Matera in southern Italy is one of the most beautiful and photogenic cities you will ever set eyes upon. The city is so picturesque that you might be overwhelmed with where to go to get the best views. So in this article I’ve assembled a list of the 10 best viewpoints in Matera to help you out.
- Matera – What You Need to Know
- The Best Viewpoints in Matera
- #1) Belvedere Murgia Timone
- #2) Just North of Hotel Sassi
- #3) Plaza Duomo
- #4) In Front of Maison d’Ax
- #5) In Front of Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris
- #6) Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
- #7) View from Restaurant Il Terrazzino
- #8) From in front of Restaurant Baccanti
- #9) Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei “Tre Archi”
- #10) From Monastero Casalnuovo
- Bonus: From Your Hotel!
- Matera – Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Viewpoints in Matera – Final Word
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Matera – What You Need to Know
Let’s start with a quick introduction to Matera. The Basilican city is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Dating back to about 10,000 BC, Matera was an actual place where “cavemen” lived. The residents in Matera lived in caves carved into the rock for millenia, and that history of cave living is still part of the city’s culture today.
A significant number of buildings in central Matera are carved into rocks. Staying in a cave hotel is like a rite of passage when visiting the ancient city. But the city is more than caves. Built on steep hills and cliffs, Matera is simply magical.
Where is Matera?
Matera is in southern Italy in the province of Basilica. It’s very close to Puglia and often visited as part of a road trip around Puglia. The nearest major city is Bari, about an hour north. The nearest major airport with intercontinental flights is Rome, about a 5-hour drive northwest.
The Sassi of Matera
The historic city center of Matera is known as “The Sassi”. The Sassi of Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has few permanent occupants these days compared to its past, but for generations it was home to the city’s poor. So in the 1950s the government forced everyone to relocate to new public housing outside the city center, leaving the Sassi in disarray. It was so bad that there were calls to level the whole thing. But thankfully that didn’t happen!
A few decades later restoration work began on the historical city and today the Sassi is one of the most stunningly beautiful places you will ever see. The old buildings were renovated into hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and museums. It’s just truly one of the most stunning cities you will ever lay eyes upon.
How to get to Matera
Most people visit Matera with their own car on a road trip or as a day tour from somewhere in Puglia. The nearest airports to Matera are Naples and Bari, neither of which operate any intercontinental flights.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you might also consider flying direct to Rome and driving from there. Avoiding the layover might actually save you time and money. If you do decide to drive from Rome (that’s what we did), be sure to stop by Castelmezzano on the way. The little Italian village is one of the most underrated places in all of Italy and not far from Matera.
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You can also get to Matera by train or bus. If you’re coming from Bari or elsewhere in Puglia there is a regional train that runs through Matera. If you’re coming from Rome or Naples though, you’ll be stuck taking the bus across the country, which, albeit much slower than a train, is considerably cheaper.
How long to spend in Matera
Many people visit Matera as a day trip, but they miss out on the magic of the city at night. There is a lot to see and do in Matera and I recommend two days. At worst, an entire day with a night on either end.
It’s not necessary to stay longer in Matera unless you really want to kick back, relax and take in the amazing views. Outside of the Sassi the city is utilitarian and not really something you need to see.
Best time of year to visit Matera
Matera is a year round destination, but is best enjoyed in late spring, summer, and early fall. It’s still not a popular destination for international visitors to Italy (at least compared to Venice or Tuscany, but it does get a lot of domestic Italian tourists. And Italians love to travel in August, so if you can avoid the month of August that would be best.
Matera is sunny and warm most of the year, though winters can be chilly. It’s a very dry area and it doesn’t rain much, even in winter. The best weather is May – September, though it can be challenging climbing all the stairs in the city on a hot, sunny summer day.
Where to stay in Matera
There are endless incredible accommodation options in Matera. While Matera might not have the big name brand hotels, what it does have is tons of small mom and pop boutique hotels and guesthouses. These small businesses run from affordable to ultra-luxury and everything in between.
One of the draws of Matera is staying in a cave hotel or a cave room. This is exactly what it sounds like, a hotel or room carved into rock. Sort of like Cappadocia in Turkey, people historically lived in caves in Matera and now many of these old homes have been converted into hotel rooms.
There are numerous opportunities to stay in a cave room or a partial cave room in Matera. By partial cave room I mean a room that is partially carved into the rock and partially exposed. This is quite common in Matera. There are plenty of full cave rooms, but they lack natural light.
