This Gorgeous Italian City You Haven't Heard of Has Cave Hotels, Ancient History, and Stunning Views

A trip to Matera, Italy, will take you back in time.

Tucked inside the arch of Italy’s boot, Matera could have easily disappeared into the annals of history — the community was inhabited some 10,000 years before falling into disrepair, and was completely deserted in the 1970s. But, through the sheer force and determination of locals, plus several strategic investments, the long-standing town managed to not just survive, but thrive — in 2019, it was named a European Capital of Culture, and is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy.

“After having lived outside Matera for twelve years, on my return, the perception of my territory had completely changed,” Antonio Russo, a tour guide who grew up just outside Matera’s borders, shared with Travel+Leisure. “I realized I was living in a unique city, and I was fascinated by its millenary history, by the ancestral strength of its stones, by the architectural complexity, and by the genuineness of the food. It is an extraordinarily rich place for travelers who have great artistic and culinary sensibilities. In Matera, we can observe how men have been able, over the centuries, to coexist with the landscape, indulging nature without distorting it.”

If that description doesn’t make you want to book a flight immediately, we aren’t sure what will. To help you in your (inevitable) planning, we’ve gathered up a few key sights to see, hotels to stay in, and foods to try, so you can experience this enchanting destination to its fullest.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Italy

Best Hotels & Resorts

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa in Matera

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa leans into the region’s understandable adoration of its caves. The five-star accommodation is designed so that visitors feel like they stepped back in time, all the way to Matera’s beginnings thousands of years ago. Your room within tuff (or stone) walls does come with all the modern amenities you need for a great stay — all 35 rooms and suites are decked out in plush furnishings, and guests have access to a massive wellness spa and a swimming pool carved directly into the rock.

Palazzo Gattini

Another luxury option is Palazzo Gattini, a 20-room property that expertly mixes old and new, including contemporary furnishings and treasured antiques. Relax in the oversized suites, head to the rooftop for a drink with a spectacular view, or book a massage at the underground spa.

Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort

Experience unabashed elegance at Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort. Located in the heart of a historic square in town, the property makes for a stellar jumping-off point for the rest of your adventures around Matera. Once again, you get to sleep in a modern cave room, and you'll wake up to gorgeous vistas of the old town from your picture window.

Best Things to Do

Hike Murgia Materana Park.

Explore caves, historic churches, and endless hiking trails leading to breathtaking vistas with a visit to Murgia Materana Park. Getting here does take some dedication, though. Travelers need to hike from Sassi di Matera, heading downhill first only to head straight back up, but the bountiful views are worth the sweat spent on the journey.

Take a tour with an expert.  

See and do as much as possible in one tour with Russo. On his two-hour, private walks, Russo takes travelers around the city and highlights the neighborhoods and the area’s history as they stroll the streets on morning or evening outings. “We will show you the cave houses, the rupestrian churches completely dug into the rocks, the conduits, and the underground cisterns,” Russo explained. Stops at sites with neolithic graffiti and medieval and hidden frescoes are other itinerary perks.

Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Idris.

Matera is filled with historic churches, and as you can tell from its hotel selection, plentiful cave dwellings, too. Yet none is as magical as the Church of Saint Mary of Idris. This tiny church welcomes visitors, who usually come to gaze upon what remains of its frescoes. But it’s not just the views inside that are special. Make sure to walk around the church’s exterior for a fantastic view of the town, then look back at the church to see how it’s built directly into a cliff.

Find contemporary pieces at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera.

Not everything you do in Matera has to be old; just spend a little time at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera to see what we mean. This art museum may be housed inside a 17th-century palace, but that just makes it modern sculpture collection (crafted from the 1800s onward) feel all the more intriguing.

Best Restaurants

Trattoria del Caveoso

Can’t get enough time in Matera’s caves? Make a reservation at Trattoria del Caveoso, a restaurant tucked into a cliff. Here, guests can dig into plates of fresh pasta, grilled sausages, and beef filet, all perfectly paired with regional wines.

Il Rusticone

Grab a no-fuss but still highly delicious lunch at Il Rusticone, a restaurant specializing in mouth-watering pizzas. Pasta and sandwiches are on the menu, too, but pizza really is the thing here. Order a classic Margherita or Napoli, or spice things up with a Diavola.

Vitantonio Lombardo

Plan an elegant evening out with reservations at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante. Located in a grotto, the restaurant is the recipient of one Michelin star, thanks to chef Vitantonio Lombardo’s visionary tasting menus. Have a shorter dinner with a five-course menu, or stay the whole evening and go for 10.

Best Time To Visit

Thanks to its privileged location in Southern Italy, Matera tends to have mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Note that summers here can get very warm, so if you can’t stand heat, visit in the fall or spring (ideally late April to early June, and late September to early November), when temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s.

There is, however, one reason to travel to Matera in the midst of summer, and that is to take part in the Madonna Della Bruna festival, an event honoring the city’s patron saint. It’s held every year on July 2, and it includes parades, parties, and plenty of fireworks.

How to Get There

By Air

The closest airport to Matera is the Bari Palese Airport, some 37 miles away. Once you fly into Bari Palese, hop on a shuttle bus with direct service offered by Miccolis, Cotrab, or Grassani E Garofalo.

By Bus

The easiest way to get to Matera is by bus. There are buses to and from Matera via major metropolitan areas in Italy, including Rome and Florence. Seek out the options and schedules available on both the Marozzi and Liscio bus lines.

By Train

Travelers can also get to Matera via train, but these tend to be very long rides. For example, travelers can board a train from Rome to Matera Centrale Station and while romantic, the journey takes more than seven hours one way.

Getting Around

On Foot

Getting around Matera definitely requires solid walking shoes. Its narrow streets weren’t built with future cars in mind, so make sure to pack your most comfortable kicks.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Matera, but they may not be able to make it through smaller streets, meaning you will likely still have to walk a bit to your final destination. 

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