Matera (Italian pronunciation: [maˈtɛːra], locally [maˈteːra] ⓘ; Materano: Matàrë [maˈtæːrə]) is a city and the capital of the Province of Matera in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy.

Jan 22, 2023 · Matera is a city with a long and fascinating history. A complex of cave dwellings, stone buildings, and churches sit on the rolling hillsides, creating one of the most photogenic …

Jan 19, 2024 · What is special about Matera? The city is made up of two large sassi (the stones) – Barisano and Caveoso, which were dug into to create caves that house homes, hotels, …

Matera’s real claim to fame, though, and the reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the extensive series of cave dwellings ("i sassi") southeast of town, first inhabited by Benedictine …

Matera, located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its "Sassi" districts, ancient …

Aug 14, 2025 · Visiting Matera on your South Italy trip is an absolute must. Known as a stone city, this fascinating place in the less-trodden Basilicata region offers intriguing history, culture, …

Jun 8, 2023 · Not only is Matera known for its unusual dwellings - called 'sassi' - but it also boasts incredible natural beauty. It is also the oldest city in Italy and the caves, that are located …

Matera is one of the oldest, still inhabited cities in the world: a magical place that preserves evidence of human settlements since the Palaeolithic period in its natural caves carved into …

Apr 7, 2025 · The best time of year to visit Matera is spring (March to June) or fall (mid-September to December). In both periods you might get a rainy day or two and occasional overcast …

From staying in a cave sassi to hikes and visiting museums, these are the best things to do in Matera, Italy, stone city of southern Italy.