Matera: the gem embedded among the rocks.

1. What is Matera known for?

• The Sassi of Matera: These ancient neighborhoods, comprised of the Sassi Caveoso and Barisano, are famous for their rock-carved dwellings. They offer a journey into the past with labyrinthine streets and cave-like architecture, showcasing how people lived in these homes until the mid-20th century.
• Ridola National Museum: One of Italy’s most important archaeological museums, Ridola houses a vast collection of prehistoric and historical artifacts that tell the rich and varied story of Matera.
• Matera Cathedral: Situated atop Civita, the highest part of the Sassi, this 13th-century cathedral mixes Romanesque and Gothic elements. Inside, you can admire medieval frescoes and a panoramic view of the city.
• Rock Churches: Matera is famous for its rock-carved churches, such as Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano. These churches contain valuable fresco cycles dating back to the Middle Ages.
• Casa Noha: A traditional Sassi house transformed into a multimedia center that narrates the history of Matera and its Sassi districts through immersive projections and storytelling.
• Murgia Materana Park: A protected natural area across from the Sassi, offering hiking trails, cliffs, and over 150 rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a complete view of Matera from the other side of the canyon.
• Palombaro Lungo: An impressive underground cistern located beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where visitors can explore a vast water collection system that once served the city.
• Vico Solitario: One of the most picturesque and photographed alleys in Matera, representative of traditional life in the Sassi, with its intricate houses and courtyards.
• National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata: Located in Palazzo Lanfranchi, this museum houses a vast collection of art, including paintings by Caravaggio and other important artists from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era.
• MUSMA – Museum of Contemporary Sculpture of Matera: Located in one of the historic Sassi palaces, MUSMA is one of the few museums dedicated exclusively to sculpture, with works displayed in a unique context of caves and rock-carved rooms.
• Crypt of the Original Sin: Often called the “Sistine Chapel” of rock churches, this crypt is famous for its well-preserved frescoes dating to the 8th century, depicting biblical scenes.
• Murgia Timone Belvedere: The most famous observation point to admire Matera in all its glory, especially at sunset. It offers a spectacular view of the Sassi and the old city.

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2. What to eat in Matera that’s typical?

• Pane di Matera IGP: This rustic bread is famous for its crispy crust and soft, fragrant interior. It’s made with local durum wheat and has a distinctive shape that resembles the Matera hills. It’s perfect as an accompaniment to appetizers and cheeses.
• Crapiata: A traditional soup dating back to Roman peasant times, made with mixed legumes, cereals, and sometimes pasta. It’s a rich and nutritious dish, ideal for cold days.
• Orecchiette with turnip greens: Although common throughout Apulia and Basilicata, this dish combines homemade pasta shaped like small ears with bitter turnip greens, garlic, and chili pepper.
• Peperoni cruschi: Dried red peppers, fried in olive oil until crispy. They’re a delicious side dish or can be used as an ingredient in appetizers and main dishes.
• Lucanica of small pig: A type of spicy and aromatic sausage made with pork meat, pepper, and wild fennel. It’s often grilled or added to stews and sauces.
• Sagne ‘ncannulate: Fresh pasta rolled into a spiral shape, typically served with a meat ragù or tomato sauce and grated salted ricotta.
• Shepherd’s lamb: Lamb cooked with potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes in a rich sauce, often flavored with herbs like rosemary and mint. It’s a rich dish that reflects the region’s pastoral tradition.
• Cialledda: A rustic salad that can be served warm or cold, made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
• Fava beans and chicory: A simple yet deeply rooted dish in Matera’s cuisine, consisting of mashed dry fava beans and sautéed wild chicory, often enhanced with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Quince jelly: A quince jelly often served as a dessert after main meals or used as a filling for cakes and pastries.
• Aglianico del Vulture: A robust red wine produced in the nearby volcanic areas, perfect for pairing with red meats and aged cheeses.