Matera is a journey into the past, a destination definitely worth a visit. From a national disgrace, the city of the Sassi became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then in 2019, European Capital of Culture.
The city in Basilicata, among the oldest in the world, is one of the must-see cities in Italy. Don't trust anyone who tells you that only one day is enough to visit it, there are so many things to see: from the Sasso Caveoso to the Sasso Barisano, from the hydraulic engineering works to the Palombaro lungo: a detailed visit to Matera lasts at least three days.
But what is there to see around the city? Here is a list of 10 things to visit near Matera.
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What to see near Matera
Murgia Materana Park
Surrounding Matera is the Regional Historical and Natural Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches of Matera. Here you will find unspoilt nature and rock churches. The park, on the border with Puglia, covers more than 6,000 hectares and hides naturalistic riches and historical evidence. It is characterised by limestone rock fragmented by deep furrows that draw cliffs, caves and ravines where man has settled since prehistoric times.
Montescaglioso
Perched on a hill, the village of Montescaglioso is known as the City of Monasteries because of its numerous monastic complexes. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful villages in Basilicata and is located in an important archaeological area, the Parco delle Chiese rupestri del Materano (Park of the Rupestrian Churches of the Matera area).
Lake San Giuliano
Just a stone's throw from the city, don't miss a visit to the WWF Oasis of San Giuliano Lake, one of the most important wetlands in Basilicata, which covers about 1,300 hectares between the municipalities of Matera, Miglionico and Grottole. Numerous activities and sports can be practised in the park.
Metaponto
On the Ionian coast of Basilicata, Metaponto is an ancient centre of Magna Graecia. The town is also one of the places to go to the seaside around Matera.
A short distance from the modern city, visit the archaeological area of Metapontum with its ruins including the Tavole Palatine and the National Archaeological Museum of Metapontum.
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Craco
Surrounded by gullies, Craco is the most beautiful abandoned village in Italy. To reach it, you will have to climb a path, where the parched nature turns yellow and the landscape suddenly changes, leading you to the suggestive place where nature has taken over.
Gravina in Apulia
Beyond the Apulian border, do not miss a visit to the town of Gravina di Puglia, which stands on a canyon. After a visit to its wonders, take time to see what lies beneath the city of Gravina: underground Gravina is a real surprise.
Altamura
Not far from Matera, in the Apulian territory, do not miss a visit to the beautiful Altamura with a historical centre worth a stop. Don't miss a visit to the interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, the church commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia.
Pisticci
In the province of Matera and close to the border with Calabria, Pisticci is a village with small white houses, the perfect spot for trekking in the Calanchi valley.
Maratea
In the province of Potenza, don't miss a stop in Maratea, the beautiful seaside town whose symbol is the Christ the Redeemer, a 21-metre-high statue placed on top of Mount San Biagio. It is worth reaching the statue to admire the wonderful 360° panorama of the entire coast and surrounding mountains.
Unfinished church of Venosa
Just outside the city of Venosa, in the province of Potenza, known for being the birthplace of Horace, stands the Holy Trinity Complex where the political and economic centre of the city once stood. In this monumental complex, you will find a wonderful unfinished Church that stands behind the Old Church.
The Complex consists of three parts: the Old Church, the Baptistery and the Unfinished Church.
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Map and map
Italy
Basilicata
Matera
