How to Spend an Easy One Day in Matera
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Spend an easy one day in Matera with this guide – including things to do that require zero planning ahead!
The city of Matera, Italy is a glorious work of art and an ode to the ancient civilizations of the past. The urban sensation is one of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites we’ve visited.
This historic site also happens to take the form of a beautiful Italian village, something none of us can resist. Moreover, Matera is a destination that requires little to no planning.
Simply being in Matera is part of the experience, as the city itself is as captivating as any world-famous museum. This is the main reason why someone can spend just one day in Matera and leave without feeling like they missed out on anything.
In this guide, we’ve included notes and recommendations on how to spend an easygoing one-day in Matera.
Quick List: Top Sights in Matera
- Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
- Church of Saint Mary of Idris
- San Pietro Caveoso
- Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera
- MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea)
- Basilica Cattedrale di Matera “Maria Santissima della Bruna”
- Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi
- Palombaro Lungo
- Chiesa del Purgatorio
- Sasso Caveoso
- Belvedere Murgia Timone
- Monastero Casalnuovo
- Ponte Tibetano della Gravina
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
- Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina
- Palazzo Lanfranchi
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One Day in Matera: The Essentials
🚍 You can easily reach Matera from Puglia by public transportation. Browse routes and tickets for both buses and trains.
🚙 Alternatively, rent a car in Bari and drive to Matera in less than one hour.
🛌 If your schedule allows it, book a one-night stay in one of the extraordinary cave hotels in Matera.
👣 The most efficient way to see the highlights of Matera while learning its history is by booking a guided walking tour.
Matera History & Why It’s Worth Visiting
With proof of human existence within Matera dating back to the Palaeolithic era, it is the third oldest city in the world. It has impressively been continuously inhabited since the Old Stone Age and has earned the title of the oldest city in Europe.
Matera is believed to have lived a long life with a history of civilization spanning over the course of 9,000 years. As a result, Matera’s heritage is a rich combination of cultural distinctions, art, and a wondrous landscape.
Naturally, Matera wasn’t shaped in one day and has evolved over the millennia. Tastes of Romanesque, Baroque, Medieval architecture, and more all live in harmony among Matera’s ancient center.
Interestingly enough, there is even reason to believe that the city’s rock dwellings were caused by influences from the East and from Cappadocia (Turkey) to be exact.
Layers upon layers of history have left us with one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. In addition to what we’re able to see above ground, Matera’s core even extends underground with countless tunnel systems, churches, and preserved dwellings.
Its breathtaking position along the mountain ravine, with the Alta Murgia National Park situated in the background, makes it just as astonishing of a natural wonder as it is a historic place to witness.
Whether or not it ever set out to be one, Matera is simply a masterpiece that is guaranteed to amaze anyone who sees it for themselves.
Is 1 Day in Matera Enough?
Deciding whether or not a destination is feasible to visit within a short period of time typically depends on its manageability. Fortunately, Matera is an ideal size for a day trip or a two-night stay.
The major attractions and best things to do in Matera are all centrally located, which minimizes the time spent just getting around. Furthermore, the entirety of Matera is honestly equivalent to an open-air museum. This means that if you are only able to spend a half-day in Matera and see a fraction of the best sights, you will still leave amazed.
Matera is one of the rare places where the sight of it alone is one of its wonders.
For clarification, this post only refers to Matera’s old town (known as Sassi di Matera) and not the entire city as a whole.
The historic quarter of Matera is a versatile destination. This means it’s just as good for a one-day stop as it is for a dreamy week-long vacation. During our recent visits, we actually couldn’t help but notice how many couples were choosing Matera as their honeymoon location.
More frequently, tourists who are traveling through Puglia will often include Matera as a day trip from Bari. If you leave Bari in the morning, you’ll be able to enjoy a full day in Matera, followed by a short 45-minute drive back to Bari in the evening.
One Day in Matera on a Map
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How to Spend One Day in Matera
Walk… A Lot
To fully experience the heart of Matera, a traveler must put in some effort. It is a city that deserves to be explored in the simplest form – on foot. A day in Matera will involve a lot of walking, climbing up and down stairs, and a willingness to get lost a few times.
