Map Of Italy Matera
Introduction
Matera is a beautiful city located in southern Italy. The city is famous for its historical landmarks, unique architecture, and delicious food. With its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture, Matera is an ideal travel destination for anyone looking to explore Italy. In this guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches, and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Matera.
Top Attractions
Sassi di Matera
Sassi di Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top attractions in the city. It is a network of ancient cave dwellings, carved into the side of a rocky canyon. These caves were inhabited by the local population until the 1950s. Today, the caves have been converted into museums, hotels, and restaurants, and are a popular tourist spot.
Palombaro Lungo
Palombaro Lungo is a massive underground cistern that was built in the 18th century to collect rainwater. The cistern is over 15 meters deep and can hold up to 5 million liters of water. Today, it is open to the public for guided tours and is a fascinating attraction that showcases Matera’s engineering prowess.
Matera Cathedral
Matera Cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna, the patron saint of Matera. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful frescoes and artwork, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and history.
Hidden Gems
Casa Noha
Casa Noha is a small museum that is dedicated to the history and culture of Matera. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building and features interactive exhibits that showcase the city’s rich history and traditions. It is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists, but it is well worth a visit.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is a small cave dwelling that has been preserved in its original state. The cave was inhabited until the 1950s and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the people who lived in Matera before the city’s modernization. It is a hidden gem that is not to be missed.
Palazzo Lanfranchi
Palazzo Lanfranchi is a beautiful palace that was built in the 17th century. The palace is now a museum that features contemporary art exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection of Materan art and artifacts. It is a hidden gem that offers a unique perspective on Matera’s art scene.
Food Scene
Matera’s food scene is a testament to the city’s rich culinary traditions. The cuisine is characterized by its use of local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Some of the must-try dishes include orecchiette with cime di rapa, a pasta dish with a bitter green vegetable, and peperoni cruschi, a type of dried pepper that is used to flavor many local dishes.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Matera can be an expensive city to visit, but there are ways to save money while still enjoying all that the city has to offer. Some budget-friendly tips include staying in a hostel or guesthouse instead of a hotel, eating at local markets and street vendors, and taking advantage of free walking tours.
Outdoor Adventures
Matera is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and offers numerous outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Some popular activities include hiking in the Parco della Murgia Materana, cycling along the Appian Way, and exploring the Gravina di Matera, a deep canyon that runs through the city.
Historical Landmarks
Matera is steeped in history and has numerous historical landmarks that are worth visiting. In addition to the Sassi di Matera and Matera Cathedral, other must-see landmarks include the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Tramontano Castle.
Family-Friendly Activities
Matera is a great destination for families, with numerous activities that are sure to keep kids entertained. Some family-friendly activities include visiting the MUSMA Museum, which features contemporary art exhibitions, exploring the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, and taking a tour of the Palombaro Lungo.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Matera is a city that rewards those who are willing to explore off the beaten path. Some off-the-beaten-path experiences include visiting the abandoned village of Craco, exploring the Crypt of Original Sin, and taking a tour of the Casa Cava, a cave that has been converted into a contemporary art space.
Natural Wonders
Matera is surrounded by natural wonders, including the Gravina di Matera canyon and the Parco della Murgia Materana. These natural wonders offer visitors the opportunity to explore the beauty of the region and to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Vibrant Nightlife
Matera has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes. Some popular nightlife spots include the Bar Sassi, which offers stunning views of the city, and the Bar del Moro, which is known for its live music and cocktails.
Local Markets
Matera has a vibrant market scene, with numerous markets that offer everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Some popular markets include the Mercato Coperto, which is a covered market that sells fresh produce, fish, and meat, and the Mercato delle Pulci, which is a flea market that sells antiques and vintage items.
Beaches and Mountains
Matera is located in a region that offers both beaches and mountains. Some popular beach destinations include the beaches of Metaponto, which are known for their clear waters and white sand, and the beaches of Policoro, which are a popular destination for families. The mountains around Matera offer visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Cultural Immersion
Matera is a city that is steeped in culture, with numerous opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and way of life. Some cultural immersion experiences include taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes, attending a traditional music concert, or visiting a local artisan to learn about traditional crafts.
Art and Music Scene
Matera has a thriving art and music scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and music venues that showcase the region’s creative talent. Some popular art and music venues include the MUSMA Museum, the Palazzo Lanfranchi, and the Conservatory of Music Egidio Romualdo Duni.
Walking Tours
Matera is a city that rewards those who explore on foot, with numerous walking tours that offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the city’s history and culture. Some popular walking tours include the Matera Walking Tour, which covers the city’s top attractions, and the Sassi Walking Tour, which explores the ancient cave dwellings that are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Architectural Marvels
Matera is a city that is known for its unique architecture, with numerous examples of historic and contemporary buildings that showcase the region’s architectural prowess. Some architectural marvels in Matera include the Tramontano Castle, the Palazzo Lanfranchi, and the Casa Cava.
Historical Sites
Matera is a city that is steeped in history, with numerous historical sites that offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the city’s past. Some popular historical sites include the Sassi di Matera, the Matera Cathedral, and the Church of San Pietro Caveoso.
Biking Routes
Matera is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts, with numerous biking routes that offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Some popular biking routes include the Appian Way, which runs from Rome to Brindisi, and the Murgia Timone Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Gravina di Matera canyon.
Wellness Retreats
Matera is a city that is known for its wellness offerings, with numerous retreats and spas that offer visitors the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. Some popular wellness retreats include the Palazzo Margherita, which offers yoga and meditation classes, and the Masseria Potenti