Le Origini

The best time to visit Matera is May, June, or September, when days are warm (24-31°C) and rain is infrequent. July and August are the hottest and driest months, with highs around 34°C, while November is the rainiest. Spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the Sassi and the surrounding park.

Stay in the Sassi, the ancient cave districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, for the iconic stone-carved lanes and views. The historic center around Piazza Vittorio Veneto suits easy access to sights and restaurants. For a quieter stay, the area near the Murgia Park offers a scenic, relaxed base. Hotels like Sextantio le Grotte Della Civita and Cenobio Hotel are in the Sassi, while La Suite Matera Hotel & Spa sits near the center.

Start with Palombaro lungo, the ancient cistern carved into the rock, then take in the view from Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli. The Cathedral Basilica of Matera is a key landmark, and the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana offers the iconic view of the Sassi from across the ravine. Visit a Cave House in the Sassi to understand daily life, and explore Sasso Caveoso, the oldest part of the city.

Full-day tours from Matera head to the nearby towns of Alberobello, known for its trulli houses, and Castelmezzano, set in the Lucanian Dolomites. You can also visit the ancient ruins of Metaponto and the coastal town of Polignano a Mare. These trips let you see the region's varied landscapes and history in a day.

Plan 2 to 3 days. In two days, you can see Palombaro lungo, the Cathedral, and the Sassi districts like Sasso Caveoso, plus the Belvedere view. Add a third day for the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana or the Crypt of Original Sin. If you take a full-day tour, add an extra day.