A stroll through Matera is considerably more lovely in the early hours, especially for photographers. The city really doesn’t get started until 9 am – 10 am as bars and museums begin to set up for tourists.
During these quiet couple of hours in the morning, the ancient city is mesmerizingly still and a completely different experience from the peak of the day.
Your day in Matera should include some of its famous sights, which you’ll effortlessly come across during your walk through the town. To walk aimlessly is rather enjoyable in Matera, but if you’re set on seeing some of the notable landmarks, locate them on a map beforehand.
Throughout the labyrinth of stone paths, you’ll actually find many signs posted on walls, pointing in the direction of certain attractions. If you decide to be spontaneous, ditch Google Maps and rely on the physical signs instead!
You can easily enter the Sassi di Matera from many points, but our recommendation is to start at the observation deck of Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli.
From there, descend down a handful of stairways and quiet alleyways. This will locate you at the southern end of old Matera, which means you can begin your adventure up through the city in a loop.
Keep an Eye Out For…
Historic churches from a variety of eras and built in various styles are some of the top highlights in Matera. During your walk, make sure to find a few of the most interesting ones.
- Church of Saint Mary of Idris
- Basilica Cattedrale di Matera “Maria Santissima della Bruna”
- Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi
- Chiesa del Purgatorio
- Monastero Casalnuovo
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Visit Museums
Visiting a museum in Matera is not like spending an entire day at the Met in NYC. There is an abundance of museums to choose from in Matera, and they are all small. This makes it very feasible for a visitor to check out at least one or two during just one day in Matera.
A majority of museums in Matera have a boutique essence to them because they are typically located in family homes. Many family-operated museums you’ll come across are created simply from well-preserved relics of the people that once lived there.
Seeing how the city functioned on a daily basis throughout the centuries is one of the most interactive ways that a visitor can appreciate Matera’s heritage.
Of course, you’ll also find more developed museums in Matera, such as the Museo Nazionale di Matera, which houses important works of art.
For tourists who appreciate an informative experience and want to leave a place feeling more educated, a visit to the astounding MOOM Olive Oil Museum should not be missed.
The opportunity to visit multiple museums in one day is rather rare and should be taken advantage of while in Matera. It’s an excellent way to spend 30 minutes here and there throughout the day. The modestly sized museums allow you to see a variety of different exhibits without wasting a whole day in just one museum.
Furthermore, museums in Matera are really affordable to visit and will typically cost under €5 for admission. The recommended museums to visit in Matera include:
- Ipogeo MateraSum
- MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum
- Museo Nazionale di Matera (located in Palazzo Lanfranchi)
- Museo Nazionale di Matera – Sede Ridola
- MUSMA – Museo della Scultura Contemporanea
- Laboratory Museum of Rural Life
Tour the Cave Dwellings
The historic center of Matera is called Sassi di Matera because of the Sassi (stones) housing type which people lived in. Carved directly from the rock, the cave dwellings and habitable spaces have shaped the heritage of the inhabitants of Matera, both in the past and present. The type of rock is a local limestone known as tuff (or tufo).
Matera’s calcarenite rock-based housing system is composed of caves, churches, and an extraordinary terrain. The cave dwellings are one of the aspects of Matera’s natural beauty that make it so intriguing as a tourist destination.
Even Rome, a clear-cut contender for one of the most ancient cities in Europe, doesn’t feature remnants of a tuff cave-based civilization like Matera does.
An entirely separate world once lived beneath the surface of present-day Matera and is now one of the most interesting things to experience while visiting. Additionally, what makes Matera so unique is that generations continued to live within these dwellings up until the 1950s.
You’ll find exhibits like Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo and Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera which allows you to walk into living quarters from just decades ago.
Aside from homes, it’s also possible to see the mechanics behind what it took for civilization to continue in Matera. The Palombaro Lungo is an enormous cistern carved out of subsurface rock for the purpose of drinking water. It is located unsuspectingly beneath a busy intersection and is open to the public for touring.
