11 Activities
UNESCO Heritage Village of Matera and Its Mountaintop Cave Dwellings
Starts from
Bari
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
11
Duration
11 hours
Length
22 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Bari
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
22 mi
Darcy Tuscano
Travel Expert
- Visit the UNESCO Heritage site of Sassi di Matera.
- Learn about the history of the cave dwellings.
- Explore prehistoric caves and grottos.
- Dine on regional Italian specialties and wine.
- Tour an olive oil museum.
Are you looking for a day trip to explore one of Italy's most famous small villages, learn about history and immerse yourself in the local culture? Then this one day road trip to Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, is just perfect for you!
This unique village is set high on a rocky mountaintop, with cave-like houses built into the surrounding stone. Just over 50 years ago, the poverty-stricken villagers lived without running water or electricity. Today, wander through the streets and tour some of those cave houses to find out why this village is now firmly on the "Must See" list of every visitor to the Puglia and Basilicata regions.
Go on an adventure to Matera and explore one of the earliest human settlements in Italy!
Due to the mountain roads, snow and plentiful rain in the off-season, this road trip is best for the summer months of July and August.
This unique village is set high on a rocky mountaintop, with cave-like houses built into the surrounding stone. Just over 50 years ago, the poverty-stricken villagers lived without running water or electricity. Today, wander through the streets and tour some of those cave houses to find out why this village is now firmly on the "Must See" list of every visitor to the Puglia and Basilicata regions.
Go on an adventure to Matera and explore one of the earliest human settlements in Italy!
Due to the mountain roads, snow and plentiful rain in the off-season, this road trip is best for the summer months of July and August.
Categories
Are you looking for a day trip to explore one of Italy's most famous small villages, learn about history and immerse yourself in the local culture? Then this one day road trip to Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, is just perfect for you!
This unique village is set high on a rocky mountaintop, with cave-like houses built into the surrounding stone. Just over 50 years ago, the poverty-stricken villagers lived without running water or electricity. Today, wander through the streets and tour some of those cave houses to find out why this village is now firmly on the "Must See" list of every visitor to the Puglia and Basilicata regions.
Go on an adventure to Matera and explore one of the earliest human settlements in Italy!
Due to the mountain roads, snow and plentiful rain in the off-season, this road trip is best for the summer months of July and August.
This unique village is set high on a rocky mountaintop, with cave-like houses built into the surrounding stone. Just over 50 years ago, the poverty-stricken villagers lived without running water or electricity. Today, wander through the streets and tour some of those cave houses to find out why this village is now firmly on the "Must See" list of every visitor to the Puglia and Basilicata regions.
Go on an adventure to Matera and explore one of the earliest human settlements in Italy!
Due to the mountain roads, snow and plentiful rain in the off-season, this road trip is best for the summer months of July and August.
Darcy Tuscano
Travel Expert
- Visit the UNESCO Heritage site of Sassi di Matera.
- Learn about the history of the cave dwellings.
- Explore prehistoric caves and grottos.
- Dine on regional Italian specialties and wine.
- Tour an olive oil museum.
Day Itinerary
11 Activities
Day 1
22 mi3 mi
Exploring the Prehistoric Troglodyte Settlement of "Matera"
This is a special day as you are about to set foot in one of the earliest known human settlements in Italy.
Not long ago, the residents of Matera, Italy were living in the dark ages as if modern time had forgotten them. Today, the European Capital of Culture has recognized this unique village, and it's now one of Italy's shining gems.
Spend the day exploring the fascinating cave houses, grottos, visiting a museum or two, and learning all about this stunning mountaintop cave village where "The Passion of Christ" was filmed.
It's a day of active exploration as you explore the tiny streets and alleyways of Matera, so put on a pair of comfortable shoes, get your camera ready and have an amazing day!
Not long ago, the residents of Matera, Italy were living in the dark ages as if modern time had forgotten them. Today, the European Capital of Culture has recognized this unique village, and it's now one of Italy's shining gems.
Spend the day exploring the fascinating cave houses, grottos, visiting a museum or two, and learning all about this stunning mountaintop cave village where "The Passion of Christ" was filmed.
It's a day of active exploration as you explore the tiny streets and alleyways of Matera, so put on a pair of comfortable shoes, get your camera ready and have an amazing day!
10:005 min
Parcheggio
Parking
Open Details
This is where you'll park for your time in Matera. You are going to have a stroll along the historical part of the city and learn about its attractions.
0.9 mi
20 min
10:3045 min
Casa Noha
Museum
Open Details
A tour of the historical house of Casa Noha with their excellent multi-media project is the perfect way to start your day in Matera.
The video and information you will learn about in this 1,000-year-old settlement will leave you armed with the knowledge and intrigue to explore the Sassi di Matera with new eyes.
Entrance tickets should be purchased in advance online.
The video and information you will learn about in this 1,000-year-old settlement will leave you armed with the knowledge and intrigue to explore the Sassi di Matera with new eyes.
Entrance tickets should be purchased in advance online.
0.2 mi
5 min
11:2030 min
Sissi di Matera
Historic Site
Open Details
Sissi di Matera is the most famous part of the village, where you'll discover the greatest information about the history of this fascinating settlement.
