Other Ideas
Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site
The brochure created by the Territorial Promotion Agency of Basilicata is a concise and essential guide to Matera and the Park of the Rock Churches. In the publication in 5 languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish and German), only some of the main tourist and cultural attractions of the city are present, sites also shown in the accompanying map which also indicates the public utility services. The short guide is therefore an invitation to discover Matera and its wonderful landscape which it will reserve many other pleasant surprises for temporary citizens, travelers and tourists who want to get to know it in depth.
Beyond the Sassi: unique experiences and lesser-known places
Matera offers much more than the famous Sassi. Here is a selection of experiences and places that will enrich your stay with unexpected discoveries.
Cinema and film sets
Matera has been the set of numerous international films thanks to its unique landscape:
- “The Passion of Christ” (2004) by Mel Gibson – The Sassi as ancient Jerusalem
- “No Time to Die” (2021) – The last James Bond film with Daniel Craig
- “Wonder Woman” (2017) – Scenes set in ancient Themyscira
- “Ben Hur” (2016) – Remake set in the alleys of the Sassi
Film Tour: Guided tours available that retrace the most famous filming locations, with anecdotes and curiosities from backstage.
Experiences in nature
Murgia Materana Park
- Trekking between canyons and ravines with naturalist guides
- Mountain bike excursions on panoramic trails
- Birdwatching: the Murgia is home to numerous species of birds of prey
- Visits to historic farms and jazzi (ancient stone sheepfolds)
- Panoramic picnics with a view of the Sassi from the opposite side
Gravina of Matera
The natural canyon dug by the Gravina torrent which separates the city from the Murgia Park:
- Walk along the path that runs alongside the stream
- Crossing the Tibetan Bridge suspended over the ravine (for the bravest!)
- Discovery of prehistoric caves inhabited since the Paleolithic
- Observation of the typical flora and fauna of the rock environment
Days out
In the surroundings of Matera (30-60 km):
Montescaglioso (https://maps.app.goo.gl/1YknxhJdmd5Q6iTv6) – Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, medieval village
Miglionic (https://maps.app.goo.gl/yqyh55SegbBrAfwCA) – Malconsiglio Castle, mother church with polyptych by Cima da Conegliano, panorama over the valley
Tricarico (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wb2SPhCNibJxsatc6) – Medieval Arab-Norman village
Irsina: Mother church where the sculpture of Sant'Eufemia by Mantegna is kept
Aliano and the gullies (https://maps.app.goo.gl/nX1Ps9gRPnoP8sUL7) – Country of confinement by Carlo Levi (“Christ stopped at Eboli”)
Craco Vecchia: suggestive ghost village that can be visited with a guided tour used for film settings
- Metaponto – Archaeological area with Palatine Tables (Greek temple)
- Castelmezzano And Pietrapertosa – Dolomiti Lucane with “Volo dell’Angelo”, “Slittovia delle Dolomiti”, “Ferrata Salemm”