5 astonishing things to see & do in the city of Matera

Named the European Capital of Culture for 2019, Matera in Basilicata is a city that can be rediscovered every day as it continuously reveals its extraordinary history.

If you’re thinking about an Italy multi-centre holiday featuring Matera or the region of Basilicata, we recommend at least enjoying a day exploring the many things to see and do in this ancient city, including the famous Sassi.

"Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be struck by it, so much of its sorrowful beauty is expressive and touching", wrote Italian painter Carlo Levi about the city.

For years, this Basilicata city held a sub-standard reputation due to a lack of funding in tourism, but this all changed as time progressed and visitors discovered the rich heritage and encapsulating history of this unique city. Today, visitors flock to explore the historic Sassi buildings and discover a time long-forgot. Without a doubt, Matera is a unique, fragile and wonderful city, and a true hidden gem for your Italy multi-centre holiday.

In this blog, you’ll find tips to ensure you have a memorable Italian holiday. From Matera to its surroundings, we’ve got places to visit, experiences to participate in and plenty to discover as you fall in love with this thought-provoking city.

Musma, the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture in Matera

As is the case with all the wonders in Matera, the Musma is a museum that needs to be found. It is located in the Sasso Caveoso, an intriguing area of ​​the city that can feel a little like a labyrinth at times. However, this distinct layout will have you realising what a unique place Matera truly is.

When you find the Musma museum of Matera, you’ll find an important piece of Italian history dedicated entirely to the art of sculpture. Sculpture is an art form that is often overlooked, but Sassa Caveoso has entire areas dedicated to keeping this evocative craft alive.

Built inside the restored 16th-century structure Palazzo Pomarici, you’ll find a vast collection of works of art illustrating the history of Italian and international sculpture.

The museum collects work from the late 19th century to today, including sculptures, ceramics, medals, jewels, drawings, graphic works, artist's books and more.

As you explore Musma on your next Italy multi-centre holiday, you’ll be treated to an exciting journey. Many advise that the best way to explore this museum is not by a map but by following the trail of light coming from the roof windows, from the courtyard and from the Sassi openings.

In addition to the incredible sculptures, you’ll find yourself mesmerised by the local surrounding.  The sounds of the environment and the way light dances around the museum will draw you in and treat you to a remarkable experience.

As you witness the sculptures in a variety of forms, you’ll soon appreciate the importance of the relationship between place and works of art.

Aside from the incredible works of art and a compelling journey through its walls, the Musma is currently the only "cave" museum in the world. This one-of-a-kind Italian museum is an absolute must-see and is a perfect addition to any Italy multi-centre holiday itinerary featuring Matera.

The museum is closed on Mondays and open from 10:00 – 14:00 from October to March, and from 16:00 to 20:00 from April to September.

Visiting the City (not just the Sassi) at Sunrise and Sunset

Matera is more than just the Sassi, there are many characteristic views, even in the upper city. Known as the Civita, this area is at its best at certain times of the day.

Here, the light plays an important role in bringing out the best of the city. Even during the winter, Matera is sunny, drawing out the beauty of both the Sassi and the city's monuments.

One of the best ways to explore the city is to wake up at the break of dawn. The streets will be quiet as locals have yet to wake and you’ll be among the few to witness the sun as it rises across the city with the rest of the early risers.

A recommended itinerary for your Matera holiday includes both the upper and lower city attractions, allowing you to discover the Sassi in depth. In particular, don’t miss:

• The church of San Biagio – a little gem that is open only on February 3rd to celebrate the saint but is also intriguing to view from the outside.
• The church of San Giovanni Battista in the city centre.
• The harmonious blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Arabic elements throughout the city.
• The church of San Domenico in the centre of Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Even if you’re not particularly passionate about art, a destination you must visit is the Palazzo Lanfranchi, home to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art. Here, the painting Lucania 61 by Carlo Levi is stored.

The painting was commissioned by the Committee of Basilicata for the centenary celebrations of the Unification of Italy, inaugurated in Turin in May 1961. Carlo Levi was, at the time, known as the artist who could best describe the region. For this remarkable occasion, Carlo Levi decided to make this huge painting (measuring 18.5 m by 3.2 m) with nothing missing from the whole world of Lucania, which is an ancient name for the region of Basilicata.

