Entdecken Sie Matera, die antike Stadt – Englische Tour
4.91.956 Bewertungen2h
ab 30 €
Verfügbarkeit prüfenTagesbudget (Mittelklasse)
167 €
Hotel pro Nacht (Mittelklasse)
110 €
Beste Monate
April to June
Sprache · Währung
Italian · Euro
Discover Matera
Matera isn't just another Italian city; it's a journey through 9,000 years of human history, etched directly into the limestone of the Gravina ravine. The Sassi districts—Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano—aren't merely neighborhoods but a labyrinth of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches like Santa Maria de Idris, and winding staircases that transport you to another era. This UNESCO World Heritage site, once dubbed 'Italy's shame' for its poverty, has been reborn as the 2019 European Capital of Culture, where ancient grottoes now house boutique hotels, artisan workshops, and restaurants serving bread baked in centuries-old communal ovens.
Walking through Matera feels like stepping onto a film set, and for good reason—it has served as the backdrop for movies from 'The Passion of the Christ' to the latest James Bond. Yet beyond the cinematic allure, the city's magic lies in its tangible layers of history: exploring the frescoed Cave Churches of the Murgia plateau, descending into the vast, cathedral-like Palombaro Lungo cistern, or simply watching the golden light of sunset transform the Sassi from the Belvedere di Murgia Timone viewpoint. This is a place where you don't just see history—you sleep in it, eat in it, and walk through its very bones.
Why Visit Matera?
1
Walk Through 9,000 Years of History: Explore the Sassi di Matera, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Step inside a reconstructed cave dwelling at the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario museum to understand daily life, and visit rock churches like Santa Lucia alle Malve with Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 8th century.
2
Experience Unique Cave Accommodations: Sleep in history at a converted cave hotel like Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita or Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort. These boutique stays blend ancient stone walls with modern luxury, offering an immersive night in the very dwellings that define Matera's identity.
3
Discover a Cinematic Landscape: Matera's dramatic topography has made it a favorite film location. Visit the spots where 'The Passion of the Christ' was filmed, see the ancient cisterns featured in 'No Time to Die,' and capture the otherworldly scenery that makes photographers swoon, especially at golden hour from the Murgia viewpoint.
4
Taste Ancient Culinary Traditions: Savor Matera's famous Pane di Matera, a crusty, golden bread with a unique shape protected by PDO status. Enjoy local specialties like 'crapiata' (a hearty grain and legume soup) and 'peperoni cruschi' (crispy fried peppers), often paired with the robust Aglianico del Vulture wine.
5
Explore a UNESCO Masterpiece of Urban Adaptation: Witness ingenious ancient engineering at the Palombaro Lungo, a monumental underground cistern, and wander the intricate water collection system. The city's entire structure is a testament to human adaptation to a challenging environment.
6
Immerse Yourself in a Living Cultural Hub: As the 2019 European Capital of Culture, Matera buzzes with contemporary art installations in ancient spaces, music festivals in piazzas, and artisan workshops where local craftspeople create ceramics and textiles using time-honored techniques.
Matera ist Bekannt für
cave dwellings
ancient history
cave hotels
film location
bread
Bereit, Matera zu entdecken?
Matera Neighborhoods
Sasso Caveoso
The more ancient and rugged of the two Sassi districts, characterized by its cave dwellings that cascade down the ravine like a natural amphitheater. It retains a raw, atmospheric feel with fewer modern intrusions, making it feel like a journey back in time.
Highlights:
Santa Maria de Idris rock church
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario museum
Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve
Belvedere di Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
Best for:
History purists
Photographers
Atmospheric explorers
Sasso Barisano
The larger, more restored Sassi district, where many ancient caves have been transformed into elegant hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. It's more polished than Caveoso but equally enchanting, with beautiful stone facades and arched doorways.
