GemmaMatera is one of those rare cities that feels like stepping into another world. Its winding alleyways, cave dwellings, and ancient stone architecture make it a place you don’t just visit—you explore, linger, and fall in love with. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a city that blends history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, Matera’s Old Town, or Sassi di Matera, is the perfect destination.
From my own personal experience, the magic of Matera isn’t just in the sights—it’s in the slow, intentional walks that let you discover hidden corners, local cafes, and stunning viewpoints that tourists often miss. To help you navigate this labyrinth of stone, I’ve mapped out 12 scenic walks through Matera’s Old Town, each with its own unique charm.
These walks are perfect for soaking up the city’s atmosphere, snapping unforgettable photos, and uncovering experiences you truly need to see.
1. The Sassi Overview Walk
Start your Matera adventure with a gentle walk through the heart of the Sassi. This route gives you a panoramic sense of the city’s layout, with the iconic cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs.
Begin at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a central hub buzzing with cafes and local life. From here, wander along Via Ridola, which leads to the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a recreated ancient home that shows how residents once lived. Take your time exploring the nooks and crannies—every turn reveals a story etched into stone.
The walk continues toward Belvedere di Murgia Timone. This viewpoint is worth the mild uphill climb, offering sweeping vistas of the Sassi and the Gravina Canyon below. From my own personal experience, watching the sunset from this spot is unforgettable. The soft golden light makes the city’s stone glow, and suddenly, every alleyway looks like it belongs on a postcard.
2. The Church Trail Walk
Matera is dotted with hidden churches, many carved directly into the rock. This walk focuses on exploring these spiritual and historical gems.
Start at the Church of San Pietro Barisano, the largest rock-hewn church in Matera. Notice the mix of Byzantine and Baroque architecture, and peek inside to admire frescoes that date back centuries. From here, follow the narrow stone alleys to Santa Maria de Idris, perched atop a small hill. This church is carved entirely from the rock and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets below.
Finish the walk at the Crypt of Original Sin, a short drive outside the Old Town. Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Cave Paintings,” this ancient cave church is adorned with stunning frescoes that capture scenes from the Old Testament. You’ll truly appreciate the craftsmanship and devotion that went into every brushstroke.
3. The Hidden Courtyards Walk
Matera isn’t just about grand vistas—it’s also full of secret courtyards that feel like private worlds. This walk is perfect for slow wanderers who enjoy discovering hidden beauty.
Begin in Via Bruno Buozzi, a charming street lined with boutique shops and local eateries. As you meander, peek into small courtyards tucked behind stone arches. Many are adorned with hanging laundry, vibrant flowers, or ancient wells, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Matera.
One highlight is Cortile del Casalnuovo, a serene courtyard framed by ancient stone buildings. It’s an ideal spot to sit, take a coffee, and watch life unfold. From my overall experience, these quiet corners often leave a stronger impression than the main tourist streets—they feel authentically Matera.
4. The Panoramic View Walk
For photographers and scenery lovers, this walk is a must. Matera’s Old Town offers some of the most dramatic views in Italy, and this route is designed to capture them all.
Start at the Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli, a small square with a wide-open view of the Sassi. Continue to Belvedere Murgia Timone, which you might have glimpsed on another walk, but this time, explore the paths around it. These trails offer multiple vantage points over the city, the canyon, and the distant hills.
Finish the walk at Tramontano Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the old city. Though incomplete, the castle provides a sense of history and scale that complements the natural beauty below. You’ll truly love the way the city seems to unfold before you like a living tapestry.
5. The Street Art and Modern Matera Walk
While Matera is famous for its ancient streets, modern art also has a strong presence here. This walk highlights murals, contemporary sculptures, and creative installations scattered throughout the Old Town.
Start at Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, where local artists often showcase temporary exhibits. Follow Via Domenico Ridola and Via Lucana to find murals that brighten stone facades and small galleries tucked into alleyways.
One highlight is the mural at Vico Solitario, which blends modern street art with the ancient stone surroundings. From my own personal experience, combining historic and contemporary elements gives you a fresh perspective on Matera’s evolving identity.
