GemmaWhen you hear “Matera,” the first image that probably pops into your mind is the famous Sassi di Matera—those ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. And yes, they are incredible, UNESCO-listed, and completely Instagram-worthy. But if you only stick to Sassi, you’re missing a treasure trove of experiences that Matera offers beyond the cave dwellings. From serene churches to hidden viewpoints, delicious local flavors to cultural experiences, there’s so much waiting for you.
Based on my overall experience, Matera is a city that surprises you at every corner. It’s like discovering a secret world where history, culture, and everyday life weave together seamlessly. Let me walk you through 10 things to do in Matera beyond Sassi that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Explore the Crypt of Original Sin
If you think caves are only for tourists, wait until you step into the Crypt of Original Sin. Located just outside the city, this tiny cave church is decorated with some of the oldest frescoes in Italy, dating back to the 8th century. The walls tell stories from the Bible in vibrant colors that have surprisingly survived the centuries.
Walking inside, you can almost feel the devotion and the quiet magic of early Christian life. It’s not just about seeing ancient art—it’s about feeling history alive in a small, intimate space. From my own personal experience, spending even a few minutes in silence there gives you a sense of connection that no guidebook can replicate.
2. Stroll Through the Murge Plateau
If you’ve ever wanted a breath of fresh air and a panoramic view of Matera, the Murge Plateau is your spot. Just beyond the city, this plateau offers sweeping landscapes of limestone rocks, caves, and valleys. It’s perfect for photography, long walks, or just sitting and absorbing the vast scenery.
The plateau is also dotted with small hermitages and caves used by monks centuries ago. You can explore these quietly, imagining the simplicity of life there. Walking along the trails, you’ll notice how the land itself tells a story as old as the city itself. Trust me, it’s a peaceful escape from the bustling Sassi.
3. Visit Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera)
The Matera Cathedral, perched on Civita Hill, is an absolute must-see beyond the Sassi. From the outside, its Romanesque façade is striking and elegant. Step inside, and you’ll find stunning frescoes, intricate altars, and a serene atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the labyrinth of caves below.
Climbing up to the cathedral is worth every step, not only for the art but also for the panoramic view over the Sassi and the surrounding hills. From my overall experience, visiting the cathedral gives you a sense of the city’s vertical life—the way the old and the new, the sacred and the everyday, blend together in Matera.
4. Discover the Rupestrian Churches
Matera isn’t just famous for cave homes; it’s also home to dozens of rupestrian (rock-cut) churches scattered across the hills. Churches like Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano offer an intimate glimpse into religious life centuries ago.
What makes them fascinating isn’t just the art—it’s the way these churches were carved from living rock, blending naturally with the landscape. Wandering inside, you’ll see frescoes depicting saints and biblical scenes, often in surprisingly good condition. Exploring these churches feels like uncovering hidden gems, tucked away from the crowds, giving you a very personal Matera experience.
5. Taste Local Delicacies at a Traditional Osteria
You can’t explore Matera without tasting its food. Beyond the tourist traps in Sassi, there are small, family-run osterias where you can experience true Basilicata cuisine. Try the orecchiette pasta with tomato and ricotta, peperoni cruschi (crispy sweet peppers), and the Pane di Matera, the city’s famous bread.
Based on my overall experience, eating here feels like sitting down with the city itself. Each dish carries the history of the land, its seasons, and its people. And don’t forget dessert! A slice of local ricotta cheesecake is the perfect finish to any meal.
6. Wander the Modern Neighborhoods
While Sassi is ancient, Matera also has modern neighborhoods that show how life continues beyond the tourist hotspots. Areas like the Via Ridola and Piazza Vittorio Veneto are great for strolling, window-shopping, and interacting with locals.
Here, you’ll find art galleries, small boutiques, and cafés where people actually live their day-to-day lives. It’s a different rhythm from the Sassi but equally charming. Walking through these streets, you realize that Matera isn’t just a historical city frozen in time—it’s vibrant, alive, and evolving.
7. Take a Cooking Class
If you want to dive deeper into Matera’s culture, consider a cooking class. Local chefs and home cooks offer workshops where you learn to make traditional dishes from scratch—like pasta, bread, and desserts.
Cooking with locals gives you insights into the flavors, ingredients, and techniques that make Matera unique. From my own personal experience, participating in a class is a joyful, immersive experience—it’s hands-on, delicious, and you get to take your creations home. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet people who are just as excited about food as you are.
8. Explore Matera by Night
Matera transforms after sunset. The Sassi illuminated by golden lights looks completely different from the daytime chaos. Walking through the streets at night, you’ll feel the city’s mysterious charm.
Nighttime also brings smaller crowds to local cafés and bars, giving you the chance to enjoy live music, local wines, and the soft buzz of evening life. Based on my overall experience, a night walk through Matera offers a magical, almost cinematic view of the city you won’t forget.
9. Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
If you want a taste of real historical life, head to Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario. This cave home has been preserved to show how families lived in Matera up until the 1950s. Inside, you’ll see traditional furnishings, tools, and everyday items that reveal the simplicity—and difficulty—of life in the Sassi.
Walking through this home, you gain perspective on how far the city has come, while appreciating the ingenuity and resilience of its inhabitants. It’s a quiet, reflective stop that adds depth to your Matera experience.
10. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Villages
Matera sits in a region rich with small towns and natural wonders. Consider a day trip to nearby villages like Craco, an abandoned ghost town with stunning ruins, or Montescaglioso with its beautiful abbey.
These trips give you a wider perspective on Basilicata, showing landscapes, architecture, and local traditions beyond Matera itself. From my own personal experience, these excursions feel like stepping back in time while still being part of the living culture of southern Italy.
Final Thoughts
Matera is a city that rewards curiosity. Beyond the Sassi, there’s a wealth of experiences that make the city vibrant, mysterious, and deeply human. From ancient churches and panoramic walks to cooking classes and modern neighborhoods, every corner tells a story.
The best way to explore Matera is slowly, with an open mind and a willingness to go beyond the obvious. Trust me—once you do, you’ll leave with memories that are as rich and layered as the city itself.
Matera isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience you live. And if you take the time to explore beyond Sassi, you’ll discover why this city captures hearts, one secret corner at a time.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.