We visited on the weekend, but unfortunately the place was closed and there was no option to buy tickets. From the look of things, it seems like it may no longer be operating—lockers appeared old and dusty, though it’s possible it’s just temporarily closed (I can’t say for sure), but I see people visited it lately an it was open… I wish it was open when we visited 🥹🥹🥹 That said, you can still walk down the stairs to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the town. The entrance door is nice and the view adding it’s magic, and the historical architecture is truly beautiful and worth seeing. 🥰 Definitely a nice spot for a quick stop and some great photos! 🤩

Walked down today now queue to entre. Opening times are on the website. Was 3€ per adult and children under 18 free. Most people are down there 12-15 minutes. Stairs down are the same way back out so not for babies or people with mobility issues. No animals allowed also. The lights are beautiful and the entrance fee also included in info sheet on its history.

We decided to visit Palombardo Lungo on a blistering afternoon, more in need of a break from the sun than anything else. Handing over the €3 per adult felt a bit steep for what essentially looked like a stone archway. We went in with low expectations, and to be honest, the experience didn't really justify the price from a historical or cultural perspective. The name itself, "lungo" (long), gives you the most accurate description: it's a long, shaded passageway that you walk through. There's not a whole lot to see or do inside. It's a simple, well-maintained tunnel with rough-hewn stone walls and a cool, damp atmosphere. You can hear your own footsteps echoing in the quiet. However, what it lacks in visual spectacle, it more than makes up for in pure, unadulterated relief from the heat. The moment you step out of the blinding sunlight and into that cool, dark interior, it feels like a total reset for your body. It's the most refreshing few minutes you'll spend all day. So, while I certainly wouldn't recommend it as a must-see attraction on its own merit, if you find yourself walking around under a merciless sun and your energy is starting to fade, Palombardo Lungo becomes a practical, and at that moment, invaluable refuge. The €3 isn't for the historical significance; it's for the brief, beautiful respite from the heat. It's a great example of how sometimes the best part of a visit isn't what's advertised, but the simple comfort it provides from the elements.

This underground building is a good example how Matera residence stored water in old days. It should be able to store lots water, but now there is only little water on the bottom, maybe only for exhibition purpose, not sure if tap water is nowdays availabel in Matera. The building is well maintained, with bridges and steps for visitors to walk around. The lights inside is colorful. It is quite big structure and worthy to spend some time here.

Nice location to visit. Not very big, but cheap and interesting.

It is a great place to visit to understand the way people lived in the old times. The engineering behind it is amazing, worth the €3 to see and understand what it did to the people of Matera years ago

Very interesting place to visit the second largest cistern in Europe, costs €3 for entry and takes about 10 minutes to see the attraction. This water reservoir excavated in the rock, with numerous rooms, which served until a fairly recent time to supply water to Matera. It is truly impressive, the structure is well organized, restored and well lit. If you come to Matera it is worth visiting. Nicely done through walkways and stairs down and up, so it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

fantastic pizza & service! this place was packed, still we didn’t have to wait for too long. the lady behind the counter was so very welcoming. the pizza was perfect! price was exceptional: pizza + drink was less than 10 euro. incredible!

Mamma mia! Best pizza I had in Puglia 🤍 Loved how small and authentic this place is Also super affordable prices and nice service Would come back for sure

Absolutely stunning. As a someone who really enjoys art of food it was a great pleasure. Not only eating pizza but also conversation with the owner about process of making their pizza. Great experience.

Came to Italy hoping to find the best pizza I’ve yet tasted and found it here. Kept it simple and got the buffalo mozzarella with spicy salami. It was unreal!

One of the best pizzas we had in Italy. We took the Napoli and the Tasty - both were delicious, and the dough was incredible.

Really nice pizza and service. Flavouts were the best in italy so far, really recommned. Good for vegetarians as well

I really love pizza and this pizza was one of the best I've ever eaten. Simply perfect. Thank you for the gastronomic experience.

Great restaurant and Matara beautiful seating outside pretty view. Great food and wine can’t say enough. I felt bad not giving it a four. I would say a solid 3.5 but definitely worth going to.

Truthfully, hands down the best Italian food we have ever had. There is no words to describe how hospitable the wait staff is and how tremendous the food is. Make sure you make a reservation it is in high demand. The owner is a gentleman and a service/experience oriented individual who pays attention to details.

This restaurant was recommended to us by the hotel where we were staying. The quality of the food was good, portions of a good size but a pricing a little high. Staff and service rushed in a full restaurant.

Easy one of the best dinners we had in Matera. First off, the place is beautiful, make a reservation to ensure you get a spot on the terrace, as the view is lovely. The food is delicious and the portions are quite big, so you get value for your money. We particularly loved the potato pie (this was the best part), the arancini and the pasta. The tiramisu wasn't the best, you can probably skip it. The service was good, not over the top friendly but quick and efficient. They can definitely work a bit on the music, which at times doesn't suit the atmosphere. All in all, it's a lovely place for a nice, romantic and really delicious dinner in Matera :)

This restaurant was recommended to us by the host where we were staying. The quality of the food was very nice, the portions though for the price was really disappointing. My octopus as a main was very small. The staff are busy so the service is very rushed. We did make reservations as its not a very big restaurant & after 8:30 it starts to get busy. It was challenging to find our way there with Google maps so we did arrive 30mins late however they were okay with it. Nice food just small servings.