Highlights:
Convicinio di Sant'Antonio rock church complex
Via Fiorentini shopping street
Numerous cave hotel entrances
Piazza San Pietro Barisano
Best for:
Luxury travelers
Shoppers
Foodies
Couples
Civita
The rocky spur that divides the two Sassi districts, crowned by Matera's Cathedral. This is the oldest heart of the city, offering panoramic views and a sense of lofty separation from the cave districts below.
Highlights:
Matera Cathedral (Duomo)
Palazzo Lanfranchi Museum
Narrow alleys with stunning vistas
Archaeological site of Matera Sumeria Ipogeo
Best for:
View seekers
Culture vultures
Architecture lovers
Piano (Modern City Center)
The 'new' city built from the 18th century onwards, featuring wide boulevards, Baroque churches, and lively piazzas. This area provides a stark contrast to the Sassi and is where much of daily local life unfolds.
Highlights:
Piazza Vittorio Veneto & Palombaro Lungo cistern
Via Ridola and its museums
Piazza Sedile
Francesco Stabile Theatre
Best for:
Local life immersion
Families
Budget travelers
Evening aperitivo seekers
Top Sehenswürdigkeiten
1
Sassi di Matera2
Cave Churches (Chiese Rupestri)3
Casa Grotta Museum4
Palombaro Lungo Cistern5
Cave Hotel Experience6
Sunset at Murgia ViewpointDie beliebtesten Touren und Erlebnisse in Matera
Die Touren und Tickets, die Reisende am häufigsten buchen, mit Bewertungen von Viator.
Besichtigung der Sassi von Matera, Eintritt zum Höhlenhaus und zur Felsenkirche
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ab 15 €
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Matera: Tour durch die Sassi mit den berühmten Felsenkirchen
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Alle Aktivitäten in Matera →
Touren und Preise von Viator, einem Tripadvisor-Unternehmen. Preise ändern sich je nach Datum. Wir erhalten eventuell eine Provision, wenn Sie buchen – ohne Mehrkosten für Sie.
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Wear sturdy, grippy shoes. The Sassi's stone staircases, slopes, and uneven paths are incredibly slippery, especially after rain or in the morning dew. Heels or smooth soles are a recipe for a fall.
- •Book a cave hotel or restaurant well in advance. The most atmospheric accommodations and dining spots in the Sassi have limited space and are extremely popular, often selling out months ahead, particularly in peak season.
- •Visit the Palombaro Lungo cistern under Piazza Vittorio Veneto. This breathtaking underground water cathedral is often missed but is one of Matera's most impressive engineering feats. Guided tours run several times a day.
- •Take the 'Murgia Trek' across the ravine. For the best views of the Sassi skyline, hike or take a short taxi to the Parco della Murgia Materana on the opposite side of the Gravina. The sunset from here is unforgettable.
- •Buy your 'Matera Card' for savings. This tourist pass (available for 24, 48, or 72 hours) includes entry to major rock churches, museums, and the cistern, plus local bus transport. It pays for itself after just a few visits.
- •Respect the 'quiet zones.' Many people still live in the Sassi. Be mindful of noise, especially in the evening, and don't peer into private homes or courtyards that aren't clearly marked as businesses.
- •Try the bread, but know its rules. Pane di Matera PDO is a point of pride. It's often sold unsliced. For an authentic experience, buy a loaf from a panificio (bakery) like Panificio Di Gesu and eat it with local olive oil and peperoni cruschi.
- •Don't just stay in the Sassi at night. Venture up to the Piano district for a more local aperitivo scene in Piazza Sedile or along Via Ridola, where prices are often lower and the atmosphere is vibrant.
- •Hire a licensed guide for the rock churches. Many of the most important churches, like those in the Convicinio di Sant'Antonio, are locked and can only be visited with an authorized guide who holds the keys. This provides crucial context.
- •Visit in the shoulder seasons (April-June, Sept-Oct). You'll avoid the intense summer heat and crowds, experience milder weather perfect for hiking, and find better availability and prices for accommodations.
