One of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world: the Sassi, cave houses and rock churches cut into a ravine in Basilicata, now cave hotels and restaurants. UNESCO-listed, a European Capital of Culture in 2019 and a James Bond and Passion of the Christ location. Best at dusk when the lights come on. About 1.5 hours from Bari by the FAL train or by car; no main-line Trenitalia service.
Highlights
- Night in a cave hotel
- Sassi walk at dusk
- Rock-cut churches
- Murgia park viewpoint across the ravine
- Palombaro Lungo underground cistern
- Peperoni cruschi and Matera bread
Things to do
- Guided walk through the SassiMorning · 3h
- Rock churches and Casa GrottaAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Murgia viewpoint hike across the ravineMorning · 3h
- Sassi at dusk and dinner in a cave restaurantEvening · 3h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Heads up
Summer Heat
July and August regularly bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C to Rome, Florence, the south and Sicily. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, carry water (Rome's street fountains are drinkable), and book rooms with air-conditioning. Churches still require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf.
- Festa della Bruna — Matera's patron festival: a dawn procession of shepherds, a parade of the Madonna on a papier-mâché cart, and at the end of the day the crowd tears the cart apart for pieces to keep. Fireworks at night; the Sassi are packed.