Matera is an ancient city in Basilicata, in southern Italy, set into the rock of a deep ravine. Its character comes from its cave dwellings, which have been shaped into the stone for thousands of years, so the town reads as a place where homes, churches and streets grow out of the landscape rather than sitting on top of it.
What a visit is like
Matera is a destination for walking. The old quarter rewards slow exploration: narrow lanes drop between pale limestone façades, and many of the homes are built into the cliff face itself. Following the paths down and across the ravine gives a clear sense of how the town is arranged and how closely its people have lived with the rock.
- Wander the historic quarter on foot, allowing time for steep stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Look across the ravine for views of the carved dwellings and the town rising above them.
- Take time to step inside and see how the cave spaces are arranged.
Around the city
Matera sits within Basilicata, a region of rugged hills, open countryside and small towns, so it suits a visit that goes beyond the city limits. Many travellers pair a stay in Matera with time in the surrounding landscape, which gives a broader picture of the area's rural life and terrain.
Matera is well suited to those interested in history, archaeology and unusual urban settings, and to anyone curious about how a community can build an entire town out of the ground beneath it. Plan for a visit that is unhurried, with plenty of time to look, climb and pause.
