Sassi di Matera
Explore Matera's Sassi, ancient cave dwellings continuously inhabited for 7,000+ years. A UNESCO site blending history, unique architecture, and moder...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Sassi di Matera
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Matera's Sassi, ancient cave dwellings continuously inhabited for 7,000+ years. A UNESCO site blending history, unique architecture, and modern charm.
"Matera's Sassi are an absolutely amazing and fascinating place, a must-see in Italy."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Sassi are a maze of uneven steps and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
🏨 Book Cave Stays
Experience Matera fully by staying in a unique cave hotel. Book well in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sasso Caveoso
Southern Sassi district
Explore the older, more rugged cave dwellings and ancient churches carved into the rock. A true step back in time.
Sasso Barisano
Northern Sassi district
Discover the more 'modern' Sassi, with restored cave homes, artisan shops, and charming restaurants.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Sasso Caveoso
Step inside a preserved cave dwelling to see how families lived in the Sassi until the mid-20th century.
Rupestrian Churches
Throughout the Sassi
Marvel at ancient churches with frescoes, carved directly into the rock, offering a glimpse into early Christian life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ancient Stones
Stay Overnight for Magic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Sassi are a maze of uneven steps and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
🏨 Book Cave Stays
Experience Matera fully by staying in a unique cave hotel. Book well in advance!
🗺️ Get a Map (or App)
Navigating the Sassi can be tricky. A good map or offline navigation app is essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry water as you explore the extensive Sassi.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Sassi are a maze of uneven steps and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
🏨 Book Cave Stays
Experience Matera fully by staying in a unique cave hotel. Book well in advance!
🗺️ Get a Map (or App)
Navigating the Sassi can be tricky. A good map or offline navigation app is essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry water as you explore the extensive Sassi.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush Matera. Give yourself at least a full day, ideally an overnight stay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Matera's Sassi as an absolutely amazing and fascinating place, highlighting its unique history and architecture. The experience of exploring the ancient cave dwellings and staying in cave hotels is frequently described as magical and well worth the effort. Some note that understanding the history enhances the visit, and comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the terrain.
"We visited Matera, Italy, for the first time in early October and found it to be an absolutely amazing place to see. The whole city is fascinating, especially the history, which is worth reading about for a few minutes to understand it better.
The most famous part is called the Sassi, which means "stones." These are the two old neighborhoods, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, where people carved their homes and churches right into the soft rock of the mountain. It’s one of the oldest places in the world where people have continuously lived—we're talking 7,000 to 9,000 years!
The architecture is really interesting because the houses are stacked on top of each other, and sometimes the roof of one house is the street for the next one up. It’s hard to believe that up until the 1950s, people were still living there in very tough conditions; it was even called the "shame of Italy" for a while.
But things changed a lot when the Sassi became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Now, you can walk through the narrow alleys, see the restored cave homes, and even find restaurants and hotels built into the caves. It’s now a major cultural treasure.
Our group of six all agreed it was a fantastic visit that was well worth the time and effort. I highly recommend taking the time to see Matera's ancient Sassi."
Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou
"Matera is a magical town in Basilicata that is worth visiting."
Sandro Michahelles Fotografo
"A great place to visit. Be sure to see all of the town."
Frederick Rountree
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Matera is accessible by car, train, or bus. The nearest airport is Bari (BRI). From Bari, you can take a regional train to Matera Centrale or a bus. If driving, be aware that the historic Sassi districts are largely pedestrianized, so you'll likely need to park outside the center.
Driving to Matera is straightforward, but parking can be challenging in the historic center. Many visitors opt to park in designated lots outside the Sassi and walk in. Consider the 'Matera Ape Tour' for a unique way to navigate the narrow streets.
The Sassi are best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and uneven paths. For longer distances or a unique experience, consider a 'Matera Ape Tour' or local buses.
Yes, you can visit Matera as a day trip, but it's highly recommended to stay overnight to truly experience its magic, especially the illuminated evenings.
No, Matera is located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, though it's close to Puglia and often visited in conjunction with it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sassi districts themselves are public areas and do not require an entrance ticket. However, specific attractions within the Sassi, such as cave houses (like Casa Grotta), museums, and some churches, do have admission fees.
Opening hours vary for individual attractions. It's best to check the specific hours for any cave houses, churches, or museums you wish to visit in advance, as they can change seasonally.
While there isn't a single 'Matera Pass' covering everything, some sites might offer combined tickets. Researching specific attractions you want to see will help determine if any bundled options are available.
Exploring the Sassi is free. Costs will depend on which specific cave dwellings, museums, or churches you choose to enter, with individual tickets typically ranging from a few euros to around €10.
