Sassi di Matera, Matera Travel Guide

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Discover Matera's ancient cave dwellings: a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut architecture, history, and stunning landscapes.

The Sassi di Matera are a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, these unique settlements offer a glimpse into the past, with a network of winding alleyways, rock churches, and cave houses transformed into homes, businesses, and hotels.

A brief summary to Sassi di Matera

Matera, Province of Matera, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sassi di Matera.

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the Sassi involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and steep inclines.
Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario to experience a reconstructed cave dwelling and learn about the traditional way of life in the Sassi.
Explore the rock churches, such as the Crypt of the Original Sin, to admire the ancient frescoes and unique architecture.
Take advantage of the viewpoints outside the city for impressive panoramic views of the Sassi.
Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

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Explore Sassi di Matera on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sassi di Matera, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Sassi are best explored on foot due to the narrow, winding streets and numerous stairs. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square in Matera, walk towards Via Ridola and follow the signs for Sasso Barisano or Sasso Caveoso. The walk is approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on your destination within the Sassi. Be prepared for some uphill walking.
Public Transport

Matera's public transport system, operated by Miccolis s.p.a., offers bus routes that connect the city center with various points near the Sassi. The 'Sassi Line' is a special line that allows you to reach the UNESCO world heritage site. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single ticket costs €0.8 per person if purchased in advance, or €1.50 if purchased on board.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Matera, with a taxi stand located in Piazza Matteotti, near the Matera Centrale train station. A short taxi ride from the train station or other locations in the city center to the Sassi will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on the distance and traffic.
Parking

If arriving by car, it's best to park in one of the designated parking areas outside the Sassi, as access by car is restricted. Several parking lots are available near Via Lucana, the main road bordering the historical center. Parking fees vary, but typically range from €1-€2 per hour. Some parking lots offer daily rates. From the parking areas, it's a short walk to the Sassi.

Discover more about Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Italy, are a captivating example of human adaptation and ingenuity. This ancient settlement, comprised of the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso districts, features cave dwellings carved into the calcarenitic rock, locally called 'tufo'. Inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with evidence dating back to 7000 BC, the Sassi represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements.The Sassi's history is intertwined with the city of Matera itself. Over millennia, inhabitants transformed the rocky landscape into a functional city, with houses, churches, workshops, and cisterns carved from the same stone. The Sassi showcase a unique architectural style, where houses are often built on different levels, with the roof of one serving as the foundation for another.In the mid-20th century, the Sassi faced a period of hardship, with many residents living in poverty and unsanitary conditions. However, in recent decades, the Sassi have undergone a remarkable revitalization. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the area has been carefully restored, transforming cave houses into hotels, restaurants, and businesses, attracting visitors from around the globe. Exploring the Sassi today means wandering through a living museum, where the past and present blend seamlessly.