homes have the modern amenities, but have been transformed into shops, restaurants, spas and hotels.<\/p>\n

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Sasso Caveoso<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you can hike- I wouldn’t miss this part.\u00a0 Gorgeous with wild flowers, wild dill and thyme.\u00a0 Traverse trails, and cliffs and explore caves used by shepherds to shelter and pray.\u00a0 The use of these caves probably predates the Egyptian pyramids, and the Rupestrian (Rock) churches with Frescos can be dated before 1100.<\/p>\n

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The Piano<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The ‘Piano’ is the flat part of the city developed to hide the Sasso Barisano because the ancient area had become a ghetto.\u00a0 The rich, noble and elite populated this area.\u00a0 Today you will find beautiful buildings, shops, stores, and restaurants.<\/p>\n

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2. Visit the Pontifical Cathedral Basilica of Maria Santissima della Bruna and Sant’ Eustachio in Matera and the ‘Wheel of Fortune’<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This Cathedral is a magical example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.\u00a0 Built in the 13th Century, the Cathedral is dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna and Saint Eustachio-patrons of Matera.<\/p>\n

The facade is adorned with a 16 ray rose window.\u00a0 Look closely at the decorations surrounding that window.\u00a0 This is the Italian version of ‘Wheel of Fortune’- with the Arch Angel Michael at the top, and 2 workers spinning the wheel of your fortune.\u00a0 Imagine how a person’s luck can change with a spin of this wheel….<\/p>\n

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3. Visit the Matera Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This stunning Romanesque cathedral is a must-see for its beautiful architecture and history.\u00a0 The Matera Cathedral, also called\u00a0Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Bruna<\/strong>, is the Duomo of Matera.\u00a0\u00a0This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.\u00a0 Completed in 1270, it sits on the highest point of Matera. From throughout the city, you will see the bell tower of the cathedral from all points of the city of Matera.<\/p>\n

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\"Rock4. Visit the Rock Church<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Matera is filled with churches but the Church of Saint Mary of Idris, also called the Rock Church\u00a0<\/em>and Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris<\/em> (in Italian) is one of the most unique.\u00a0 \u00a0The Madonna and Child altar dates back to the 17th century, and the fresco above the altar that dates back to the 12th century. A beautiful church and panoramic views-<\/p>\n

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5. \"\"Visit Other Rock Churches<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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There are about 160 Rock churches in Matera- some large, and some are small frescoed chapels.<\/p>\n

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6. Visit one of the restored cave dwellings<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, Casa Grotta Antica Matera, Casa Grotta Nei Sassi, Casa Grotta Del Casal Nuovo, or Casa Noha- These traditional cave dwellings have been restored to show visitors what life was like in Matera centuries ago.\u00a0 The caves were harsh with animals and children sleeping in the same cave.<\/p>\n

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7.<\/strong> Hike Murgia Materana<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Parco della Murgia Materana<\/strong><\/a>)\u00a0 This national park offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.\u00a0 There are 2 great ways to hike an explore.\u00a0 The first- and my favorite, is to drive to the Caveoso side of the National Park.\u00a0 They have an information center, and plenty of parking.\u00a0 There is also parking near the end.\u00a0 Wear good athletic or hiking shoes, and be sure to bring water and a little food.\u00a0 We hiked for over 2 1\/2 hours and only hit a fraction of the sites.\u00a0 Be sure to only hike in daylight hours. The area has wild boar that come out at night!<\/p>\n

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