Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli
An iconic viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of Matera's ancient Sassi and the Gravina canyon. A must-see for its historical beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of Matera's ancient Sassi and the Gravina canyon. A must-see for its historical beauty.
"Breathtaking view of Matera. It is beautiful in day and night."
Free & Always Open
The Belvedere is free to access and open 24/7, perfect for spontaneous visits!
Best for Photos
Great spot for daytime and sunset photos of Matera.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Sassi View
Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli
An iconic viewpoint offering a breathtaking, sweeping panorama of Matera's ancient Sassi districts and the Gravina canyon.
Golden Hour Magic
Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli
Witness the Sassi transform as the sun sets, casting a warm, magical glow over the ancient cave dwellings.
Artistic Inspiration
Piazzetta Pascoli
The square itself features artistic elements, adding a cultural layer to the stunning natural and architectural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Getting to the Belvedere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free & Always Open
The Belvedere is free to access and open 24/7, perfect for spontaneous visits!
Best for Photos
Great spot for daytime and sunset photos of Matera.
Combine with City Pass
Consider the Matera City Pass for discounts and curated itineraries.
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll likely be walking to reach this viewpoint, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free & Always Open
The Belvedere is free to access and open 24/7, perfect for spontaneous visits!
Best for Photos
Great spot for daytime and sunset photos of Matera.
Combine with City Pass
Consider the Matera City Pass for discounts and curated itineraries.
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll likely be walking to reach this viewpoint, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Sun Protection
The UV index can be high, even when temperatures are cool. Pack sunscreen!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli for its absolutely breathtaking and iconic views of Matera's Sassi. It's described as a must-see for its historical significance and stunning beauty, especially during sunset. Some note that while the square itself is lovely, the main draw is the expansive panorama it offers.
"Beautiful square.
I’m pretty sure that the artist here tried to portrait the tree of life, but of course, this is not allowed these days. What a shame!"
H.S. Fernandes
"This is what it is all about. Truly deserving its status as a Unesco world heritage site, despite the attraction for fans of James Bond, Matera is extraordinary in many ways, and beautiful in every way. An almost hidden village built into the cliffs and into a bowl that rises up to the town walls.
Lovely to meander through, or follow the tourist route through, with interesting artisan shops en route, and very little of the tourist souvenir shops, which elevates the experience. As you come up out of the bowl and get to the outside of the town, you're confronted by the savage beauty of a rocky gorge with a plethora of caves roughly hewn out of the face, harking back to previous eras of history.
If you go nowhere else in this region, do visit Matera.
Of note, we parked for free in the new town to avoid the queues of traffic. It was a 20 minute walk, but you also got to see and sample another pleasant side of Matera."
Mike Mackenzie
"My wife and I visited at the end of May. Was gorgeous. Watch out because the UV index is high, while the temperature was still low."
Jeremy G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Belvedere is located in Matera. While it's free and open 24/7, it's about 7km from the city center. Many visitors park in the new town and enjoy a 20-minute walk, or opt for a taxi for direct access.
While direct parking at the Belvedere itself might be limited, parking is available in the newer parts of Matera. Visitors often park for free in the new town and walk to the viewpoint.
Yes, it's a scenic walk, but be prepared for some uphill sections. It offers a great way to experience more of Matera's charm.
Public transport options might be limited directly to the Belvedere. It's often more convenient to walk from a central point or use a taxi.
For easier access, consider taking a taxi directly to the vicinity of Piazzetta Pascoli. This minimizes walking and uphill climbs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Belvedere di Piazzetta Pascoli is a public square and viewpoint, so there is no admission fee. It's completely free to visit.
The Belvedere is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can visit at any time that suits you.
Many visitors recommend visiting during the late afternoon for the 'golden hour' sunset views, or early morning for fewer crowds and softer light.
Yes, the Belvedere is open at night, offering a magical view of Matera illuminated.
As it's an open public space, there are generally no specific restrictions on visiting hours. However, always be mindful of local regulations and respect the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset provides stunning light for capturing the Sassi. Early mornings also offer beautiful, soft light and fewer people. Nighttime offers a different, magical perspective with the city lights.
You can capture sweeping panoramic views of the Sassi Caveoso and Sassi Barisano, the Gravina canyon, and the ancient cave dwellings. It's a prime spot for landscape and architectural photography. +1
While a good camera helps, even smartphone cameras can capture stunning images from this viewpoint, especially with good lighting conditions.
Experiment with different angles to capture the depth and scale of the Sassi. Looking towards the Sassi Caveoso and the Gravina is particularly popular. +1
Yes, popular times like sunset can get crowded, so arrive a bit early to secure a good spot for your photos.
🎫 💡 Local Insights
It offers one of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Matera's Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a place that truly captures the ancient essence of the city. +1
Yes, the Belvedere is a great starting point for exploring the Sassi districts, cave churches, and other viewpoints like Palazzo Lanfranchi. +1
After taking in the view, descend into the Sassi districts to explore the cave dwellings, churches, and narrow alleyways up close.
Many visitors suggest taking your time to wander and soak in the atmosphere. The beauty of Matera is in its details and the feeling of stepping back in time.
Be mindful of the terrain, as some paths can be uneven. Also, be aware of the UV index, especially during warmer months.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the viewpoint itself is a quick stop, it serves as an excellent introduction to the city. Encourage children to imagine life in the cave homes. Remember to bring sun protection and comfortable shoes, as exploring the Sassi further involves a lot of walking and stairs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the Sassi at night, when the city is beautifully illuminated. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views. Be prepared for crowds during peak times, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
It's also a great starting point for your exploration. From here, you can decide which parts of the Sassi you want to delve into more deeply. The accessibility and free entry make it a perfect, low-commitment stop for any solo itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Matera's Sassi
From Piazzetta Pascoli, you can see how the dwellings are layered upon each other, creating a mesmerizing, almost organic cityscape. The surrounding Gravina canyon adds to the dramatic landscape. It's a place that evokes a profound sense of history and human resilience, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era.
Many travelers find the experience of seeing the Sassi from this viewpoint to be a powerful introduction to Matera. It inspires a desire to explore the labyrinthine streets and discover the hidden churches and homes that make up this extraordinary city. The visual impact is undeniable, making it a must-see for any visitor.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
Early mornings also present a fantastic opportunity for photography. The soft, diffused light is ideal for capturing details, and you'll often find fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed shooting. For a different perspective, consider visiting at night. The Sassi are beautifully illuminated, transforming the city into a magical spectacle.
When composing your shots, experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand panorama and intimate details of the Sassi. Look for leading lines formed by the streets and staircases, and consider incorporating elements of the sky or foreground to add depth. Many visitors find that even a smartphone can capture stunning images here, so don't feel you need professional gear to get memorable photos.
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