Armed with the knowledge that you learned at Casa Noha, have a walk around the ancient alleys and porticos as you explore the stunning cave houses surrounding you.
Armed with the knowledge that you learned at Casa Noha, have a walk around the ancient alleys and porticos as you explore the stunning cave houses surrounding you.
0.1 mi
5 min
11:5515 min
La Fontana Dell'Amore
Outdoor Sculpture
Open Details
Ah, the romantic fountain of love! The Fontana dell'amore, set above the stunning cave houses of the Sassi di Matera is a place to stop and pause in admiration of the beauty set before you.
In the distance, past the life-size replicas of the bronze statues, you'll also have a clear view of the Basilica di Matera.
In the distance, past the life-size replicas of the bronze statues, you'll also have a clear view of the Basilica di Matera.
0.2 mi
10 min
12:351 hr 30 min
La Gattabuia Restaurant
Restaurant
Open Details
It wouldn't be a great day without an excellent meal, so don't worry, you won't be disappointed with lunch at La Gattabuia.
This antique house below street level used to be the city jail, but today it's one of the best restaurants around.
The cuisine is based on regional and local products with creative dishes like risotto with zucchini and clams; fusilli with pesto, almonds and smoked sardines or roasted octopus.
This antique house below street level used to be the city jail, but today it's one of the best restaurants around.
The cuisine is based on regional and local products with creative dishes like risotto with zucchini and clams; fusilli with pesto, almonds and smoked sardines or roasted octopus.
0.4 mi
10 min
14:1530 min
Casa Grotta
Historic Site
Open Details
Not so long ago, the cave dwellings used by the poverty-stricken locals were deemed uninhabitable by the Italian government and inhabitants were removed from their homes to new houses with modern conveniences of electricity and running water.
Today, at Casa Grotta nei Sassi, you can take a trip back in time as you tour a typical peasant house with furniture and tools of that forgotten time period.
While the tour is in Italian, English language descriptions are available.
Today, at Casa Grotta nei Sassi, you can take a trip back in time as you tour a typical peasant house with furniture and tools of that forgotten time period.
While the tour is in Italian, English language descriptions are available.
0.3 mi
10 min
15:0030 min
Matera Olive Oil Museum
Museum
Open Details
This 15th Century site is home to MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum, where you'll learn every step to the production of this delicious, local product.
In addition to learning about the fascinating process, you'll also be able to tour the ancient factory and rooms. Workers lived here as early as the 17th Century and made wall paintings that are still detectable today.
The museum shop sells every variety of olive oil, including airline-friendly travel sizes, for you to take home.
Daily visits are by request only, so do book your requested time and day using the online form.
In addition to learning about the fascinating process, you'll also be able to tour the ancient factory and rooms. Workers lived here as early as the 17th Century and made wall paintings that are still detectable today.
The museum shop sells every variety of olive oil, including airline-friendly travel sizes, for you to take home.
Daily visits are by request only, so do book your requested time and day using the online form.
0.3 mi
5 min
15:4530 min
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
The Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is the best viewpoint over Matera.
Try to imagine the scene as you look out over the limestone streets where Mel Gibson was filmed in "The Passion of Christ".
From this famous lookout, you'll capture amazing photos of the cave dwellings and scenic vistas. There are nice benches to relax and appreciate the gorgeous surroundings.
Now that you've explored the cave houses of Matera, it's time to venture to the surrounding countryside and discover one of the many underground caves that dot this region.
Try to imagine the scene as you look out over the limestone streets where Mel Gibson was filmed in "The Passion of Christ".
From this famous lookout, you'll capture amazing photos of the cave dwellings and scenic vistas. There are nice benches to relax and appreciate the gorgeous surroundings.
Now that you've explored the cave houses of Matera, it's time to venture to the surrounding countryside and discover one of the many underground caves that dot this region.
0.9 mi
20 min
16:355 min
Parcheggio
Parking
Open Details
Return to collect your car from the lot in Matera.
19.8 mi
30 min
17:2030 min
Grotta Di Lamalunga
Historic Site
Open Details
The Grotta di Lamalunga - Uomo di Altamura is only accessed through a sinkhole nearly 10 meters deep. You'll travel through narrow tunnels lined with karst formations until you reach the famous "Man of Altamura" the fossilized skeleton of a man who lived in the middle-upper Pleistocene era.
Please consult the website for exact opening times and reservations as they change with the day and month of the year. In the summer months, the grotto closes at 19:00.
Please consult the website for exact opening times and reservations as they change with the day and month of the year. In the summer months, the grotto closes at 19:00.
2.7 mi
10 min
19:001 hr 30 min
Asfodelo Restaurant
Restaurant
Open Details
A country-style restaurant set in the Alta Murgia natural park zone with a cozy environment and views of Altamura.
The cuisine here is focused on local and regional products with a gourmet twist. The owner, Francesco, will be pleased to recommend the perfect wine to pair with your meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are offered here as well.
This is an excellent location to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while waiting for your table.
The cuisine here is focused on local and regional products with a gourmet twist. The owner, Francesco, will be pleased to recommend the perfect wine to pair with your meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are offered here as well.
This is an excellent location to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while waiting for your table.