Matera (Basilicata)

Panoramic view of Matera and the Sassi, Basilicata

Panoramic view of Matera and the Sassi, Basilicata

Panoramic view of Matera and the Sassi, Basilicata

Matera is a city and a province in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), Matera is well known for its historical center called "Sassi", considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1993, along with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. On October 17, 2014, Matera was declared Italian host of European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Matera Highlights

Christmas
via dei presepi
Five of the Most Original ‘Presepi’ in Italy

Christmas in Italy wouldn’t be the same without the various representations of the nativity scene. Here are five of the most unique.

Christmas
christmas
Five Christmas Markets To Visit in Italy (That Are Not in Trentino-Alto Adige)

Go off the beaten path to discover some quaint lesser-known Christmas markets in Italy.

Italy's Treasures
Vasto Abruzzo
Making Up for Lost Time: Authentic Italy with No Crowds in Abruzzo, Puglia, and Matera

Can’t wait to travel again but want to avoid the throngs? Head to Abruzzo, Puglia, and Matera and have the best of Italy virtually to yourself!

Traditions
Street of Matera at night
The Ghosts of Matera

On the nights around 2 November, if you happen to walk through the dark streets of the Sassi, you could come across 'shadows', souls of the dead.

Christmas
December in italy
Things to Do and See in Italy in December 2019

With Christmas approaching, this month's regular round-up of great events takes a festive approach.

What you can't miss in Matera

Where is Matera

Top Experiences in Matera

Recipes From Basilicata

Recipes
horseradish pasta
Ferricelli al Rafano: Pasta with Horseradish Tomato Sauce
Traditionally, this dish is served with pasta called “ferricelli,” named after the iron rod the dough was rolled around. It’s a lovely toothsome pasta, but of course, the recipe is fabulous with any shape, size, or type of pasta!  
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