For popular attractions like Casa Grotta, booking tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid queues and ensure entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Sassi are ancient cave dwellings continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, making them one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. They were once considered the 'shame of Italy' due to poor living conditions but are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Sassi are divided into two main districts: Sasso Caveoso, the older and more rugged area, and Sasso Barisano, which has seen more restoration and development.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain, stairs, and cobblestones. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially in warmer months.
It's easy to get disoriented in the labyrinthine alleys of the Sassi. Having a map or using a GPS app on your phone is highly recommended.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available, offering in-depth historical context and helping you navigate the complex layout. Many locals offer tours, providing a personal touch.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss Matera's rustic cuisine, including 'pane di Matera' (local bread), 'orecchiette' pasta, and dishes featuring local vegetables and cheeses. Try 'peperoni cruschi' (crispy dried peppers).
Many restaurants are carved into the caves, offering a unique dining experience. Explore both Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano for a variety of trattorias and fine dining options.
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes featuring local produce. Vegan options may require specific requests, but are increasingly available.
Prices vary, but you can find affordable trattorias for around €15-€25 per person for a meal, while more upscale cave restaurants might cost €30-€50+.
Absolutely! Many of Matera's most atmospheric restaurants and hotels are located within the ancient cave dwellings, offering a truly unique dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner offers a photo opportunity! Key spots include viewpoints overlooking the Sassi from the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, the narrow alleys, and the illuminated city at dusk.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful light. Dusk, when the city lights up, is particularly magical for capturing the Sassi's unique ambiance.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views and narrow alleys.
Yes, specialized photography tours are available that can guide you to the most photogenic locations and offer tips for capturing the best shots.
The panoramic views from the Murgia plateau, especially at sunset or sunrise, are iconic. Also, the winding staircases and cave entrances within the Sassi itself are highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the extensive walking might be tiring for very young children, many families find that breaking up the exploration with stops at cafes or gelato shops makes it manageable. The sheer uniqueness of sleeping in a cave hotel can be a huge hit with kids. Ensure you have plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months, and be mindful of steep drops and narrow passages.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Consider staying in a boutique cave hotel or a guesthouse for a more intimate experience. The city is very walkable, and you'll find plenty of charming cafes and trattorias to enjoy meals alone or strike up conversations. The sheer visual impact of the Sassi provides endless opportunities for photography and contemplation.
💑 Couples
Many restaurants within the Sassi offer intimate dining experiences in beautifully restored cave settings, perfect for a special evening. Consider a sunset aperitivo overlooking the city, followed by a delicious local dinner. The historical ambiance and the sheer beauty of Matera create a truly magical atmosphere for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Sassi: From Shame to UNESCO Gem
This period of neglect was a stark contrast to the Sassi's rich history. The intricate system of water collection and the adaptation of dwellings to the natural environment showcased remarkable ingenuity. The turning point came in 1993 when the Sassi di Matera were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their outstanding universal value. This designation spurred a significant regeneration effort, transforming the abandoned caves into unique hotels, restaurants, artisan workshops, and cultural spaces.
Today, visiting the Sassi is like stepping into a living museum. You can explore restored cave homes that offer a glimpse into past life, wander through ancient rupestrian churches adorned with frescoes, and marvel at the architectural ingenuity that allowed a community to thrive for thousands of years within the rock. The transformation from a symbol of poverty to a celebrated cultural treasure is a testament to Matera's resilience and the global appreciation for its unique heritage.
Navigating the Labyrinth: Tips for Exploring the Sassi
Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. You will be doing a lot of walking on uneven, often slippery, stone surfaces and climbing numerous steps. Avoid bringing heavy luggage if you plan to stay in a cave hotel within the Sassi, as many have limited access. Consider using a good map or a reliable GPS app on your smartphone, as it's very easy to get disoriented in the winding, interconnected pathways. Many visitors find that getting a little lost is part of the charm, leading to unexpected discoveries.
To truly appreciate the Sassi di Matera, consider joining a guided tour. Local guides can provide invaluable historical context, point out hidden gems, and help you understand the complex social and architectural history of this unique place. Alternatively, renting an 'Ape' (a three-wheeled vehicle) for a tour can be a fun and efficient way to cover more ground and navigate the more challenging inclines.
The Unique Experience of Staying in a Cave
When booking a cave hotel, consider its location within the Sassi. Some are in the more secluded Sasso Caveoso, offering tranquility, while others are in the bustling Sasso Barisano, putting you closer to amenities. Be prepared for unique architectural features, such as vaulted ceilings and natural rock walls, which are part of the charm. While modern amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning are standard in most, the overall feel is one of stepping back in time.
Staying in a cave hotel significantly enhances the Matera experience, allowing you to witness the Sassi transform from a bustling tourist destination during the day to a magical, illuminated landscape at night. It provides a deeper connection to the history and culture of this extraordinary city, making your visit truly unforgettable.
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