Sassi Exhibits in Matera to Visit
- Vicinato a Pozzo
- The Gathering of the Waters
- Palombaro Lungo
- Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo
- Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera
- Casa Cisterna
Gaze at Matera From Murgia National Park
With only one day in Matera, it’s best to reach the nature reserve of Murgia across the ravine by car. It is possible to hike, but it will take a good amount of time and is likely only recommended if you’re an avid hiker.
Getting to Belvedere Murgia Timone from the center of Matera is a 15-minute drive and well worth the cost of a taxi if you don’t have your own car.
Depending on how much time you have allowed yourself, Murgia Park can be an activity on its own. There are a number of unspoiled attractions such as rock churches, abandoned caves, and hiking paths along the ridgeline.
Connecting the two sides of the ravine is the daring Ponte Tibetano della Gravina, a suspension bridge hovering over the canyon. At most times, the bridge is locked and not accessible for pedestrians without a guide but still remains a tremendous sight to see.
The panoramic viewpoint of old Matera is the highlight of visiting Murgia Park. After being engulfed by the ancient town, it brings a different perspective to see Matera as a whole from a distance.
The Sassi di Matera may not be massive, but the number of different viewpoints it offers makes it seem like multiple destinations in one.
Just beneath the observation deck is where you’ll find an assortment of trails leading to some really old caves and churches like this one.
Treat Yourself to a Nice Hotel
After a busy one day in Matera, consider also spending one night as part of your itinerary. There’s nothing quite like escaping an exciting yet tiring day of sightseeing by nestling into one of Matera’s signature cave hotels.
Typically, highly popular tourist destinations will be full of mediocre accommodation options. For example, a hotel doesn’t have to try too hard to be a successful operation when it’s located within 50 meters of the Colosseum.
Fortunately, Matera doesn’t follow this trend and is surprisingly filled with a ton of superbly rated hotels and apartments. Seriously, it’s kind of shocking how many places in Matera were able to receive and maintain such good reviews. Everything from design and service to beautiful locations is held to a high level of standard.
If you’re going to splurge on a place to stay while in Italy, let it be in Matera. Given the unique cave-like style that most of the accommodation options embrace, it’s sure to be an extra memorable stay. No budget? Opt for an extraordinary suite with an exclusive terrace that overlooks the ancient city.
Where to Stay In Matera
Palazzo Del Duca (Best Luxury Stay) – CHECK PRICES
Palazzotto Morelli (Best Family Accommodation) – CHECK PRICES
Le Malve Cave Retreat (Best Cave Hotel) – CHECK PRICES
Il Belvedere (Best Views) – CHECK PRICES
Practical Information for a Matera Day Trip
Is Matera in Puglia?
Despite Matera consistently showing up on every Puglia itinerary out there, Matera does not belong to the Puglia region. Matera is located within the boundaries of the Basilicata region instead.
The Basilicata region is also in southern Italy and shares borders with neighboring Puglia, Campania, and the Calabria region.
Basilicata is divided into just two provinces, Potenza and Matera which also happen to be the only two major cities in the region. A majority of Basilicata feels untouched as it’s primarily comprised of quaint villages and rural towns.
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How to Get To Matera
The closest international airport to Matera is Bari Airport, located in the Puglia region’s capital of Bari. Matera is located a quick 50 minutes from Bari Airport. If the flight paths or schedules to Bari don’t work in your favor, it’s also an option to fly into Naples, although it’s 3 hours away.
Other than by car, it’s possible to reach Matera from Bari rather quickly. Historically, there has been a Bari to Matera train route operated by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. The time table can be referenced directly on their website.
📍Read More: How to Reach Matera
The allure of train travel may cloud some tourists’ judgment, and we recommend not forgetting about bus transportation. The bus journey from Bari to Matera is roughly over one hour long and just as inexpensive.
You can find bus rides that journey between Bari and Matera multiple times per hour throughout the entire day.
