Overview
Matera is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with cave dwellings in the Sassi dating back to the Paleolithic era. The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 and served as European Capital of Culture in 2019 alongside Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Architecture · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Connectivity
Italian mobile carriers (TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre, Iliad) provide good 4G coverage in Matera. Free WiFi is available at some cafes and tourist offices.
Culture
Matera was European Capital of Culture in 2019. The Sassi can be very crowded on weekends and Italian holidays—visit on weekday mornings for a more authentic experience.
Money
Italy uses the euro (€). ATMs are available in the new city quarter near Matera Centrale. Most restaurants and hotels accept cards but smaller establishments may be cash-only.
Packing
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the uneven stone surfaces and stairways of the Sassi quarters.
Transport
FAL trains from Bari (€6, 1hr 30min) are the main access route; no trains run on Sundays. Local Linea Sassi buses run every 30 minutes.