Walking Alice in Matera, Basilicata: 31 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Matera

Must-try foods in Matera

• Pane di Matera IGP
  Pane di Matera IGPMatera’s most famous export, this ancient sourdough bread is shaped like a 'cornetto' (horn) to represent the Murgia landscape. It is made from Senatore Cappelli durum wheat semolina and a natural yeast derived from grapes and figs, resulting in a thick, dark crust and a porous, straw-yellow interior that stays fresh for over a week.
• Peperoni Cruschi
  Peperoni CruschiKnown as 'Lucanian Red Gold,' these sweet Senise peppers are dried in the sun and then flash-fried in olive oil for just a few seconds. This process makes them incredibly crunchy (cruschi) and smoky. They are served as a snack, a side dish, or crumbled over pasta and cod to add a distinct savory depth.
• Crapiata Materana
  Crapiata MateranaA legendary legume and grain soup that dates back to Roman times. Traditionally prepared on August 1st to celebrate the end of the harvest, it consists of various beans, chickpeas, lentils, grass peas, and wheat. Historically, every family in the Sassi would contribute a handful of ingredients to a communal pot, making it a symbol of local community.
• Ciallèdd (Cialledda Materana)
  Ciallèdd (Cialledda Materana)A quintessential 'cucina povera' dish designed to use stale Pane di Matera. The 'cold' summer version features rehydrated bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, and caroselli (a local cucumber-melon hybrid), while the 'warm' winter version (Cialledda Calda) includes boiled greens, a poached egg, and sometimes wild asphodel flowers.
• Fave e Cicorie
  Fave e CicorieA staple of the Basilicata region, this dish consists of a smooth, creamy purée of dried fava beans served alongside bitter wild chicory sautéed with garlic and chili. It is always finished with a generous drizzle of local extra virgin olive oil and served with toasted Matera bread.
• Gnummareddi
  GnummareddiSmall, savory rolls made from lamb or kid offal (heart, liver, and lungs) wrapped in gut and flavored with parsley and seeds. These are typically grilled over charcoal until charred and crispy, offering a bold, traditional flavor popular at local butcher shops and street food stalls.

Trip guide

• About Matera
  About MateraMatera, located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is a settlement with archaeological evidence of continuous human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era. The site is characterized by the Sassi di Matera, two districts—Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso—consisting of dwellings excavated into the calcarenite rock of a canyon.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Matera is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, when temperatures are pleasant (19–28°C) and ideal for walking the steep stone Sassi. Summer (July and August) can be grueling with heat exceeding 33°C and heavy tourist crowds, while winter is mild but often rainy, though it offers the unique "Living Nativity" event in December. Peak timing coincides with the comfortable spring and autumn months.
• Getting around
  Getting around Matera

  • Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) Train This private rail line connects Bari Centrale to Matera Centrale in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Note that tickets must be purchased from the dedicated FAL station located just outside the main Bari terminal.
  • Direct Shuttle or Regional Bus The 'Matera Link' shuttle runs directly from Bari Airport to Matera in about 75 minutes. Additionally.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Wear sturdy walking shoes with excellent grip to navigate the ancient stone steps, which become extremely slippery when wet or worn smooth by centuries of use.
  • Park your vehicle in the modern city center and walk into the Sassi districts, as most historic areas are restricted to local traffic and are physically inaccessible by car.
  • Plan for the 'pausa di pranzo' by noting that many local shops and services close between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM, while dinner service rarely begins before 7:30 PM.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Matera

  • Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026: A year-long program of festivals, art residencies, and cross-border events celebrating Matera's shared heritage with Morocco.
  • Detour Discotheque: A viral, 70s-themed 'traveling disco' taking over the UNESCO-listed Fondazione Le Monacelle convent for a glittering weekend in September 2026.
• Matera Welcome↗
  Matera WelcomeMatera Welcome is the official institutional tourism portal of the Municipality of Matera, providing information on the Sassi, events, and local services.