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 designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. In this city, both nature and humanity are the central protagonists of its history, landscape, and traditions, alongside remarkable evidence of the sacred. Over 150 rock churches, with their stunning 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. Culture is also expressed through numerous museums and cultural
centers, many housed in ancient, charming buildings.
SASSI – The Sassi are a complex of rock-cut structures within the city, a unique example in the world of how humans have adapted to natural features, creating an incredible urban
ecosystem carved into the cliffs. The rock-hewn buildings form two districts: **Sasso Caveoso** and **Sasso Barisano**, which make up the historic center of the city. The Sassi have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and visiting them offers a glimpse into how humans have adapted to the natural landscape. The entire monumental complex can be
explored by walking through the fascinating alleys that lead from the city center to the tuff stone houses. It’s a walk through steep stairways and enchanting corners that offer stunning
panoramic views.
MURGIA MATERANA PARK – The park primarily spans the rocky plateau of the Murgia and extends along a side of the canyon carved over time by the Gravina di Matera. It offers one of the most evocative and spectacular rock landscapes in the world. The park presents a continuous succession of environments that bear witness to human presence since prehistoric times, seamlessly integrated into a natural landscape of immense
ecological and cultural value. Adding to the park’s cultural richness are numerous rock churches, which represent one of its most defining features. Over a hundred of these churches are scattered across the area, sometimes hidden by dense vegetation or carved into the steep cliffs of the ravines in inaccessible, hard-to-reach locations. These churches are adorned with breathtaking frescoes, testifying to the devotion that has persisted through the centuries. The park is also home to a remarkable variety of Mediterranean forest flora and characteristic fauna, offering a spectacular natural setting.
STIGLIANO – A gem of the Lucanian Dolomites, Stigliano is the perfect escape from the frenetic pace of city life, offering a chance to enjoy the authentic flavors of the countryside.
Here, visitors can savor high-quality cured meats and cheeses, as well as olive oil, wine, and traditional sweets, all made even more special by the region’s renowned pistachios.
PISTICCI – Known as the “City of White Houses” and surrounded by a lunar landscape, Pisticci is one of the most characteristic villages in the area, set within one of the most fascinating natural environments in Italy: the **calanchi** (eroded cliffs). Bathed in sunlight, the village is famous for its charming small houses adorned with dolls and flowers, as well as the delightful local products and scents that dominate the air. While it remains relatively unknown compared to other villages in Basilicata, visitors are quickly enchanted by its beauty upon arrival. Exploring the village’s streets and hidden corners, which open onto stunning views of the valley, as well as the **Calanchi Park** that surrounds it, offers an unforgettable experience. The Mother Church of Pisticci is a notable attraction, built upon the
ruins of a 1212 church, with the bell tower still visible today. Among the most beautiful buildings is the Renaissance-style **Palazzo De Franchi**, constructed from blocks of white
stone, as well as the **Palazzotto**, famous for its sixteenth-century archive.
METAPONTO – Combining sea, nature, and archaeology, Metaponto is one of Basilicata’s most sought-after destinations, where the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation.
The winding roads and barren landscapes give way to vast stretches of Mediterranean scrubland and picturesque pine forests, which lead to golden beaches washed by the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. This historic area is home to remarkable traces of the Magna Graecia civilization. The **Archaeological Park** and museum offer a glimpse into a
glorious past, featuring heroes, gods, warriors, and philosophers, including the mathematician **Pythagoras**, who founded his school in Metaponto and died there. The symbol of the ancient Greek city is the imposing **Palatine Tables**, twelve Doric-style columns that are all that remains of the Temple of Hera. The fertile land of Metaponto also produces an abundance of fruits and vegetables, which are exported worldwide with
prestigious certifications. The region’s natural bounty offers a vivid display of colors and flavors that delight both the palate and the eyes.
MONTALBANO JONICO – Perched proudly on unique clay hills, known as “calanchi,” Montalbano Jonico is nestled between valleys near the Ionian Sea, offering an exclusive landscape that enhances its natural beauty. With its historic buildings and noble chapels, Montalbano invites visitors to enjoy leisurely and peaceful walks, discovering its charm at a relaxed pace. Key landmarks include Palazzo Cassano, which houses the Civic Library and preserves records of the fight against banditry, and the Patriotic Hall, where the first anti-Bourbon republicans gathered in 1799. A visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without admiring the striking Mother Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio and San Maurizio, dedicated to the patron saint of the city and the site of one of the town's most heartfelt celebrations.
In addition to its rich history, Montalbano is surrounded by natural beauty, including the lush Andriace Wood and its archaeological treasures, as well as the Cozzo Jazzitelli Pine Forest, which dominates the ancient transhumance routes. The town is also located within the breathtaking Riserva Regionale dei Calanchi, a prestigious scientific area for geopaleontological studies, offering some of the most spectacular and scenic landscapes in Basilicata.
Montalbano’s local cuisine is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and features genuine, unmissable flavors. Among the most famous dishes are "cialledda" a savory vegetable soup, and "l'gnummariedd" grilled lamb offal rolls. For dessert, the town is known for its delicious fig treats drizzled with honey, a true local specialty.
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