Exploring the Timeless Charm of Matera, Italy

A Fond Farewell to Matera

Our final day in Matera arrived with a mix of emotions. While I was eager to reflect on all we had experienced during our week-long stay, there was also a tinge of sadness knowing that our time in this extraordinary city was coming to an end. I wanted to soak up every last bit of its ancient charm before we began our journey back to Berlin. Today promised a deeper dive into Matera's spiritual side, exploring more of its famed rock-cut churches, along with a final taste of the region's unique culinary offerings.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at DIMITRIA | Il ristorante. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee filled the air, setting the perfect tone for our last day of exploration. I opted for a simple yet satisfying breakfast of local pastries and cappuccino, while Jürgen enjoyed a selection of cold cuts and cheeses. DIMITRIA is known for its use of local, organic ingredients, and you could truly taste the difference. It was the ideal way to fuel up for a day of walking and discovery.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Dimitria in Matera – where every dish tells a story of tradition and passion.

With our appetites sated, we set out to explore the first of today's featured attractions: the Chiesa Rupestre della Madonna della Croce. The church is located a bit outside the main Sassi area, requiring a scenic drive and a short hike. As we approached, the landscape transformed into a rugged, almost lunar-like terrain. The church itself is nestled into the rocks, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we discovered that the Chiesa Rupestre della Madonna della Croce was temporarily closed to visitors. Though disappointed, I took the opportunity to photograph the exterior and the stunning views of the Murgia Materana. The landscape alone was worth the trip, offering a sense of solitude and timelessness.


Explore the rich history and serene beauty of Chiesa Rupestre della Madonna della Croce, a must-visit shrine in the stunning city of Matera.

Sometimes, the most rewarding travel experiences come from unexpected detours and discoveries.

Our next stop was the Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci, located in the heart of the Sassi. This complex proved to be a highlight of the day. Carved entirely into the rock, it's an incredible example of Matera's unique architecture. The complex consists of two churches, Madonna delle Virtù and San Nicola dei Greci, as well as a monastery, a 'Casa Grotta,' and an ancient cellar. The churches were amazing. The architecture reflects the basilica-style with three naves. The interior was adorned with frescoes, the most striking one being the 16th-century depiction of the Crucifixion with the Madonna and San Giovanni. The monastery was equally fascinating, with its labyrinthine network of rooms and passageways. Jürgen, with his architect's eye, was particularly impressed by the engineering and design of the complex.


Explore the historic Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù and San Nicola dei Greci, a stunning rock-hewn complex in Matera filled with art and spirituality.

After immersing ourselves in the history and artistry of the Complesso Rupestre, we were ready for lunch. We chose Ristorante Burro Salato - Cucina Francese e Lucana a Matera, a place that promised a unique fusion of French and Lucanian cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We started with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, followed by the *Lasagnetta alla pezzente con salsa Mornay al Comte e vincotto di fichi*. For my main course, I opted for one of their savory crêpes, while Jürgen chose a traditional Lucanian pasta dish. The blend of French techniques with local ingredients was truly inspired, and every dish was bursting with flavor. It was a culinary experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Matera – a harmonious blend of old and new, local and international.


Experience the best of French and Lucanian cuisine at Ristorante Burro Salato in Matera – a true culinary journey awaits.

As the afternoon waned, we decided to seek out a panoramic spot to enjoy a final aperitivo. We stumbled upon Crialoss, Panoramic Cave, Café Bistrot, a charming café built into a cave with a terrace offering breathtaking views of Matera. We ordered a couple of Aperol spritzes and settled in to soak up the scenery. The city sparkled in the late afternoon sun, and the atmosphere was relaxed and convivial. It was the perfect place to reflect on our week in Matera and to savor the last moments of our Italian adventure.


Discover breathtaking views and delightful cuisine at Crialoss, Matera's charming café bistro in a historic setting.

For our final dinner in Matera, we chose San Biagio Ristorante - Matera centro sassi, a restaurant known for its traditional Lucanian cuisine and its charming location in the heart of the Sassi. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with stone walls and rustic décor. We started with a selection of local antipasti, including *burrata* and *peperoni cruschi* (crispy bell peppers). For our main courses, I chose the *agnello* (lamb), while Jürgen opted for the *baccalà* (cod). The food was hearty, flavorful, and authentically Lucanian. It was a fitting end to our culinary journey through Matera.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at San Biagio Ristorante in Matera - where tradition meets modern dining.

As we savored our final glasses of *Aglianico*, we reminisced about the highlights of our trip. From exploring the ancient Sassi to discovering hidden churches and indulging in the region's unique cuisine, Matera had exceeded all of our expectations. It was a place that had touched our hearts and stirred our souls. As we prepared to leave, I knew that we would carry the memories of Matera with us always.

Our time in Matera has come to an end, but the memories we made here will last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Berlin, filled with stories and experiences to share. I'm already looking forward to planning our next adventure, inspired by the timeless charm and captivating beauty of Matera.

As I reflect on our journey, I am reminded of a quote by the Italian writer, Cesare Pavese:

To travel is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky. All things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.

Matera, with its ancient stones and timeless spirit, has certainly offered us a glimpse of the eternal. Until next time, *arrivederci*! I hope that this series of articles, describing the various days of our trip, encourages you to visit Matera yourself!

Tomorrow, we will travel back to Berlin, marking the end of this trip.