Matera, capital of Basilicata in Southern Italy, is renowned for its prehistoric rock-cut urban core, the Sassi. Built on the right bank of the Gravina river canyon, the city features a tripartite structure: the elevated Civita acropolis, and the cliffside districts of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. After residents were relocated to the Piano plain in the mid-20th century, the Sassi transformed into a unique archaeological landscape. For hotel travelers, staying within or near these historic zones offers immersive access to ancient cave dwellings now converted into accommodations, set against a dramatic geological backdrop.
🕐 Europe/Rome · 💱 EUR
User:MatthiasKabel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
☀️ Best months: Jul–Oct
High/low are monthly means, 💧 is mean monthly precipitation (2022–23, Open-Meteo); green = comfortable & drier.
BRI airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
For an authentic experience, choose hotels converted from ancient cave dwellings within the Sassi districts (Sasso Barisano or Sasso Caveoso). These offer unique rock-hewn ambiance. Alternatively, stay in the Civita acropolis or the Piano plain for easier access to modern amenities and transport links, while remaining close to the historic core.
Matera has no airport. The nearest major airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by car or train. Travelers can also reach nearby Bari or Brindisi by rail and transfer via bus or taxi. Local movement within the city involves navigating steep stairways and paths connecting the Sassi levels.
Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring the steep stone pathways and canyon views. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is cooler with fewer tourists, appealing to those seeking tranquility. The unique microclimate of the canyon provides shelter but can feel cool in colder months.
human settlement in Matera, Province of Matera, Basilicata, Italy
church in Matera, Basilicata, Italy
castle in Matera, Basilicata, Italy
church in Matera, Italy
church in Matera, Italy
church building in Matera, Italy
church in Matera, Italy
museum in Italy
church in Matera, Italy
museum in Matera, Italy
museum in Italy
convent in Matera, Italy
This new, restored restaurant in the upper part of the Sassi (yet still near the centre of Matera and its car parks) has a warm friendly ambience and boasts a small, charming outdoor space. Here, an entire family (father in the kitchen, mother and daughter front of house), who moved to Matera from Venosa (home of the Latin poet Horatio), serves regional cuisine with a contemporary twist and no little skill and professionalism. Various tasting menus are available, as well as an à la carte. An interesting wine list completes the picture.
WebsiteItalian
Italian
Restaurant
Italian
Italian
Attraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
See all guide-listed restaurants in Matera (Michelin / Black Pearl) →
Lounge access is reference info — confirm current terms with the operator; commission never ranks.
Off-site flight search (affiliate link — no in-app checkout, no price shown).
Search flights to MateraRanked by verified records and coverage depth — never by price, never by commission.