Vacation Packages to Matera

General Information About Matera

Are you looking to travel to Matera? Then, here we tell you everything about this wonderful destination.

Matera is a city located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, in the province of Matera. It is known for its unique historical and architectural significance, including its ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi di Matera.

The city has a long history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. Matera was also a prominent city in the Roman Empire, and later became an important center for the Byzantine Empire.

The Sassi di Matera, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are cave dwellings carved into the soft tufa rock that line the slopes of a deep ravine. These dwellings were inhabited by the local population for centuries and were only abandoned in the mid-20th century due to unsanitary living conditions. Today, many of these dwellings have been restored and converted into hotels, restaurants, and museums.

Matera is also known for its beautiful churches and historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Matera, the Palazzo Lanfranchi, and the Palazzo del Sedile. The city also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year.

In 2019, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture, which brought increased attention to the city’s rich cultural heritage and unique architectural landmarks.

Points of Interest in Matera

Matera is a city full of fascinating sites, with a unique and ancient history that has been well-preserved. Here are some of the top sites of interest to visit in Matera:

1. Sassi di Matera: The Sassi are the cave dwellings that are the city’s most famous and iconic feature. You can explore the ancient caves and learn about the history of this fascinating area.
2. Palazzo Lanfranchi: This 18th-century palace houses the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. The collection includes works by artists such as Carlo Levi and Francesco Paolo Michetti.
3. Matera Cathedral: This stunning cathedral was built in the 13th century and features beautiful Baroque architecture and artwork. It is dedicated to Santa Maria della Bruna, the patron saint of Matera.
4. Casa Noha: This multimedia museum provides an immersive experience of Matera’s history, from the Paleolithic era to the present day.
5. Crypt of the Original Sin: This remarkable church dates back to the 8th century and features stunning frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible.
6. Tramontano Castle: This 16th-century castle was built by the Aragonese and overlooks the Sassi district. It now houses the National Museum of Archaeology of Basilicata.
7. Church of San Pietro Barisano: This church is one of the most ancient in Matera and was built in the Romanesque style. It features stunning frescoes and carvings.
8. Piazza Vittorio Veneto: This large central square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
9. MUSMA: Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera: This museum features contemporary sculpture exhibits and is located in the historic Palazzo Pomarici.

These are just a few of the many fascinating sites to explore in Matera, a city with a rich and ancient history.

Typical Food and Drinks of Matera

Matera is located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, and the local cuisine reflects the area’s rugged terrain and agricultural traditions. 

Some typical foods of Matera are the Pane di Matera, a traditional bread made with durum wheat flour, water, salt, and natural yeast, that has a dense texture and a rustic flavor and is often served with local cheeses and cured meats, and Lucanica, a type of sausage made with pork, pork fat, salt, pepper, and fennel seeds. 

Also, a very typical dish is Orecchiette con le cime di rapa, a classic pasta dish made with orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta) and broccoli rabe, garlic, and chili pepper. It is a staple of southern Italian cuisine.

And you can’t leave Matera without trying Caciocavallo podolico, a type of cheese made from the milk of Podolica cows, which are native to the region, and Peperoni crusch, dried, fried peppers that are a popular snack or topping for pasta dishes, with a crispy texture and a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.

As for drinks, we recommend you to try Aglianico del Vulture, a red wine made from the Aglianico grape, which is grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vulture and has a deep color and a full-bodied, complex flavor.

 And for dessert you must try Aglianico del Vulture Passito. This is a sweet dessert wine made from dried Aglianico grapes. It has a rich, fruity flavor and is often served with dessert or cheese.

Festivals of Matera

Matera is a city rich in culture and history, and there are several festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate its unique heritage. Here are some of the most notable festivals of Matera:

1. La Festa della Madonna della Bruna: This is the most important festival in Matera and takes place on July 2nd every year. The festival celebrates the patron saint of Matera, Santa Maria della Bruna, with a parade, fireworks, and other festivities.
2. Matera Jazz Festival: This is an annual festival that takes place in July and features jazz performances by international and local artists. The festival also includes workshops and master classes for musicians.
3. Matera Basilicata International Film Festival: This is an annual film festival that takes place in September and features screenings of independent and international films. The festival also includes workshops, roundtable discussions, and sessions with filmmakers.
4. Infiorata di Matera: This is a flower festival that takes place in June, in which the streets of Matera are decorated with colorful flower petals arranged into intricate designs.
5. Festa di San Rocco: This is a religious festival that takes place in August and celebrates San Rocco, the patron saint of the city’s leatherworkers. The festival includes a procession, music, and traditional food and drink.
6. Matera Women’s Fiction Festival: This is an annual festival that takes place in September and celebrates women’s literature and cinema. The festival includes readings, screenings, and discussions with female authors and filmmakers.
7. Le Vie dei Tesori: This is an annual event that takes place in Matera in October, during which historic buildings and cultural sites that are usually closed to the public are opened for guided tours.

These festivals and events are just a few examples of the vibrant cultural scene in Matera, which celebrates the city’s rich history, art, and traditions.

Cultural Aspects of Matera 

The culture in Matera is deeply rooted in the city's long and complex history. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years, and its architecture, art, and traditions reflect the influence of numerous civilizations and cultures.

One of the most significant aspects of Matera’s culture is its unique architecture. The city is known for its Sassi, which are ancient cave dwellings carved into the soft tufa rock that surrounds the city.

The Sassi have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and they are an important example of a human settlement that has evolved over thousands of years. The Sassi were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and they continue to be an important part of the city’s cultural identity.

Matera is also known for its artistic traditions. The city has a long history of pottery and ceramics, and there are several workshops and galleries where visitors can see traditional crafts being made. Matera also has a thriving contemporary art scene, with several galleries and museums showcasing the work of local and international artists.

Overall, the culture of Matera is a complex and fascinating mix of ancient traditions and contemporary influences. The city’s unique history and architecture, its delicious food and wine, and its vibrant arts scene make it a truly special place to visit.

What to See and Do in Matera

Matera is a wonderful destination due to its historical heritage and its fascinating landscapes.

In turn, due to its proximity to Bari and Naples, many travelers combine their trip to Matera with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible history? Do you want to know about a fascinating culture? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Matera, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!