Ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs date back 9,000 years. Once considered shameful slums, now UNESCO site with cave hotels and restaurants. The otherworldly landscape doubled for Jerusalem in 'The Passion of the Christ.'
Matera is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, where a network of cave dwellings — the Sassi — have been carved into the limestone ravine walls of the Gravina canyon for at least 9,000 years. The two Sassi districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, form a labyrinth of rock-cut homes, churches, cisterns, and monasteries carved directly from the tufo limestone, stacked in tiers up the ravine walls, each dwelling's roof serving as the courtyard of the dwelling above. The Sassi were considered a symbol of Southern Italy's poverty and were forcibly evacuated by the government in the 1950s — the population was relocated to new housing on the plateau. Today the Sassi have been reclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed into boutique hotels (cave hotels), restaurants, and art spaces while retaining the geological spectacle of the canyon landscape. The rupestrian (rock-cut) churches scattered through the Sassi and the surrounding Parco della Murgia Materana contain Byzantine-style frescoes dating from the 9th to the 16th centuries — over 150 rock churches are documented in the area. The most significant is Madonna delle Virtù and San Nicola dei Greci, adjacent cave churches with frescoes from multiple periods. The canyon overlook from the Via Lucana and the Belvedere di Murgia Timone provides the classic view across the Sassi at sunrise and sunset. Matera served as Jerusalem in Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' (2004) and as the setting for the 2021 James Bond film 'No Time to Die.'
Weather through the year in Italy
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Highlights
- Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano — 9,000-year-old cave dwelling districts carved into the ravine
- Rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes — over 150 rupestrian churches in the Matera area
- Belvedere di Murgia Timone viewpoint — the classic panoramic view across the Sassi at golden hour
- Cave hotel stays — sleeping in a converted 9,000-year-old dwelling is the defining Matera experience
- Parco della Murgia Materana — the canyon park on the opposite ridge with prehistoric burial sites
Tips for visiting
- Stay at least one night in a cave hotel — the overnight stay transforms from sightseeing to inhabiting
- Cross to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone at sunrise or sunset for the definitive Sassi panorama
- Hire a local guide for the rupestrian churches — without guidance many cave church locations are easy to miss
- The Sassi is best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone paths and steep lanes
- Combine with Alberobello (2 hours by car) for a southern Italy archaeology and heritage itinerary
When to visit
Sunrise and sunset at the Belvedere di Murgia Timone for the golden-lit Sassi panorama. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than the summer peak. The Sassi are especially atmospheric at night when floodlit.
Accessibility
The Sassi districts involve steep, uneven stone paths and many stairs, making them largely inaccessible to wheelchair users. The main piazza and the upper town are more accessible. The Belvedere viewpoints involve some steps. Accessible cave hotel rooms exist in some properties — inquire when booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I spend in Matera?
A day visit covers the main Sassi districts and a rupestrian church. Two days allows the Murgia park, multiple churches, and the cave hotel experience. Matera rewards slow exploration and is best appreciated over a full day or more.
Is Matera easy to reach by public transport?
Matera is not on the main rail network. The closest rail connection is Ferrandina-Matera station (30 km away), or Potenza and Bari for longer connections with bus onwards. Direct Flixbus and regional buses connect Bari (1.5 hours) and Naples (3.5 hours). Driving is the most convenient option.
Is Matera worth visiting for a day trip from Bari?
Yes, though it is a long day. Buses from Bari take approximately 1.5 hours each way, leaving about 5 to 6 hours in Matera. A longer visit or overnight stay is strongly recommended to experience the cave city at dusk and dawn.