Lykkers, picture a city sculpted into cliffs, where history whispers through labyrinthine alleys and sunlight dances on ancient limestone.

Welcome to Matera, Italy’s mesmerizing cave city, a place where every stone tells a story.

Time Travel Through Caves

Step into the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, where dwellings date back to the Neolithic era. Once deemed Italy’s “shame” due to post-war poverty, Matera now dazzles as Europe’s 2019 Capital of Culture. Wander the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso districts, where cave homes and workshops blend seamlessly into the rugged terrain.

Guided Exploration

Kickstart your journey with a guided walking tour (€15-€30, 2-3 hours). Local experts unravel tales of resilience, like how residents ingeniously harvested rainwater via underground cisterns. For a quirky twist, hop on an Ape Calessino tour (€20-€40 per person, 1 hour), zipping through hilly streets in a vintage three-wheeler.

Underground Wonders

Descend into the Palombaro Lungo, a 16th-century underground water system (€5 entry, 9 AM–7 PM). Marvel at its vaulted ceilings and learn how Materans survived droughts. By night, sip artisanal drinks at Zipa Cafe, a chic cave bar with beanbag seating. Opt for a sunset smoothie (€6-€10) while soaking in panoramic views of the Sassi.

Scenic Adventures

Cross the Gravina River via a scenic 2-hour hike or drive to Murgia Timone viewpoint. Capture Matera’s iconic silhouette at golden hour—arrive by 6 PM for prime photography. Don’t miss Piazza Giovanni Pascoli at dusk, where the city glows like a nativity scene.

Culinary Delights

Savor fave e cicoria (fava bean puree with chicory, €10-€15) at Trattoria del Caveoso. For pasta lovers, orecchiette with turnip greens (€12-€18) showcases Basilicata’s rustic flavors. Join a farmhouse cooking class (€50-€80, 3–4 hours) to master these dishes using ingredients from local markets.

Historic Treasures

Explore San Pietro Caveoso. Climb to Matera Cathedral (free entry, 9 AM–12:30 PM, 3:30–7 PM) for Romanesque architecture and a crypt dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Lose yourself in the Sassi’s hidden alleys—each turn reveals courtyards blooming with geraniums or a centuries-old bread oven.

Practical Tips

Reach Matera via Bari Airport (1.5-hour train ride) or Brindisi Airport (2-hour bus). Stay in a restored cave hotel (€80-€200/night) for an immersive experience. Visit April–June or September–October for mild weather.

A Journey Beyond Time

Matera isn’t just a destination—it’s a sensory voyage through millennia. Lykkers, will you answer the call of these ancient stones? Pack your curiosity and let Matera’s magic transform you.