6. The Food Lover’s Walk
Exploring Matera is best done with your stomach as well as your eyes. This walk focuses on tasting the local cuisine while wandering through scenic streets.
Begin at Piazza San Giovanni, home to traditional bakeries where you can try the famous “Pane di Matera.” From there, follow Via Fiorentini to discover small trattorias serving orecchiette pasta, local cheeses, and cured meats.
Stop at Mercato Albinelli, a historic market where you can sample fresh produce, olives, and wines. End the walk with a visit to a café in Piazza Vittorio Veneto for a creamy espresso or a glass of local limoncello. You’ll truly love experiencing Matera through your taste buds as much as your eyes.
7. The Cave Dwelling Walk
Matera’s Sassi are world-renowned for their cave dwellings, and this walk dives deep into their history.
Start at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario or Casa Noha, both of which recreate life in ancient cave homes. Wander through the alleys of Sasso Barisano, peeking into openings that once served as kitchens, bedrooms, and storage areas.
This walk also includes stops at abandoned caves, now open for exploration. From my overall experience, seeing how these dwellings were adapted over centuries gives you a profound appreciation for human ingenuity and resilience.
8. The Artisan’s Walk
If you enjoy crafts and handmade treasures, this walk is for you. Matera’s Old Town is home to artisans who preserve traditional techniques, from ceramics to textiles.
Begin at Via Fiorentini and explore workshops where artisans carve stone or weave baskets. Many offer demonstrations and will let you try your hand at a craft. Continue along Via Bruno Buozzi to small jewelry shops showcasing local stones and designs.
This walk is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs while supporting local creativity. You’ll truly love seeing how centuries-old traditions thrive in a modern city.
9. The Sunset Stroll
Matera’s sunsets are legendary, and this walk is all about timing your steps to catch the golden hour.
Start at Belvedere di Murgia Timone and move toward the Sassi districts, watching how the light changes on the limestone buildings. The alleys of Sasso Caveoso are particularly magical as the sun dips behind the cliffs.
End at Piazza Vittorio Veneto with a glass of wine or a gelato. From my own personal experience, walking during sunset makes the city feel intimate and almost otherworldly. The shadows and colors transform every street into a living painting.
10. The Historical Route Walk
For history enthusiasts, this walk covers Matera’s rich past, from prehistoric settlements to medieval times.
Begin at the Palombaro Lungo, an enormous underground cistern that reveals the city’s ingenious water system. Continue to the Cathedral of Matera, a stunning Romanesque building with panoramic views of the Sassi.
From here, follow Via Madonna delle Virtù and Via delle Beccherie to explore medieval architecture, ancient stairways, and remnants of old fortifications. You’ll truly love feeling the layers of history beneath your feet as you wander.
11. The Photography-Focused Walk
If your main goal is to capture stunning images, this walk is tailored for you. It combines photogenic streets, dramatic cliffs, and interesting angles.
Start early in the morning when the streets are quiet. Focus on the narrow alleys of Sasso Barisano and the staircases of Sasso Caveoso. Include viewpoints like Belvedere Murgia Timone and Tramontano Castle for wide shots.
From my own personal experience, early light and empty streets make your photos far more compelling than waiting until peak tourist hours. Every corner has a story if you look closely.
12. The Evening Exploration Walk
End your Matera adventure with a walk that shows the city in a completely different light. Evening in the Sassi is peaceful, with illuminated buildings and soft shadows.
Begin at Piazza Vittorio Veneto and wander into quiet alleys. Pause at small cafés and enjoy local desserts. Walk toward the Sasso Caveoso and watch the soft glow of lights on the stone façades.
This walk captures the city’s charm without the daytime crowds. You’ll truly love the serenity and the feeling that the city is quietly alive, just for you.
Matera’s Old Town is not just a collection of streets—it’s an invitation to wander, explore, and discover. Each of these walks offers a different perspective, whether you’re after history, food, photography, or simply the joy of getting lost in beautiful alleys. From my overall experience, the real magic happens when you allow yourself to slow down, take the time to notice the small details, and let the city reveal its secrets at its own pace.
Every visit, every walk, feels like uncovering a new story etched into stone. Matera is not just a destination—it’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
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.