The iconic city of Matera is known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the planet. For thousands of years, people have lived here, slowly shaping a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways, ancient cave homes, and churches carved straight into the rock. Its rugged and almost otherworldly landscape makes Matera one of the most photogenic spots in all of Italy.
Once among the poorest cities in Europe, Matera has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it proudly holds the titles of UNESCO World Heritage Site, European Capital of Culture, famous film location, and popular tourist destination. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through this city of captivating contrasts — where ancient caves stand alongside modern museums. Keep reading to dive into Matera’s long and fascinating history, discover its surprising connection to James Bond, and explore all the must-see sights this extraordinary city has to offer.
What Matera is known for
Matera is best known for its Sassi: ancient neighborhoods filled with centuries-old cave dwellings carved directly into the rock. The city holds UNESCO World Heritage status and has served as a stunning backdrop for films like The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond blockbuster No Time to Die. With its dramatic landscapes, rich religious heritage, and mysterious atmosphere, Matera has become one of Southern Italy’s most iconic and captivating destinations.
The Sassi are the unmistakable heart of Matera. For centuries, people made their homes in these caves, slowly expanding and adapting them over generations. What began as simple shelters grew into a complex maze of houses, churches, and storage rooms. This remarkable form of architecture, where humans cleverly worked with nature rather than against it, has made the Sassi one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Scattered throughout the Sassi, you’ll find many rock-carved churches, often decorated with ancient frescoes that offer a fascinating glimpse into early Christian traditions.
In 1993, Matera earned its UNESCO World Heritage designation, a recognition of its extraordinary historical and cultural importance. This international spotlight sparked major restoration efforts. Once-abandoned caves were brought back to life and transformed into inviting hotels, restaurants, and galleries. What was long seen as a symbol of poverty has now become a thriving destination attracting visitors from around the world.
Matera’s unique atmosphere also caught Hollywood’s eye. The city has appeared on the big screen in films like Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond adventure No Time to Die. The dramatic cave dwellings and towering cliffs provided the perfect setting for intense action scenes and high-speed chases. These film appearances propelled Matera to worldwide fame, drawing movie fans eager to explore a real-life James Bond film location.
History of Matera
Matera is a city that captured our imagination the moment we arrived. Not only because of its breathtaking appearance, but also because of its incredibly long and fascinating history. This is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. Just imagine: ten thousand years ago, the very first people sought shelter here, carving simple caves into the soft limestone cliffs. They survived by hunting and gathering, warming themselves by open fires, and using the surrounding landscape as their pantry. What started as a handful of primitive shelters slowly grew into a city, as generation after generation adapted their lives to the rocky terrain. Instead of neat streets and orderly blocks, they built a maze of twisting alleyways, staircases, and homes that seem to rise organically from the rock itself.
In the Middle Ages, Matera took on a deeply religious character. Monks settled in the caves and carved out churches directly from the stone, complete with altars and colorful frescoes. The city thrived and continued to grow. The Sassi — Matera’s famous cave districts — expanded, with rainwater cisterns and underground tunnels ingeniously added to support daily life. It was a clever way to live in harmony with the landscape, using nature without destroying it. For centuries, Matera seemed to adapt with ease, yet at the same time, it remained locked in a world of its own, and eventually, that would become its biggest challenge.
By the mid-20th century, Matera had gone from a symbol of human ingenuity to a symbol of deep poverty. Entire families still lived in the damp caves, often sharing the space with their animals. There was no running water, no sewage system, and disease was widespread. Living conditions were harsh and unhealthy. The well-known Italian writer Carlo Levi famously referred to Matera as “the shame of Italy” in one of his books.
In the 1950s, the government stepped in with a solution, but it offered little comfort to the people of Matera. The city was declared unfit for human habitation, and its residents were forced to leave their homes and relocate to new neighborhoods on the outskirts. The Sassi were abandoned, and Matera turned into a ghost town. What had once been a lively community became a place visited only by tourists and researchers curious to see the remains of its past.
And then, something remarkable happened. In the 1990s, Matera began an unexpected revival. The empty cave dwellings were restored and transformed into boutique hotels, charming restaurants, and fascinating museums. What had long been seen as a national disgrace was suddenly recognized for its beauty and uniqueness. In 1993, Matera was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The city blossomed into a thriving tourist destination, finally receiving worldwide recognition for its one-of-a-kind charm and extraordinary history.