Another thing to note about the full cave rooms is that it’s usually incredibly damp inside the caves. The humidity is close to 100%, and even though the temperatures in the caves are mild, it just gets sticky. So if you’re staying in a cave room just be prepared for that. There will be dehumidifiers running, but they can only do so much.
Also note that most accommodations in Matera do not have air conditioning. Outside of the caves, the summer air is pretty dry in Matera and even in peak summer the overnight temperatures get down to around 63 degrees (17 C). So usually leaving your windows open at night does the trick. During the day, though, your room can be awfully hot. So be sure to keep the curtains closed when you’re out.
Where to stay in Matera:
Budget: Casino San Giuseppe
Mid Range: Residence Le Vie Del Mosto
High End: Palazzo Degli Abati
Money and Language
Most places in Matera accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some euros anyways. Matera is not the cheapest place in Italy to visit, but also not the priciest. It caters to mostly Italian visitors, so that keeps prices in check.
When it comes to language, knowing some Italian will be helpful when visiting Matera. But let’s be honest, very few people outside of Italy speak Italian. You’ll come across plenty of people who don’t speak any English in Matera, even in hospitality, so hand gestures will do. Most people working at shops and cafes will speak very basic English, so just be prepared for that.
Travel insurance
When visiting Italy, it’s a good idea to have a solid travel insurance program. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can find a great policy on World Nomads by using the link below.
The Best Viewpoints in Matera
Alright, now let’s get into it. Here are the absolute best views in Matera. These are not really in order, though I have tried to arrange them from most “wow” to least. Use the Google Map below to locate all the places and be sure to save them in your Maps before your trip.
#1) Belvedere Murgia Timone
Belvedere Murgia Timome is the premier viewpoint for a panoramic view of Matera. The viewpoint is on the other side of a large gorge and offers an incredible view of the entire Sassi.
There are two ways to get to Belvedere Murgia Timone: by vehicle or by foot. To drive there, head out of the city around the gorge. There is a narrow, winding road that takes you up to the viewpoint.
Where to park is a matter of debate. There are some signs in Italian that are difficult to understand that nobody seems to follow. They tell you that you have to park at the base of the hill and walk the rest of the way, which is about 1 mile (1.6 km). But everyone seems to ignore this and just drives up to the parking lot at the edge of the gorge.
The other way to get there is to walk from the city center. It’s a decent little hike that takes you into the gorge and up the cliff to the viewpoint. From the Sassi to the viewpoint takes maybe 30-45 minutes, depending on your fitness level.
Alternatively, if you’re partaking in a Matera city tour, which is more than just the Sassi, they will take you in a minibus to the viewpoint.
Once at the viewpoint, there are numerous locations to stop at to try to get the best view. Wander around the edge of the gorge – being careful not to fall off any steep cliffs – and you’ll get various views. If you head a little down into the gorge you can find some old cave homes that make for a pretty cool photo of the city from.
#2) Just North of Hotel Sassi
Hotel Sassi is one of many beautiful boutique hotels in Matera. But this particular hotel is known for having an amazing view of the city from its property. The hotel is on the north side of the Sassi and looks back towards the main cathedral.
You don’t have to actually go into Hotel Sassi to get a nice view. There is a walkway the goes right past the main entrance to the hotel that makes for a great photo spot. There’s a stone knee wall you can sit on to take in the view as well.
You might also see a few abandoned rooftops from here that also make for nice viewpoints. Just be on the lookout as stray cats tend to live on the rooftops. The kittens are always hungry if you have any food to share!
#3) Plaza Duomo
Matera’s main cathedral is located at the city’s high point. In front of the cathedral you’ll find Plaza Duomo. It’s a small plaza, but being at the highest point in the city has its advantages when it comes to looking for great viewpoints. From here you get a bird’s eye view of the northern half of the Sassi.
It can get quite busy at Plaza Duomo, as the awesomeness of this viewpoint is not exactly a secret. And if you’re coming from the low point in the city, it’s quite the trek up a long run of stairs to get there. Make the climb, though. It’s worth it!
#4) In Front of Maison d’Ax
Maison d’Ax is just a small boutique hotel, but just in front of it is a long stone walkway that offers unobstructed views of the southern half of the Sassi. The way the path ramps down with the stone guardrail is just stunning. It’s a busy walkway though, so be sure not to block the way and be on the lookout for other people.