Matera Food Scene
Matera's cuisine is a story of cucina povera (peasant cooking), born from the need to preserve food in the cave environment. It's hearty, simple, and deeply flavorful, centered around grains, legumes, vegetables, and lamb, all enhanced by the region's superb olive oil and Aglianico wine.
Must-Try Dishes
Pane di Matera (PDO bread)
Crapiata (traditional harvest soup of grains & legumes)
Peperoni Cruschi (sun-dried, fried sweet peppers)
Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa (pasta with turnip tops)
Agnello alla Murgia (Murgia-style lamb)
Caciocavallo Podolico (aged cow's milk cheese)
Traditional Cave Dining
- • Ristorante Francesca (for Crapiata & lamb)
- • Baccanti (modern takes on classics)
- • Il Terrazzino (panoramic views & pasta)
Book a table for lunch to experience the dramatic light filtering into the cave interiors.
Street Food & Bakeries
- • Panificio Di Gesu (for Pane di Matera)
- • I Vizi degli Angeli (for fried street food)
- • Pasticceria Il Forno di Gennaro (for pasticciotto pastries)
Buy bread in the morning when it's freshest, and ask for it 'integrale' (whole wheat) for a more authentic ancient grain taste.
Wine Bars & Aperitivo
- • Enoteca dai Tosi (for Aglianico wine tasting)
- • Area 8 (for cocktails with a view)
- • L'Arturo (for cheese & salumi platters)
Order a 'schiattaricchie' (local salami) and pecorino cheese plate to pair with your wine.
Fine Dining & Innovation
- • Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante (Michelin-starred)
- • Bistro 900 (creative Basilicata cuisine)
- • Regiacorte (elegant setting in the Sassi)
Opt for the tasting menu to experience a full journey through reinterpreted regional ingredients.
Beliebt bei
history buffs
photographers
couples
culture lovers
Best Time to Visit Matera
Spring
Spring is arguably the best time to visit. The weather is mild and sunny, wildflowers blanket the Murgia park, and the tourist crowds are manageable before the summer peak.
Pros:
- + Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) ideal for hiking
- + Lush, green landscapes perfect for photography
- + Easter celebrations and religious processions
Cons:
- - Occasional rain showers
- - Some hotels may be booked for Easter holidays
Summer
Summer is hot, dry, and busy. The stone of the Sassi radiates heat, but the long days allow for evening exploration after the peak heat subsides.
Pros:
- + Long daylight hours for exploration
- + Vibrant festival atmosphere
- + All tourist services and tours operating at full capacity
Cons:
- - Intense heat (often above 30°C) can be exhausting
- - Large crowds and higher prices
- - Necessity to book everything far in advance
Autumn
Autumn brings relief from the heat and crowds. The light is golden, the harvest season (vendemmia) is in full swing, and the weather is perfect for active exploration.
Pros:
- + Ideal hiking weather
- + Wine harvest festivals
- + Beautiful autumn light on the stone city
Cons:
- - Days start to get shorter
- - Some chance of rain in late October/November
Winter
Winter is cold and quiet, with a magical atmosphere when the Sassi are occasionally dusted with frost or fog. Many cave hotels have fireplaces, creating a cozy retreat.
Pros:
- + No crowds and lower prices
- + Atmospheric, moody lighting for photos
- + Christmas markets and nativity scenes (presepi) in the caves
Cons:
- - Chilly temperatures (can drop near freezing)
- - Some smaller restaurants or tours may have reduced hours
- - Fewer daylight hours for sightseeing
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Day Trips from Matera
Alberobello
1 hour 15 min by car
Venture into Puglia to visit another UNESCO site famous for its trulli, the unique conical-roofed whitewashed houses. It's a fascinating contrast to Matera's cave architecture and offers a different perspective on southern Italian vernacular building.