The crowning moment came in 2019, when Matera was named European Capital of Culture. Once a forgotten place known for poverty and shame, Matera had transformed into a city that now proudly celebrates its rich and remarkable past. Today, visitors stroll through the narrow, winding streets, filled with admiration as they gaze at the cave dwellings that were once left behind but now stand as inspiring symbols of resilience, renewal, and human creativity.
Top Things to Do in Matera
A visit to Matera is wonderfully simple, as there’s really one main reason people come: to explore the incredibly photogenic and historic cave districts known as the Sassi. In this section, you’ll discover the two different districts, what you can see there, and where to find some of the best viewpoints.
#1 Sasso Caveoso
Sasso Caveoso feels like stepping back in time, into a world where people quite literally made their homes inside the rock. This southern part of Matera is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its cave dwellings carved directly into the soft limestone cliffs. The entire district is laid out almost like a natural amphitheater, with houses stacked up along the steep slopes.
Some of these homes date all the way back to prehistoric times, making this one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. In the twentieth century, the area fell into decline, and many families were forced to leave because of the poor living conditions. Today, Sasso Caveoso has been beautifully restored and proudly holds its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Here, you can visit churches like San Pietro Caveoso, a true gem with a bell tower offering sweeping views over the dramatic ravine below. Be sure to stop by Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a recreated cave home that offers a fascinating glimpse into how families once lived here. Sasso Caveoso is a charming maze of narrow alleyways, hidden squares, and winding staircases — perfect for a leisurely wander as you soak in the atmosphere of Matera’s ancient past.
#2 Sasso Barisano
Sasso Barisano is the northern part of the Sassi, and to us, it felt a little more vibrant than Sasso Caveoso. This district has been partially restored, and today you’ll find cozy restaurants, charming little shops, and boutique hotels, all nestled within the original cave dwellings. The neighborhood offers a fascinating mix of ancient cave homes and buildings with later-added façades, giving it the feel of a movie set. And that’s no coincidence — Matera has been the backdrop for several films, including The Passion of the Christ.
Sasso Barisano is also home to many rock-carved churches, such as Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano, a church hollowed out of the rock, complete with secret tunnels and chambers once used to store sacred relics. This part of Matera is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering beautiful panoramic views along the way. Even the souvenir shops are set inside the old cave dwellings, adding to the unique charm and atmosphere of the area.
#3 Cathedral of Matera
At the highest point of the city stands the Cathedral of Matera, a striking landmark visible from almost every corner of town. This elevated area is known as the Civita and acts as a natural divide between the city’s two famous cave districts.
Built between 1230 and 1270, the cathedral is a stunning example of Apulian-Romanesque architecture. Its façade is particularly eye-catching, with a large rose window and beautifully detailed stone reliefs. Inside, we were welcomed by vibrant frescoes, intricately decorated columns, and a gracefully ornamented altar.
The cathedral is dedicated to Maria Santissima della Bruna, the patron saint of Matera, and plays a central role in the city’s annual festival on July 2nd. The festivities conclude with a spectacular procession followed by a dazzling fireworks display.
From the square in front of the cathedral, you’ll have sweeping views over the Sassi. We found the scene especially magical at sunset and after dark, when the city lights softly illuminate the ancient stone. Do note that there is an entrance fee to visit the cathedral.
#4 The Cave Churches of Matera
Matera is known not only for its cave dwellings but also for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches. These ancient sanctuaries, often carved straight into the stone, date back to the Middle Ages and were once used by monks and hermits seeking peace and solitude. Many of the churches still house centuries-old frescoes that, despite their great age, remain impressively well preserved. One of the most famous is Santa Maria de Idris, built directly into a massive rock and offering stunning views across the city. Though the church itself is small, its atmosphere is unforgettable, with soft, dim light and the earthy scent of damp stone filling the space.
Another must-see is San Pietro Caveoso, set on a square overlooking the dramatic ravine. Its striking façade stands out beautifully against the rugged rocky landscape. Scattered throughout Matera, you’ll also find smaller, lesser-known churches such as Santa Lucia alle Malve, where even more medieval frescoes await discovery.
