Agriturismo Antico Frantoio occupies a restored masseria farmstead in the open countryside of the Matera plateau, within the Contrada Cucito area roughly 5–8 kilometres from Matera's historic centre. The name references the property's origins as an olive press (frantoio) serving the surrounding agricultural land, and the estate retains a working olive grove whose harvest feeds the property's own olive oil production. The Murge plateau landscape here is characterised by pale limestone outcrops, scattered oak scrub, and the pale clay ravines (gravine) typical of the Materano territory — open and austere, without the density of the Sassi themselves.
The farmhouse has been converted with the structure's agricultural character preserved: thick stone walls, arched doorways, and terracotta tile floors define the interior common areas. The atmosphere is rural and unhurried; the property functions as a working farm alongside its accommodation role. The olive grove provides shade and a natural frame for the outdoor swimming pool, which is the centrepiece of warm-season stays.
Room types include double rooms and family apartments with self-catering facilities, making the agriturismo suitable for both couples and families travelling with children. Breakfast draws heavily on the farm's own production — estate olive oil, home-preserved vegetables, local cheeses, and seasonal fruit. Cooking classes focused on Lucanian rural recipes are offered periodically and give guests hands-on engagement with the regional food culture that underpins the broader Matera experience.
No restaurant dinner service runs nightly, though the owners can advise on nearby trattorias and the farm's location makes a rental car essential for accessing Matera's restaurants and sites after dark. Free parking on the estate is abundant. Service is informal and family-oriented; the property suits travellers who want countryside tranquillity paired with manageable proximity to Matera's cultural circuit.
Room types
- Double room
- Family apartment
Amenities
- Farm breakfast with own produce
- Pool
- Olive grove setting
- Cooking classes
- Parking
Location
Contrada Cucito, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
40.6530, 16.5700 View on map
Highlights
- Working olive estate with the farm's own oil incorporated into breakfast and cooking-class ingredients
- Outdoor swimming pool set within the historic olive grove, operational throughout summer
- Cooking classes offering hands-on preparation of traditional Lucanian farmhouse recipes
- Family apartments with self-catering facilities alongside standard double rooms
- Quiet countryside setting on the Matera plateau, 5–8 km from the UNESCO Sassi
Tips for visiting
- A rental car is essential — the countryside location has no public transport link to Matera, and walking the final stretch to the Sassi after dark is impractical.
- Book a cooking class at the same time as rooms: sessions are run on request rather than a fixed daily schedule and require advance notice to organise ingredients and the owner's time.
- Arrive before sunset on the first evening to orient yourself on the property and locate the driving route to Matera's car parks — the approach roads through the plateau are poorly lit at night.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is breakfast included in the nightly rate?
Yes. A farm breakfast using the estate's own produce — olive oil, preserves, local cheeses, and seasonal fruit — is included with all room bookings.
How far is the agriturismo from Matera's Sassi?
The property is approximately 5–8 km from the edge of the Sassi districts, around a 10–15 minute drive depending on the specific access road used.
Are cooking classes available to all guests?
Yes, but they must be arranged in advance — sessions are organised on request and are not offered as a daily walk-in activity.
Is the swimming pool available to all guests?
Yes. The outdoor pool is available to all guests during the warm season (typically May through September). Confirm the exact operational period when booking.