Trullo Sovrano (two-story trullo museum)
Rione Monti trulli district
Local olive oil and almond product tasting
Basilica dei Santi Medici
Metaponto & Ionic Coast
50 min by car
Escape to the sea and ancient Greek history. Metaponto is home to impressive Greek temple ruins, while the nearby beaches offer a chance to relax on the Ionian Sea after days of cave exploration.
Tavole Palatine (Temple of Hera ruins)
Archaeological Museum of Metaponto
Lido di Metaponto beach
Local seafood lunch at a lido
Craco
1 hour by car
Visit the haunting 'ghost town' of Craco, a medieval hilltop village completely abandoned due to landslides. Its eerie, crumbling structures perched on a cliff have featured in many films and offer a powerful, melancholic beauty.
Guided tour of the abandoned historic center
Spectacular panoramic views of the Cavone valley
Photography of decaying architecture
Nearby Agri River valley scenery
Matera Budget Guide
Matera is moderately priced for Italy. Staying and eating within the Sassi is premium, while the modern Piano district offers more budget-friendly options. Major savings come from the Matera Card for sightseeing.
Budget
€50-80 per person for hostels, picnic lunches, and free walking tours.
per day
Mid-Range
€120-200 per person for a cave B&B, restaurant meals, and paid guided tours.
per day
Luxury
€300+ per person for luxury cave hotels, fine dining, and private guides.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •The Matera Card saves significantly on church and museum entry fees.
- •Dine in the Piano district for more affordable restaurant prices than the Sassi.
- •Book accommodation with breakfast included; it's often a generous spread.
- •Travel in a small group to split costs on taxi rides to viewpoints like Murgia.
- •Fill water bottles at public fountains; the tap water in Matera is safe and good.
Matera Hidden Gems
Cripta del Peccato Originale (Crypt of Original Sin)
A stunning 9th-century rock church located in the countryside outside Matera, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art.'
Its breathtakingly vivid and well-preserved Byzantine frescoes are masterpieces, yet it remains off the standard tourist trail due to its need for a pre-booked guided tour.
Museo della Scultura Contemporanea (MUSMA)
A contemporary sculpture museum uniquely housed in the cavernous spaces of the 17th-century Palazzo Pomarici in the Sassi.
The contrast between ancient cave architecture and modern art is mesmerizing. It's a quiet, cool refuge from the sun and crowds, offering a different cultural perspective.
Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano (Underground)
While the upper church is notable, its lesser-visited underground levels contain macabre and fascinating 'scolatoi,' where monks were desiccated after death.
It reveals a deeply spiritual and unusual aspect of local history that most visitors completely miss, focusing only on the main church level.
Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio
A small, less-crowded viewpoint near the Convento di Sant'Agostino, offering a spectacular, slightly different angle over the Sasso Caveoso.
It provides an equally stunning vista as the main viewpoints but without the tour groups, perfect for quiet contemplation or photography.
Laboratorio di Ceramica di Giuseppe Mitarotonda
A small, family-run ceramic workshop in the Sassi where artisans create traditional Basilicata pottery using ancient techniques.
You can watch the potter at work and buy unique, handmade souvenirs directly from the artist, supporting local craft far from the generic souvenir shops.
Matera Culture & Customs
Materan culture is defined by resilience, community, and a profound connection to the stone. From the shared bread ovens of the Sassi to the religious festivals that fill the caves with light, there's a deep sense of history as a living entity. The 2019 Capital of Culture designation has infused new creative energy, making it a place where ancient tradition and contemporary art dynamically coexist.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with 'buongiorno' (good day) or 'buonasera' (good evening).
- •Dress modestly when entering churches—cover shoulders and knees.
- •Ask permission before taking close-up photos of residents, especially older people sitting outside their homes.
- •Be patient and polite; service can be slower and more relational than in northern Italy.
- •Don't litter or remove stones; the preservation of the Sassi environment is taken very seriously.