Matera Parking
If you are arriving in Matera by car, it is advisable to plan ahead for parking. This is especially important if you are visiting Matera during the peak travel season. Prior to your arrival, it is important to note that parking in Sassi di Matera, the historic center, is not possible.
Some amount of walking will inevitably be required. Parking for visitors in Matera is only available in the newer areas of the town, and not in the ancient quarter.
There are many parking lots and parking garages in Matera, some closer to Sassi di Matera than others. However, with a handful of options, there is the possibility for the popular parking lots to be full during the summer.
The further you have to walk from your car to reach the historic centre, the cheaper the parking will be.
If you have a camper van or a bigger vehicle, you’ll need to take into consideration that you may not fit into many parking spots or parking garages. In these cases, you’ll need to search for camper van parking in Google Maps like this one.
We’ve been fortunate in the past to find free street parking in Matera within a 10-minute walk of the historic center. Other times, we’ve parked in an underground garage (Parcheggio Sant’Isidoro) that costs a maximum of €20 per day, which isn’t terrible for overnight parking.
Driving in Matera
Driving in old Matera is not possible, but driving in modern Matera is similar to driving in any typical Italian town. There are many one-way streets and unsuspecting dead ends, which can make navigation slightly challenging, especially if you take a wrong turn.
If you need to pull over and unload your luggage at your accommodation, we’ve found that briefly double parking is widely accepted in Italy. It can get busy and should be avoided if you get stressed out easily in hectic traffic.
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How to Get Around Matera
With its size and historic layout, it only makes sense to explore Matera on foot. Walking allows you to experience the town’s magic at its core and access all of Matera’s hidden corners. Basically, a successful day in Matera is guaranteed to make your daily step count skyrocket.
The old town is not huge, but there are a lot of stairs. This is something you may want to keep in mind if you’re visiting Matera with young children or older travelers. Bringing a stroller around Matera is not recommended.
An alternative to getting around the perimeter of Sassi di Matera is to take an Ape Calessino (a type of passenger motor scooter) or HOP-ON HOP-OFF tour. Although this will help maximise your time, it still isn’t a shortcut to seeing all the internal streets of the ancient center.
Best Time to Visit Matera
Many people dream of summer in Italy. Without attempting to burst any bubbles, we highly recommend visiting in the fall instead.
For anyone who is in control of when they’re able to travel, book your trip to Matera for late September or October. You won’t regret it and will have a much better time than your friends who wrestled their way through sweaty crowds in July.
Summer in Matera is hot and temperatures regularly reach 32°C (90°F). For one day in Matera, this means you’ll spend the daytime exploring, which requires a lot of walking. Trekking through Matera in the months of June to August can be painfully uncomfortable due to the heat.
The last two weeks of September through the first three weeks of October are a dream in Italy. For a major destination like Matera, the disappearance of mass tourism makes an incredible difference when trying to enjoy the city.
The one thing to be mindful of when planning a trip during shoulder or off-season is the accessibility to specific attractions or tours.
Due to weather or the simple fact that Italians like to shut the doors in the winter, some museums or even restaurants and hotels could be closed. If you’re the type of traveler that’s more focused on seeing the top outdoor (free) sights, this isn’t a factor you have to worry about.
Matera on a Sunday
If you’ve spent any time in Italy, you may have noticed how a majority of establishments close on Sundays entirely. Luckily, from spring through mid-October, travellers do not have to experience anxiety over visiting Matera on a Sunday.
Given Matera’s rank in the tourism sector, most of the town remains open every day of the week. If anything, it is actually more likely that restaurants or attractions are closed in Matera on Mondays instead.
Top sights and establishments in Matera understand how important it is to keep the doors open to potential visitors from all over the world, even if that means operating on a Sunday. If this were a smaller or lesser-known destination, the same could definitely not be said.
However, international tourists in Matera must continue to be aware of the Italian riposo, also known as a mid-day rest. The bulk of restaurants, shops, and museums will briefly close during the day and after lunch for a couple of hours before reopening in the evening.
One Day in Matera Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
