Matera The “City of Stones”

Discover Matera: The “City of Stones” and the Magic of the Capital of Culture

Matera, also known as the "City of Stones" and "Underground City," is an Italian municipality with 60,505 inhabitants, the capital of the province and the second largest municipality by area in Basilicata, the nineteenth in Italy. The Sassi (the ancient cave dwellings) were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

On October 17, 2014, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture for 2019, becoming the first city in southern Italy to receive this title. In 2002, the film The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson was filmed in the breathtaking landscape of the Sassi and Gravina, depicting the last twelve hours of Jesus’ life, from the Garden of Gethsemane to the resurrection, with flashbacks to his past life. Many other films and TV series have also been shot in this location.

Matera is known as "City of Stones", due to its historic center. Carved and built into the cliffs of the Gravina di Matera, where a deep gorge divides the town in two, the Sassi of Matera are the ancient districts of the city, stretching across two valleys separated by the rocky outcrop of the Civita. This location made the city invisible to its enemies for millennia, allowing it to remain intact throughout its long history.

What to See in Matera

What makes a visit to Matera a unique experience is the ability to wander through its characteristic alleys, full of history. However, there are several must-see attractions, such as rock churches, panoramic points, and museums: 

• Belvedere Murgia Timone: : one of the most famous viewpoints to admire Matera at sunset, with a spectacular view of the Sassi.
• Sasso Barisano: the largest and most touristy part, with cave houses, churches, and artisan shops.
• Sasso Caveoso: more authentic and less renovated, ideal for immersing yourself in the ancient history.
• Casa Grotta: a house carved into the rock, furnished as it was in the past, offering insight into daily life in the Sassi.
• Cattedrale di Matera: located at the highest point of the city, this beautiful Romanesque-Puglian cathedral offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sassi.
• Parco della Murgia Materana: : a natural park with trails leading to rock churches with frescoes and spectacular views. Perfect for nature lovers and hiking.
• Santa Maria de Idris: a church carved into the rock with ancient frescoes.
• San Pietro Barisano: The largest of the rock churches, featuring an intricate underground system.
• Cripta del Peccato Originale: Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Rock Art” for its extraordinary frescoes.
• Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata (Palazzo Lanfranchi): : Showcasing works ranging from medieval art to contemporary pieces, including paintings by Carlo Levi.
• Piazza Vittorio Veneto: : A central square granting access to the underground Palombaro Lungo, a fascinating rock-carved water cistern.
• Palombaro Lungo: A massive underground cistern reflecting the city’s ingenious water management system.

Matera’s Gastronomy 

The strong connection to the gastronomy of Puglia is evident here. Dishes like orecchiette with turnip greens or breadcrumbs are local delicacies that also characterize this southern Italian destination. However, Matera also has a unique culinary identity. You can't talk about Matera without mentioning one of its symbols: the famous Matera BreadMade from durum wheat flour and baked in public ovens, it is a staple of local cuisine. Also popular are cheeses like pecorino and caciocavallo, cured meats, and wild vegetables, all accompanied by local DOC wines such as Matera Primitivo.

The cuisine varies between the Murgia area, linked to pastoral life, and the Metapontino area, influenced by fish from the Ionian Sea and local meat. From figs with honey to sweet treats like pach’nisch, every dish tells a story of the land. 

‘La Pettolata’ and The Christmas Tradition'

 Christmas in Matera is deeply rooted in cultural and gastronomic traditions.

Starting from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, many typical dishes are prepared in the homes of Matera residents. Among these, the most notable are the pettolewhich are made by skilled hands according to recipes passed down from mother to daughter for centuries. Flour, water, salt, and yeast are the ingredients for a dough prepared carefully following an ancient ritual. After the initial preparation, the dough balls are fried in hot extra virgin olive oil until they achieve a uniform golden color. These delicious pettole are paired with local wine and accompanied by various performances during this festive period.

Christmas in the Sassi of Matera

During the Christmas period, Matera transforms into a huge living nativity scene. The city organizes annual events such as Presepe Vivente nei Sassi(Living Nativity in the Sassi) is one of the city’s most anticipated Christmas events, offering visitors an immersive experience in the heart of Sasso Caveoso at the Mu.D.E.A. (Ethno-Anthropological Museum). Over 250 participants, including actors and historical reenactors, bring ancient trades and biblical stories to life against the enchanting backdrop of Matera’s stone landscape. The event is inclusive, with dedicated days and times for children and individuals with disabilities to fully enjoy the experience. 

Matera is also famous for its , Christmas markets, set up in the main squares of the historic center, offering local crafts and gastronomic specialties such as peperoni cruschi 8dried, sweet red peppers that are typically fried until crispy, resulting in a crunchy textureand) Matera Bread. The city comes alive with concerts, traditional dinners, and religious events held in its rock churches and cathedral, creating an atmosphere of magic and spirituality that is truly unforgettable.