#5) In Front of Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris
Chiesa di Santa Maria di Idris is a small cathedral built right into a rocky hill at the southeast side of the Sassi. From here you can look towards the old city with the gorge on your right. You can almost get an 180 degree view of the Sassi and from up at the church, you get the roof of Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso, another splendid cathedral, in your view.
#6) Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is one of the most popular observation decks in the city. From here you’re at the southwest corner of the Sassi and you look northeast towards the gorge with the southern half of the city in your view. It’s a small terrace and there will be plenty of other people there so you can’t miss it.
#7) View from Restaurant Il Terrazzino
For as many amazing views as you’ll find in Matera, there are very few restaurants with views from their terraces. There are some, but perhaps the best is from Il Terrazzino, a simple, no-frills restaurant with good food and English speaking servers.
If you manage to get a coveted seat on the outdoor terrace you’ll be treated to a view of the Sassi as you sip your wine and enjoy your pasta. It’s especially beautiful at night with the whole city lit up. To guarantee a spot on the terrace, consider making a booking.
#8) From in front of Restaurant Baccanti
Baccanti is an upscale restaurant along the main street that encircles the Sassi. There is no particular best location I am calling out here, but along the street near the restaurant there are amazing great views. Walk around and see what you like best.
There is a small parking lot you might want to avoid in your photos. And if you head a bit further north you can get a nice view with the entire gorge and Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris. There is a slightly elevated walkway above the road near the restaurant as well that will give you a slightly better view.
#9) Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei “Tre Archi”
Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio is a small viewing deck that packs a big punch. From here you look directly at the main cathedral with the valley of the Sassi directly in front of you. You can see the steel hills rise to each side, littered with gorgeous stone buildings. Best of all, as the sun sets it will shine on the city in front of you, making Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio perfect for golden hour.
#10) From Monastero Casalnuovo
At the very southern tip of the Sassi you’ll find Monastero Casalnuovo. This is essentially a museum of a historic cave home. It’s privately owned and the owner, Francesco, manages the little museum himself. The old cave home has been in his family for generations and it’s now for tourists to see. He doesn’t speak a word of English but will do his best to explain his family’s history in hand gestures.
From the edge of the cave home you can see north to the entire Sassi along the gorge. The view with the gorge when it’s all green and lucious is to die for!
Bonus: From Your Hotel!
No matter where you stay in Matera you’re bound to have a great view from your hotel! If not from your own room or private terrace then from the common terrace (most hotels have shared terraces). The view from your hotel will be amazing as it’s something you get to enjoy over and over again, maybe even with some snacks and a nice glass of wine.
We stayed at Residence Le Vie Del Mosto and booked a one bedroom studio with a large private terrace. We looked straight at Plaza Duomo from our terrace. It’s hard to describe just how magical it was sitting out on the terrace overlooking the Sassi with a bottle of local red wine!
Matera – Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Matera so famous?
Matera is famous for being an ancient city carved into the surrounding rock that has been wonderfully restored into a modern tourist destination. The caves of Matera have been inhabited for thousands of years and today, cave hotels, cave restaurants, and other cave businesses are all over the central city, leading to one of the most beautiful man-made places you will ever see in your life.
Why was Matera abandoned?
The Sassi of Matera was not really abandoned so much as there was a forced displacement of the residents in the 1950s. The central city had become severely impoverished and rundown, unkempt and full of the city’s poor. The Italian government forced the poor from their traditional homes into low-income housing outside the city center, leaving the Sassi in ruins. A few decades later restoration work began and today you’d never guess that the beautiful city you see was once a disheveled mess.
Do people still live in caves in Matera?
People in Matera don’t live in caves in the traditional sense of the term, but some do still live in homes that are carved into the rock, so you can consider these “cave homes”. Most of the cave homes of the Sassi have mostly been turned into boutique hotels and restaurant, but a few remained private residences.
What James Bond movie was filmed in Matera?
No Time to Die with Daniel Craig was filmed in Matera. The 2021 film was also filmed in Gravina in Puglia and Sapri, as well as numerous other countries.
How old are the cave houses in Matera?
The earliest traces of habitation in Matera date back to about 10,000 BC, but the first cave homes are thought to be built around 7,000 BC. Either way, the caves of Matera are old!
Best Viewpoints in Matera – Final Word
Now that we’ve gone over the 10 best viewpoints in Matera you should have a pretty good idea where to go in order to get those amazing photos you’re looking for. Matera is a stunningly beautiful city and I’m sure you are going to absolutely love it!
