Matera and surroundings
The city of Sassi is a unique place in the world where history, culture and popular traditions have transformed a town from a ‘National Shame’ to a World Heritage Site.
Surrounded by nature, art and spirituality, this town and its territory constitute a natural theater and a film set that transmit enchanting, almost magical emotions and sensations.
Below are some examples of what you can visit in this suggestive land, absolutely not to be missed, and not only for its most famous attractions. Postcard landscapes, good food, history, culture and popular traditions: all this and much more can be found in Matera and its surroundings.
The programs are highly customizable and can be developed on request based on the needs and interests of individual participants.
For a first approach to the territory we recommend dedicating between 3 and 5 days to it
MATERA – One of the oldest cities in the world, the Sassi and the Park of the Rock Churches have been a World Heritage Site since 1993. In this city, nature and man are the absolute protagonists of history, landscape and traditions, alongside interesting testimonies of the sacred, such as the over 150 rock churches that, with their splendid Byzantine frescoes, make up the regional park of the same name. Not far from the city, of notable interest, is the Crypt of the Original Sin, also known as the “Sistine Chapel” of rock wall painting. But culture is also expressed through numerous museums and cultural centers set in ancient houses of great charm.
SASSI – They are a complex of rock architectures within the city. A unique example in the world of how man has been able to adapt to natural characteristics, sculpting an incredible urban ecosystem on the rocks of the ravine. The buildings dug into the rock form two districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano which represent the historic center of the city. The Sassi have been inhabited since prehistoric times and visiting them means discovering how man has been able to adapt to the natural characteristics of the territory. The entire monumental complex can be visited by walking along the fascinating alleys that lead from the city center to the tuff houses. A walk among steep stairways and suggestive corners from which to enjoy unique panoramic views.
MURGIA MATERANA PARK – It develops mainly on the rocky plateau of the Murgia and along a side of the canyon dug over time by the Gravina di Matera and offers one of the most evocative and spectacular rock landscapes in the world. In fact, it presents in continuous succession environments that testify to the presence of man since prehistoric times perfectly integrated with a natural environment of great value and value. To embellish the cultural landscape of the Park there are a large number of rock churches that constitute one of the most important characteristics, there are over a hundred and they are found throughout the territory. The rock churches appear in different ways, sometimes hidden by thick vegetation and dug along the steep banks of the ravines in inaccessible and difficult to access places, embellished with spectacular frescoes that testify to the devotion that has continued to the present day. The considerable variety of plants typical of the Mediterranean forest and the characteristic fauna of the different environments present in the park are spectacular.
STIGLIANO – A pearl of the Lucanian Dolomites. Ideal for leaving behind the frenetic pace of the city and savoring the fruits and flavors of the countryside, especially high-quality cured meats and cheeses but also oil, wine and typical sweets with the renowned Pistachio of Stigliano.
PISTICCI – The city of white houses and a lunar landscape, one of the most characteristic villages in the area immersed in one of the most fascinating natural places in Italy: the calanchi. Kissed by the sun, it is famous for its small houses decorated with dolls and flowers and for the goodness of the typical products and scents that dominate. Like many other truly unique villages in Basilicata, it is not very well known, but as soon as you arrive you are fascinated by the wonder of this place. Both the visit of the village with its streets and hidden corners that open onto the beautiful valley, and the calanchi park that surrounds it, guarantee an experience full of emotions. The Mother Church of Pisticci is certainly among the most interesting attractions. It stands on the ruins of a church from 1212, of which today you can admire the bell tower. And then among the most beautiful buildings, Palazzo De Franchi, in Renaissance style built in blocks of white stone and the Palazzotto with its famous sixteenth-century archive.
METAPONTO – Sea, nature and archaeology make Metaponto one of the most sought-after destinations in Basilicata, which at this point in its territory completely changes its “face”. The winding roads and barren landscapes give way to vast areas of Mediterranean scrub and suggestive pine forests that extend to the golden beaches bathed by the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea. It is a place rich in history where you can find magnificent testimonies of the Magna Graecia Civilization. In the Archaeological Park and in the museum there are traces of a glorious past made of heroes and gods, warriors and philosophers, such as the mathematician Pythagoras, who founded his school in Metaponto and died. The symbol of the ancient Greek city are the imposing and fascinating Palatine Tables, twelve Doric-style columns, remains of the Temple of Hera. The very fertile land “gives birth” to fruit and vegetables that are exported all over the world with important certifications. A triumph of colors and flavors that delight the palate but also the sight!
MONTALBANO JONICO – It stands proudly on unique clay hills, known as “calanchi”, between the valleys close to the Ionian Sea, in an exclusive landscape setting that makes it particularly attractive. Between historic buildings and noble chapels, Montalbano can be recognized as a pleasant place to discover in slow and quiet walks. You can thus admire the Palazzo Cassano, home to the Civic Library that preserves the testimonies of the fight against banditry, and known for the Patriotic Hall, where, in 1799, the first anti-Bourbon republicans met. Once in Montalbano Ionico you cannot miss a visit to the suggestive mother church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio and San Maurizio, patron saint of the city, protagonist of one of the most heartfelt celebrations in the city. In addition to the lush wooded area of Andriace and its archaeological treasures, and the Cozzo Jazzitelli pine forest, which dominates the ancient transhumance routes, Montalbano is nestled in the splendid Riserva regionale dei Calanchi, a prestigious scientific area of geopaleontological study with breathtaking views, for this reason considered one of the most suggestive and spectacular landscape areas of Basilicata.
Products of the land and ancient traditions characterize the local cuisine that offers genuine and unmissable flavors. Among the most famous recipes stand out “a cialledda”, a tasty soup, the “l’gnummariedd”, lamb offal rolls cooked on the grill. Typical and very tasty are the fig desserts with honey.
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Every trip is tailor-made for you. We listen to your preferences and needs to create an itinerary that fully reflects your desires.