Entry to the rock churches requires a ticket, but you can purchase a combination pass that includes access to Santa Lucia alle Malve, Santa Madonna de Idris, and San Pietro Barisano.
#5 Viewpoints Over the Sassi
Matera is a city that can be admired from countless angles, but its scenic viewpoints offer some of the most unforgettable perspectives. One of the best places to begin is Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, located right next to Piazza Vittorio Veneto. From here, you can gaze out over Sasso Barisano, where the maze of cave dwellings and church towers seem to climb effortlessly up the hillsides.
Just a short walk away is Piazza Duomo, right beside Matera’s cathedral. This spot offers sweeping views of the Barisano district with the Gravina gorge stretching out in the distance. Thanks to its elevated position, it’s a perfect location for photography, especially in the early morning or at sunset, when the soft light transforms the limestone walls into a glowing shade of gold.
Another favorite is Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, named after the famous Italian poet. Located near the Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna, this viewpoint offers a stunning perspective over Sasso Caveoso and the surrounding rock formations. The contrast between the modern buildings of the square and the centuries-old cave dwellings below creates a captivating scene. We also found this spot to be much quieter than the more popular viewpoints, making it an ideal place to take in the view at your own pace.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there’s Belvedere di Murgia Timone, situated across the Gravina gorge. You can reach it by following a hiking trail or crossing the pedestrian suspension bridge. From here, you’ll see Matera exactly as it’s often captured on film; dramatically clinging to the steep cliffs, creating a breathtaking scene that looks like something out of a movie.
#6 Gravina di Matera and the Suspension Bridge
The Gravina di Matera is the dramatic ravine that gives Matera its breathtaking landscape. This spectacular chasm quite literally divides the ancient city from the untamed wilderness beyond. On one side, you have the centuries-old town, with its historic homes and churches clinging precariously to the rocky cliffs. On the other side lies the rugged Parco della Murgia Materana, a nature reserve filled with caves, hiking trails, and raw, untouched beauty. Over thousands of years, water erosion carved the ravine into what is now a striking green ribbon slicing through the dry, rocky scenery.
For adventurous visitors, crossing the suspension bridge that spans the ravine is an absolute must. This gently swaying metal bridge hangs dozens of meters above the river, offering a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the steep cliffs and the ancient city rising dramatically above. The bridge links the city to the hiking trails within the nature park and is especially popular with hikers eager to explore Matera’s wilder side. The route starts at the edge of the city, winds down to the bottom of the gorge, and after crossing the bridge, climbs back up to a series of scenic viewpoints that deliver breathtaking panoramas of Matera’s skyline.
Though the bridge is solid and secure, it’s certainly not for anyone with a fear of heights. Keep in mind that it may close in bad weather or strong winds. Good hiking shoes are highly recommended, and be sure to bring plenty of water, especially in the summer months when the heat can become intense. The hike itself is free, but guided tours are available for those who want a deeper insight into the ravine’s rich history and fascinating geology along the way.
#7 Parco della Murgia Materana (Murgia Materana Park )
Across the Gravina lies Parco della Murgia Materana, a vast nature reserve where you can easily spend hours wandering and exploring. Spanning over eight thousand hectares, the park offers a rare combination of wild natural beauty and rich historical depth. The landscape is a mix of limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and open grasslands, dotted with holm oaks and colorful wildflowers. In spring, the entire area comes to life with vibrant greenery and blooming orchids. Overhead, birds of prey like peregrine falcons glide through the sky, scanning the rocky ground for their next catch.
What makes this park truly special is that it’s not just about the scenery. Scattered throughout the reserve are more than 150 rock-hewn churches, some so small you could easily overlook them, while others are adorned with beautifully preserved medieval frescoes. These ancient chapels whisper the stories of hermits, pilgrims, and early communities who once lived in these isolated surroundings.
One of the park’s highlights is Belvedere di Murgia Timone, a stunning viewpoint offering a breathtaking perspective of Matera from across the ravine. Standing here, you can fully appreciate how the city and landscape seem to melt into one another. The path leading to the viewpoint is rough and uneven, but the reward is well worth the effort. Most of the hiking trails in the park are well-marked, though having an online map makes navigation even simpler.
Entry to the park is free, but for certain activities—like caving expeditions or birdwatching tours—you can book a guided experience. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its most colorful.
