Ancient & Modern

Matera: Sassi Cave Dwellings, Ancient Stone & Basilicata

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world — a stone labyrinth of cave churches, luxury cave hotels, and 9,000 years of human history.

Hi, I's Francesco. I've been exploring Matera's caves and rock churches since I was a child. This guide was last updated in July 2026.

7 Days / 6 Nights
Matera, Italy
History Lovers
Moderate Walking
$$ - Moderate
March-November
Sassi Cave Dwellings Casa Grotta Matera Cathedral Rock Churches Cave Hotels Alberobello

Film Location: Matera has been a filming location for major movies including Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (2004), the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021), and Wonder Woman 1984 (2024). You'll recognize the Sassi everywhere. Our prices do not include autographs.

Why This Journey is Extraordinary

Sassi Districts

Explore Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso — two ancient cave districts carved into the limestone canyon

Cave Hotel Experience

Sleep in a luxury cave hotel — a unique experience in one of the world's oldest inhabited cities

Rock Churches

Discover the Chiese Rupestri — ancient rock-hewn churches with incredible Byzantine frescoes

2019 Capital of Culture

European Capital of Culture 2019 — a city reborn through art, culture, and world-class restoration

Daily Journey Inspiration

1

Arrival & Sassi First Look

Welcome to the cave city

Morning
Arrival in Matera
Fly into Bari Airport (1 hour from Matera) or take a train to Matera Centrale station. A taxi from the station to the Sassi costs about 12 EUR. Check into your cave hotel — we recommend the stunning Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita or the boutique La Dimora di Metello. Nothing prepares you for the first view of the Sassi.
Pro tip: Book a cave hotel in Sasso Caveoso for the most dramatic views. Sextantio is the most famous.
Afternoon
First Walk Through the Sassi
Take a self-guided walk through the Sassi. Start in Sasso Barisano (the more commercial district with shops and restaurants) and wind your way through the narrow alleys to Sasso Caveoso (the more ancient and dramatic district). The contrast between the two is fascinating.
Best view: The Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli offers the iconic postcard view of the Sassi.
Evening
Dinner at Le Bubbole
Dine at Le Bubbole, a restaurant in a cave in Sasso Barisano. The menu features traditional Basilicata cuisine with a modern twist. Try the cavatelli pasta with ricotta and breadcrumbs, and the lamb with local herbs. The cave setting is magical. Expect 40-50 EUR per person.
2

Casa Grotta & Matera Cathedral

Living in a cave, past and present

Morning
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Visit Casa Grotta, a preserved cave dwelling that shows how families lived in the Sassi until the 1950s. The rooms are tiny, dark, and crowded — a stark reminder of the poverty that led to the forced evacuation of the Sassi in 1952. The house is furnished with original period furniture and tools.
Entry: 5 EUR. Allow 30 minutes. The guides are often former residents of the Sassi.
Afternoon
Matera Cathedral
Climb to the top of the Civita (the ancient acropolis) to visit Matera Cathedral, built in the 13th century in Apulian Romanesque style. The rose window is stunning. Inside, the frescoes by the Rinaldo da Taranto school are beautiful. The cathedral terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sassi.
Entry: Free. The terrace is the best photo spot in Matera. Go at sunset.
Evening
Dinner at Osteria al Casale
Osteria al Casale is a family-run restaurant serving authentic Materan cuisine. The orecchiette with turnip greens and the braised lamb are outstanding. The wine list features local Aglianico del Vulture. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Expect 30-40 EUR per person.
3

Rock Churches & Crypt of Original Sin

The Sistine Chapel of the cave churches

Morning
Crypt of Original Sin
Take a guided tour to the Crypt of Original Sin, often called the "Sistine Chapel of the cave churches." This 9th-century rock church is covered in incredible Byzantine frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The colors are remarkably well-preserved after 1,200 years.
Booking: Must be booked in advance. Tours cost 10 EUR and leave from the MUSMA ticket office.
Afternoon
Santa Maria de Idris & San Pietro Barisano
Visit the rock church of Santa Maria de Idris, perched on top of a rocky spur. The church is carved into the rock and has a beautiful 13th-century fresco of the Virgin Mary. Then visit San Pietro Barisano, the largest rock church in the Sassi, with a maze of underground chambers.
Combined ticket: 7 EUR for both churches. The walk between them is steep but beautiful.
Evening
Wine & Olives at Enoteca dai Tosi
Visit Enoteca dai Tosi, a wine bar in a cave in Sasso Barisano. Sample local wines from the Basilicata region, including the famous Aglianico del Vulture. Pair with local olives, bread, and cheese. A glass of wine costs 5-7 EUR. The cave setting is cozy and atmospheric.
4