Crypt of Original Sin and Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve

The Crypt of Original Sin must be seen for its stunning collage of frescoes that are considered a testimony to Benedictine-Beneventan art from between the 8th and 9th centuries.

The frescoes that decorate the interior of the Crypt of Original Sin are the work of an anonymous artist known as the “Painter of Flowers of Matera”. The path to this iconic location provides evocative views and is perfect to traverse on clear days.

To visit this place, which some have called the Sistine Chapel of the Rocks, some basic information is needed:

• It can only be visited by appointment.
• It is located outside the city.
• Currently, there are no shuttles from Matera, making travel by car the only way to reach this place.

The Crypt was "discovered" only in the 1960s, when it was used as a shelter for animals. It was only after the results of a long restoration project that the frescoes were discovered. Although only the paintings have been recovered, it’s believed that the Crypt was originally intended to be a sacred place.

Located in Sasso Caveoso is Santa Lucia alle Malve, the first female monastic settlement of the Benedictine Order. This ancient church dates back to the 8th century and is viewed as one of the most important historical findings in the history of the city of Matera.

Santa Lucia alle Malve is a magical place filled with ancient frescoes that may be older than a millennium. These unique frescoes have been wonderfully restored to preserve the precise techniques that are seen throughout the Matera area over the centuries.

What to Eat in Matera: The Taste of Traditional Dishes

It is said that you do not really know a city and its people until you eat what they eat. This is what it means to truly understand Matera. You have to immerse yourself in its traditions, many of which have to do with food.

In fact, for the Materani, eating is a serious matter. Every occasion has its typical dish, and going around the city you will see various inns and restaurants that invite tourists to taste their specialities.

"Today’s hot pettole" is one of the most common signs you’ll encounter during your Italy multi-centre holiday to Matera, especially during Christmas time. The pettole is typical of the Christmas period and it is a fried bread dough made only with flour, semolina, water, salt and yeast. These are best enjoyed fresh, while the pettole is still hot.

Another delicious example of Matera cuisine is the "ceccio", a maxi pancake made with a bread dough that is often enriched with fried onions, but may also be a sweet version with sugar. Even more simple, healthy and tasty is the famous bread of Matera, a city pride that is loved throughout the region.

In Matera, the citizens of the city love meat and you’ll see this used in many famous dishes. One of the most typical dish is pignata, which features mutton with layers of potatoes, celery, onions, tomatoes and soppressata salami, all cooked in a sealed earthenware pot called a pignata. Another typical Matera dish is marro, a tasty roulade of lamb that is reminiscent of haggis.

Alternatively, for something sweet, we recommend trying the famous cartellate. Some may say that this fried delicacy originally came from the region of Puglia, but regardless of its origin, you need to sample these confectionary treats on your Matera holiday.

The Belvedere

Perhaps the best thing to do when you arrive in Matera is to go to the Belvedere as soon as you can. From here, you are granted a view of the entire landscape that is simply captivating.

From the Belvedere, you’ll be able to see where the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano are, and easily identify their characteristics from this vantage point.

If you simply walk a few kilometres out of the city, you can get to the Belvedere in about 15 minutes if you head along the State Road 7. You’ll want to make your way to Belvedere Murgia Timone for the most scenic perspective of the entire city.

Thankfully, there is ample free parking with the incredible view of Matera only a few metres away. If you’re at this spot during a sunny day, which often happens during the winter season, you’ll be treated to an incredible view of the Sassi and the park of the Murgia of Matera.

As you can imagine, some of the best times to experience this stunning view is during the early morning sunrise, while the city still sleeps, or in the evening for a magical sunset.

For your Italy multi-centre holiday to Matera, we suggest arriving in the early morning to catch the sunrise since there are few tourists around at this time and the quiet you’ll experience is exquisite. However, during this time, you’re more likely to encounter an eager photographer trying to capture the perfect shot before the tourists crowd the city.

To traverse within the Sassi is a memorable experience in itself, but to experience the beauty of this city from a distance is just as mesmerising. From this distance, you’ll be able to truly appreciate the city of Matera.

Book an Unforgettable Trip to Matera Today

If you’re interested in visiting the astonishing city of Matera in 2018 as part of a tailor-made Italy multi-centre holiday, get in touch with our Italy travel experts today.

Our Italian holiday travel experts offer hand-crafted Italy multi-centre holidays for any occasion. Contact us via our online form or call us at (UK) 01223 637331or (US) 347-594-5500.