A city in Italy inhabited since paleolithic times, Matera is located in the Basilicata region of Italy in the driest and historically the poorest area of mainland Italy. Often referred to as “la Città Sotterranea” — or “The Subterranean City,” the oldest parts of the city are carved directly into the calcareous rock hill, with homes, businesses and even churches consisting of caves sculpted out of the rocky hillside.
The land around Matera is fairly inhospitable, consisting of dry and rugged landscapes with little-to-no access to water, and receiving little rainfall throughout the year. This rugged landscape and the fact that it is located on a sheer rock cliff above a deep ravine made it a refuge for the poorer peasants to protect themselves from invading armies and those looking to conquer and plunder. The fact that this dry region offered very few trees for making lumber was likely the reason that the oldest parts of the city are carved directly into the rock, which also hides the town from being seen from all angles.
The Sassi of Matera, Italy
The “Old Town” of Matera is referred to as the “Sassi,” and has dwellings, caves and grottos that date back as far as the third century BC. Cavedwellers have called this come for nearly 18 centuries, and the caves are still home to a few families, though many of the buildings in Sassi have converted to pubs, restaurants and hotels.
The Labyrinths and Alleyways of Matera, Italy
The architecture and style of the city is simple and utilitarian, yet detailed and concise. Elevation and walkways are delicately played with to fit as many people into the city as possible, while remaining comfortable. Stairways and alleys are cut directly out of the stone with twists and turns connecting the various homes and streets. In some areas, the pathway that you are walking on is actually the roof of someone’s home. The maze of streets makes Matera one of the best cities in Italy for walking and sightseeing, as you can literally spend days meandering and exploring the various nooks and crannies of the town.
The Church of Santa Maria d’Idris
Located high upon the hill in the Sassi, the Church of Santa Maria d’Idris is dedicated to water — as it has been sparse in the area for centuries. Churchgoers would attend the church to pray for rain to come, or offer their appreciation for rain and good fortune that had been bestowed upon them. The church is open to guests that would like to see it, and has impressive reliefs and paintings from centuries ago.
Church of San Giovanni Battista
Another of the many religious centers in Matera, the church of San Giovanni Battista was completed in 1233 AD and is for much of its history was considered the crown jewel of Matera. Today the building has been incorporated into part of the Ospedale just next door.
The Matera Cathedral
The modern crown jewel of Matera, the building is styled in the Apulian Romanesque style, and was completed in the year 1270. At nearly 800 years old, the church is in near-pristine condition and still holds Roman Catholic services.
The Landscape of Basilicata
Not only is the city of Matera beautiful to view and explore, but the countryside surrounding the city is also beautiful and perfect for hiking and light climbing.
Dining In Matera, Italy
Osteria Pico
By-far, our favorite restaurant in Matera, Italy is Osteria Pico. Chef Enza Leo strives to create delicious dishes served in a warm and friendly, traditional Italian setting. Below are some of our favorite dishes:
Peperoni Cruschi
Zuppa di Fagioli
Salsiccia Sbriciolata
Rafanate
Insalata di Zucchine
Zuppa di Fave e Cicorie
Tortino di Patate
Medaglioni di Patate
Ravioli di Ceci
Cavatelli
Ravioli di Farro
Ferricelli ai Pistacchi
Capocollo di Maiale
Visit Osteria Pico For Yourself:
Osteria Pico
Via Fiorentini, 42, 75100
Matera MT, Italy
+39 0835 240424
Check Out The Video Below For a Tour of Matera and Dinner Under the Basilicata Sunset:
And Check Out Our Best Matera, Italy Photo Gallery Below:
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International Bellhop Travel Magazine 
Beautiful scenic pictures! They bring back memories of our trip to Italy five years ago!
It’s not your usual Italian destination, but we loved it! Thanks for following us on our adventures.
Reblogged this on nz.
Wow! These pictures are breathtaking, would absolutely love to go here 🙂
😉
How had I spent 2.5 years in southern Italy and not heard of this place! Dang. Many thanks for stopping by my blog.
Again, it was the poor area. Most of Italy kept this “hobo town” out of sight and out of mind.
Lovely pictures!! 🙂
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by.
What a fascinating place
It was definitely different. So glad we made the trek out to see this ancient city.
GORGEOUS
Yes it is. Thanks for traveling along with us.
This is fascinating! Would love to go there, I have never heard of this town.
It is off the beaten path, and was considered a slum until around the 1960s.
The cave mural in the video is astounding! It was interesting to see the construction crane in the video, too. Hopefully a continued revival for the town.
the pictures are really wonderful.
Thanks, and thank for traveling along with us. We have some more great features coming up in the near future.
I’ve always been in love with Italy and its people. I’m planning soon to travel to this mesmerizing place. And Italian food! Yummm! Slurrp! 😉
Thanks for traveling along with us. We have some more obscure Italian cities and destinations that we plan on featuring in the future.
Well captured!
Thanks, and thanks for joining us in our travels.
Matera is astonishing! Every time I go, I discover its amazing beauty!
This was a first trip to Matera, and already looking forward to returning. Thanks for traveling along with us.
This is now on my list for next summer!
You’ll love it. Thanks for stopping by.
So pleased you posted about Matera as we will be travelling around the heel and toe of Italy over the next few weeks … It is now on our route!