MUSMA & Palombaro Lungo

Underground art and water engineering

Morning
MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture)
MUSMA is one of the most unique museums in the world — a contemporary sculpture museum housed entirely in a cave palace. The cave rooms create a dramatic backdrop for works by artists like Giacomo Manzu, Marino Marini, and Arturo Martini. The contrast between ancient stone and modern art is stunning.
Entry: 8 EUR. The cave architecture is as impressive as the art.
Afternoon
Palombaro Lungo
Visit Palombaro Lungo, a massive underground cistern carved into the rock beneath the city. Built in the 16th century, it held over 5 million liters of water. The cistern was rediscovered in 1991 and is now open for guided tours. The reflection of the water on the vaulted ceiling is mesmerizing.
Entry: 5 EUR. The tour takes about 30 minutes. The cistern is 16 meters deep.
Evening
Dinner at Il Terrazzino
Il Terrazzino is a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Sassi. The view at sunset is spectacular. The menu features traditional Basilicata dishes like peperoni cruschi (crispy peppers), lamb ragu, and local cheeses. The house wine is excellent. Expect 35-50 EUR per person. Book a table on the terrace.
5

Alberobello Day Trip

Trulli houses of Puglia

Morning
Alberobello Trulli Houses
Take a bus or train from Matera to Alberobello (1.5 hours, 8 EUR). Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its trulli houses — whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. The Rione Monti district has over 1,000 trulli, many now shops and restaurants. The Trullo Sovrano is the largest and most impressive.
Entry: The town is free to explore. Trullo Sovrano is 5 EUR. Go early to avoid crowds.
Afternoon
Trulli Exploration & Shopping
Explore the trulli streets, visit the small trulli museums, and shop for local crafts. The trulli roofs are decorated with mysterious symbols — Christian, pagan, and magical signs painted on the stone cones. The town is small but charming.
Lunch: Try the local orecchiette pasta at Trattoria Terra Madre. About 20 EUR per person.
Evening
Return to Matera
Return to Matera in the evening. For a casual dinner, try La Pignata in Sasso Barisano. The restaurant serves traditional Materan peasant food in a cave setting. The cavatelli with ricotta and the stuffed peppers are delicious. Expect 25-35 EUR per person.
6

Castelmezzano & Gravina

Dolomiti Lucane and canyon views

Morning
Castelmezzano
Take a bus or taxi to Castelmezzano (1.5 hours), one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The town is built on a dramatic rock formation in the Dolomiti Lucane mountains. The Volo dell'Angelo (Angel's Flight) is a zipline that connects Castelmezzano to the neighboring village of Pietrapertosa.
Zipline: 30 EUR for the Volo dell'Angelo. It's the most scenic zipline in Europe.
Afternoon
Gravina di Puglia
On the way back to Matera, stop at Gravina di Puglia, a town built on a dramatic canyon. The Gravina Bridge (a massive stone bridge) and the rock churches of the Gravina canyon are impressive. The Fondazione Sant'Antonio has a beautiful museum of sacred art.
Entry: Free. The canyon can be seen from the bridge. The rock churches are 3 EUR.
Evening
Dinner at Ristorante Francesca
Ristorante Francesca is a Matera institution, known for its elegant interpretation of Basilicata cuisine. The menu changes seasonally but always features fresh local ingredients. The tasting menu (55 EUR) is a journey through the flavors of the region. The wine cellar is one of the best in the city.
7

Last Day in Matera

Final impressions of the cave city

Morning
Last Walk & Olive Oil Shopping
Enjoy a final morning walk through the Sassi. Visit the local markets for olive oil, bread, and local wine. Matera's olive oil is some of the best in Italy. Buy bread from Forno di Sasso Barisano, a bakery that has been operating since 1920.
Afternoon
Departure
Transfer to Bari Airport (1 hour by train, 12 EUR) or take a direct bus to Rome (5 hours, 35 EUR). Matera is a city that changes you. The ancient stone, the cave churches, the warmth of the people, the taste of cavatelli — you'll carry it with you forever. As the Materani say: "Matera non si visita, si vive." (Matera is not visited, it is lived.)

Practical Tips

Getting There

Fly into Bari Airport (BRI, 1 hour) or Naples Airport (NAP, 3 hours). Trains from Bari to Matera take 1.5 hours and cost 12 EUR. Buses connect to Rome (5 hours, 35 EUR).

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are perfect. Summer (June-August) is hot but the Sassi stay cool. Winter is quiet and atmospheric. The Sassi are beautiful in the rain. Avoid August for the heat.

Budget Tips

Matera is more affordable than Rome or Florence. Budget 80-120 EUR/day. Cave hotels start at 120 EUR/night. A meal at a good restaurant costs 30-50 EUR. Local wine is 4-6 EUR a glass. The Sassi are free to explore.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (the Sassi are steep and uneven). Light layers for summer. A light jacket for evening. A camera with good low-light performance (the caves are dark). A reusable water bottle.

