Narrow lanes, alleys and stairways winding through the cave districts, arches and galleries, large terraces, bell towers and rock churches form the ancient inhabited centre of Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, also known as ‘Città dei Sassi’ (City of Stone).

Two natural amphitheatres entirely carved out of the rock: the ‘Sasso Barisano’, to the north-west, and the ‘Sasso Caveoso’, to the south. The ‘Civita’ district, which is the oldest inhabited group of buildings, dominates on the ‘Sassi di Matera’, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

A unique magic that, over time, has achieved the fame of an extraordinary natural film set, where, especially at sunset, you will feel part of a nativity scene, full of meaning. Pure and authentic scenery with no signs of modernity, the Murgia Materana and the Sassi have seen traces of man since prehistoric times and bear witness to the history of humanity, having been continuously inhabited.

 

Near Matera there are parks of unique beauty where it is possible to practice outdoor activities or attend thematic events. The relationship between man and nature, in the Matera area, has the sinuosity of the Natural Historical Archaeological Regional Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, a World Heritage Site since 1993 together with the ancient Sassi districts, and the immensity of the San Giuliano Regional Reserve. Both represent the green and at the same time harsh soul of the Matera landscape.

 

Matera is also the ideal location to taste the delicious regional cuisine and wines, bearing the DOP and IGP quality marks. Among the local specialities, there is Matera bread, with its fragrant flavour and characteristic shape that reminds of the Murgia landscapes. The bread is baked in wood-fired ovens and made using durum wheat and natural yeast. Cheeses are also exceptional, as they are produced using Podolica cattle, which can be easily spotted grazing freely in the pastures of the Murgia. Mouth-watering specialities include the ‘Fave e Cicorie’ recipe, a fava bean puree with chicory, and the ‘Crapiata’, which is the traditional mixed legume soup of Matera. ‘Matera DOC’ wines, both white and red, are also exceptional.