Useful Phrases
Uè - A common local greeting, like 'Hey' or 'Hi'(weh)
Comu si? (Dialect) - How are you?(KOH-moo see)
Stu Sass è na meraviglia - This Sassi is a marvel/wonder(stoo sass eh nah meh-rah-VEE-lyah)
Na fetta di pane, per favore - A slice of bread, please(nah FET-tah dee PAH-neh, pair fah-VOH-reh)
Dove si trova il belvedere? - Where is the viewpoint?(DOH-veh see TROH-vah eel bell-veh-DEH-reh?)
Quanto costa l'ingresso? - How much is the entrance?(KWAHN-toh COH-stah leen-GRESS-soh?)
Frequently Asked Questions about Matera
How many days do I need in Matera?
Two full days is the ideal minimum. Dedicate one day to thoroughly exploring the Sassi districts, rock churches, and museums, and a second day for the Murgia park hike across the ravine, a deeper dive into specific sites, or a relaxing cave hotel experience. A third day allows for a day trip.
Is Matera safe to visit?
Yes, Matera is very safe. Violent crime is extremely rare. Standard travel precautions apply: be aware of your belongings in crowded areas, use common sense when walking alone at night in deserted alleys, and ensure you have a good light for navigating the steep, uneven steps after dark.
Can I visit Matera with limited mobility?
The Sassi present significant challenges. The terrain is a continuous series of steep, uneven stone steps and slopes, often without handrails. The modern Piano district is flat and accessible. Some viewpoints are reachable by taxi, and the tourist train offers an overview, but exploring the heart of the cave districts on foot is unavoidable and strenuous.
Do I need to book a guided tour?
It is highly recommended, especially for the rock churches. Many important churches are locked and require a licensed guide for entry. A good guide provides essential historical and cultural context that brings the stone city to life. You can book group tours or private guides in advance online or at the tourist office.
What is the best way to see the Sassi at night?
The Sassi are magically illuminated after sunset. The best experience is a leisurely evening stroll after dinner. Start from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, walk down into Sasso Barisano, and make your way to the Belvedere di Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for the iconic view of the lit-up caves twinkling across the ravine.
Is the Matera Card worth it?
Absolutely, if you plan to visit multiple paid sites. The card includes entry to the main rock church complexes (like Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano), the MUSMA museum, the Palombaro Lungo cistern, and local bus transport. It typically pays for itself after 2-3 attractions and offers convenient skip-the-line access.
Where should I stay: in the Sassi or the modern town?
For a truly immersive experience, stay in a cave hotel in the Sassi (Sasso Barisano is slightly more polished). For easier access, more dining options, and often better value, stay in the Piano (modern center). The two areas are a 10-15 minute walk apart, so either is a good base.
What should I pack for Matera?
Sturdy, broken-in walking shoes with grip are the #1 essential. Also pack layers (caves are cool, the sun is hot), a refillable water bottle, a small backpack (not a wheeled suitcase for the Sassi), a flashlight or headlamp for dimly lit alleys, and a power bank as you'll be using your phone for maps and photos constantly.
Matera Reiserouten
Reiseführer
Mit Anderen Städten Vergleichen
Was kostet eine Reise nach Matera?
Typische Tageskosten für eine Person, basierend auf Durchschnittspreisen in Italy.
| Günstig | Mittelklasse | Komfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unterkunft (pro Nacht) | 45 € | 110 € | 190 € |
| Essen und Trinken (pro Tag) | 17 € | 35 € | 70 € |
| Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten (pro Tag) | 8 € | 22 € | 50 € |
| Gesamt pro Tag | 70 € | 167 € | 310 € |
Die Schätzungen enthalten keine Flüge und keinen Fernverkehr. Tageskosten verschiedener Städte vergleichen
Übernachten in Matera
Hotels nahe dem Zentrum von Matera, von günstig bis luxuriös. Die Preise sind typische Übernachtungspreise zum Zeitpunkt unserer letzten Prüfung.
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