Cave Hotel Tips

Cave hotels are naturally cool in summer and warm in winter. They can be damp and dark. Expect uneven floors and low ceilings. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is the most atmospheric. La Dimora di Metello is more affordable. Book well in advance.

Film Locations

Matera was the setting for Jerusalem in The Passion of the Christ. No Time to Die filmed in the Sassi and the Gravina canyon. Wonder Woman 1984 used the Piazza Duomo. The Casa Grotta museum has a small film exhibit.

Local Food

Try cavatelli pasta (hand-rolled), orecchiette with turnip greens, lamb ragu, peperoni cruschi (crispy peppers), and local cheeses like caciocavallo. The bread is excellent. The olive oil is some of the best in Italy.

Getting Around

The Sassi are pedestrian-only. Wear comfortable shoes. The city is steep — expect lots of stairs. A taxi between the train station and the Sassi costs 12 EUR. The Sassi bus (line S) runs through the districts.

Gallery

Matera Sassi at sunset
Matera cave dwellings
Matera Cathedral
Alberobello trulli
Matera night view
Castelmezzano

Traveler Reviews

Isabella R.

Isabella R.

Milan, Italy | June 2026

★★★★★

Matera is the most incredible city in Italy. I've traveled all over Italy and nothing compares to the Sassi. Staying at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita was a dream — sleeping in a cave that was once a medieval home, with modern luxury. The view from the cathedral terrace at sunset is unforgettable. The Crypt of Original Sin is a masterpiece. The frescoes are 1,200 years old and look like they were painted yesterday. Italy's best-kept secret.

Peter M.

Peter M.

New York, NY | May 2026

★★★★★

The Casa Grotta museum is a must. Seeing how families lived in those tiny, dark caves with donkeys and chickens in the kitchen was humbling. The guide was a former resident who was born in the Sassi in the 1940s. His stories were heartbreaking and inspiring. The food here is incredible. The cavatelli at Le Bubbole was the best pasta I've ever had. The local Aglianico wine is world-class. Matera is a place you feel in your soul.

Sophie L.

Sophie L.

Paris, France | April 2026

★★★★★

MUSMA is one of the most unique museums in the world. Contemporary sculpture in a cave palace — the combination is brilliant. The Palombaro Lungo cistern is fascinating. The reflection of the water on the vaulted ceiling creates an almost magical atmosphere. The day trip to Alberobello was wonderful. The trulli houses are like something from a fairytale. Matera is a city that rewards slow exploration. Every alley reveals something new.

James K.

James K.

London, UK | March 2026

★★★★★

The Volo dell'Angelo zipline in Castelmezzano is the most incredible thing I've ever done. You fly over the Dolomiti Lucane mountains at 70 km/h with views of the entire valley. Castelmezzano is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Back in Matera, the Santa Maria de Idris rock church is a hidden gem. The frescoes are beautiful. The restaurant Il Terrazzino has the best view in the city. The sunset over the Sassi is something I'll never forget.

Maria G.

Maria G.

Barcelona, Spain | February 2026

★★★★★

The Passion of the Christ was filmed here and you can see why — the Sassi look exactly like ancient Jerusalem. The city has been used as a film set for so many movies. The Matera Cathedral is stunning, especially the rose window. The walk through the Sassi at night is magical. The caves are lit up and the stone glows golden. The bread from Forno di Sasso Barisano is the best I've ever had. Matera is a city of bread, olives, and wine.

David C.

David C.

Toronto, Canada | January 2026

★★★★★

The Enoteca dai Tosi wine bar is a gem. Sitting in a cave, drinking Aglianico del Vulture and eating local cheese — it doesn't get better. The owner recommended a winery tour and we spent the next day visiting vineyards. The Gravina canyon is impressive. The bridge is massive. Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are two of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The zipline between them is incredible. Matera is a city that has everything — history, food, wine, and adventure.

Anna W.

Anna W.

Amsterdam, Netherlands | December 2025

★★★★★

Winter in Matera is magical. The Sassi are quiet and atmospheric. The cave hotels are cozy and warm. The Christmas lights in the Sassi are beautiful. The restaurant Osteria al Casale was the warmest, most welcoming place. The owner treated us like family. The cavatelli with ricotta was the best comfort food. Matera in winter is a completely different experience from summer. Fewer crowds, more authentic. I highly recommend visiting in the off-season.

Luca B.

Luca B.

Rome, Italy | November 2025

★★★★★

I'm Italian and I had never been to Matera. Shameful, I know. But what a revelation! The Sassi are unlike anything else in Italy. The rock churches are incredible — the Crypt of Original Sin is a masterpiece. The restoration work since 2019 is remarkable. Matera deserved to be European Capital of Culture. The city has been reborn. The restaurant Ristorante Francesca is one of the best in southern Italy. The tasting menu is exceptional. Matera is a source of national pride.

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