Matera is a very small city, so as long as you stay fairly central you're never going to be far away from anywhere else in town. But it is extremely hilly, so short distances can be more work than they seem.
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But be careful, during your Matera walking tour, you will involve a lot of walking, and as the city is hilly, hot—especially in the summer—and completely out in the open, you'll want to make sure you pack comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the Sassi di Matera. The Sassi originated in a prehistoric troglodyte settlement, and these dwellings are thought to be among the first ever human settlements in what is now Italy.
Dating back to 7000BC, Matera is touted as one of the oldest human settlements in the world. It might be one of the oldest, but it doesn't take long to appreciate. Two days in Matera is a perfect length for a visit.
You should know that there are many beautiful beaches around Matera. Here are some of them: Lido di Metaponto, Nova Siri Marina, Marina di Pisticci and the Bosco Pantano beach. I recommend you drop in or spend a day or more there, as they are the ideal place for a swim in the midst of nature!
Getting Around MateraOne reason we loved Matera is because it is super walkable! We walked allll over town and although it's very hilly and has lots of stairs, it was so much fun! We wouldn't recommend renting a car here, as it would be a bit harder to park in the Sassi.
The old town of Matera has been abandoned for such a long time that it is still unusual to see locals enjoying a walk in the “Sassi” area. In the higher part of town and the new area, you'll find many locals, whereas the lower sassi area will be busy in the day with tourists and people working, but very quiet at night.
Palazzo Gattini is the hotel of Matera that contributed to the new James Bond movie offering hospitality, privacy and serenity to the movie director, Cary Joji Fukunaga, and to the main actors, Daniel Craig and Léa Seydoux.
But no place else in Italy can you take a walking tour of the third-oldest city in the world. Matera, located in the heart of the lightly trodden region of Basilicata, is 9,000 years old. Think about it. It has been continually inhabited since 7,000 years before Christ.
Matera is an ancient city that seems to have existed forever. It is the third oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, with over 10,000 years of history. The rock caves, the rocky Murgia of Matera and some primitive dwellings of the Sassi tell of ancient settlements.
Located in the Basilicata region of Italy, Matera is the oldest city in Italy and in Europe. Ancient neighborhoods, and stunning landscapes this tiny town is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Both Matera and Alberobello are fascinating, but they evoke completely different feelings. Both are rich in history. However, in Matera, you get the impression of struggle amongst a vast wilderness, whilst Alberobello brings magic and enchantment to mind.
Dating back to 7000BC, Matera is touted as one of the oldest human settlements in the world. It might be one of the oldest, but it doesn't take long to appreciate. Two days in Matera is a perfect length for a visit.