Fantastic restaurant that we visited due to a recommendation from @errinnobrienn which was spot on. One of the best places we ate at during our 21 day Italian vacation. The Burratta bread bowl was incredible. The Cavatelli with mushrooms and sweet peppers may be the best pasta I have ever had. The wine list is great and the cannoli is perfect!

We were for for our holidays with my family and was amazing, for starters was the burrata and was really big and the bread was also really good. After we ate the ravioli and the pizza for my son and both were very good

The castle would be beautiful, but it is not renovated and some of its parts are falling apart. Because of this, there is an ugly fence around it and it cannot be entered. You can take some photos from the small park in front of the castle, but the park has also seen better times.

Neat to look at but very rundown all around. Weeds growing everywhere, dead trees, overgrown grass, and busted concrete make up the surrounding area. Could be neat if money was put into the landscaping but instead you have people sleeping on parking benches or kids making out (or worse) on them. Did not feel safe taking kids up there. I tried to only take pics of the good parts.

While the castle itself is visually impressive, I personally felt that visiting it was not the best use of my time. 🥲 The surrounding area is poorly maintained and lacks proper accessibility, which takes away from the experience. It’s important to note that visitors are not allowed inside the castle—entry is blocked, and the entrance appears neglected. 🥺 As a result, we couldn’t explore the interior. The area could benefit from better organization to enhance the visitor experience. That said, since it’s close to the city center, you could still include it in your itinerary for a quick 5–10 minute stop to admire the exterior 💓

Could be great, but fenced off from afar, falling into ruins, and not kept up. Could be a great museum or place to visit with such historical value.

Not much to see...even the view from the top was only ok

Very cool, was closed but looked pretty ❤️

we were there today, apparently the castle has not been working for a long time. it is closed. It is surrounded by a net. You can only walk in the park around it, which is not impressive. I do not recommend it for a visit

The Cathedral of Matera (Duomo) is located at the highest point of the city. Its elevated position offers breathtaking panoramic views over both the Sassi districts and the surrounding landscape. The cathedral itself is a beautiful example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, with an impressive facade and a serene, atmospheric interior. Inside, you’ll find intricate details, restored frescoes, and a peaceful ambiance that invites quiet reflection. Even though the space isn’t overly large, the sense of history and artistry makes it feel significant and memorable. Right next to the cathedral, there’s a small museum that’s also worth a visit. It houses a collection of religious art and artifacts, providing more context about the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It’s not very big, but it’s nicely curated and complements the cathedral experience.

Absolutely stunning! Routes are well labeled and there are so many wonderful stops for breathtaking pictures and videos!

For some reason I can't fully explain, this Cathedral had a particularly sweet and profound impression on me among all the places I've explored in the Puglia region.

Amazing place to visit. Especially if you are a James bond fan.

if you are in this part of Italy , then Matera is not a bad choice..

We were disappointed that after making the effort to walk there, you were expected to pay 3.50 per person because there was a museum as well as the church. We were not interested in seeing the museum so skipped the whole thing, having seen many other beautiful churches in Italy for FREE.

Must see in matera. U should be aware of bus timetable

We made reservations for a group of five, and our table was ready when we arrived. We enjoyed a beautiful view of the old city. We ordered salad, bread, main dishes, wine, and Tiramisu to share. Everything was very good. Vincenzo was very helpful and efficient.

The food was delicious, I especially recommend their Chialledda, Trocollo con melanzane salsiccia e buratta and Polpo con crema di fave We absolutely loved it, also the staff was super friendly. Thank you

One of the Best Meals of the Holiday We had an absolutely outstanding lunch here—truly one of the best meals of our entire holiday! The quality, flavor, and fair prices make this place a must-visit. We would definitely come again. The Pasta Standout I ordered the Pasta with Sausage Ragù, and it was absolutely delicious. The dish featured a generous portion of meat and the flavor was perfectly balanced, hitting notes of salt, savory richness, and a great little creaminess. Crucially, the pasta was perfectly cooked (something many places struggle with, often leaving it too hard). This pasta dish alone is a winner! The Signature Meat Dish The dish that truly stood out was the meat dish (the second photo, possibly a secondo or a specialty primo). It was served with a pumpkin sauce and a hint of truffle. This dish was a masterpiece! It should be a permanent menu item, not just a daily special—it has all the makings of a signature dish. The depth of flavor was amazing and I would happily eat it all day. Conclusion Both dishes were phenomenal, cooked to perfection, and represented incredible value. The experience was flawless and featured one of the best combinations of flavor and portioning we've encountered. Highly recommended!

During our stay in Matera we have been in few restaurants. All were nice but the MateraMi was the best. We took two dishes of the day and they were delicious (check the pic. - I ate everything!) The staff was very professional and kind. We had a table outside with a fantastic view on the Sassi. Please be inform it is rather difficult to get there without a reservation. It has my reccomendation!

Food was honestly very average. You can tell it's just pandering to tourist rather than authentic when you have to tell them not to put cheese on a steak. The tiramisu is just a puddle of cream and the creme brule had barely any flavour. The waiters are polite but was awkward when he noticed we didn't finish the tiramisu. The restaurant does have a stunning view but ruined by constant cars and motorbikes driving past loudly.

We were suprised that the food was great. Staff was very nice. The desserts were delicious. Fair prices.

Great food and service! And what a view! They dont have special menu for kids but pasta will do the thing.

Stopped here for a quick bite to eat while taking in the sights and history of the incredible town of Matera, we ate the most amazing eggplant parmigiana , and my husband had a roast porchetta panino, the bread was delicious and crispy, a wonderful and delicious lunch at such a reasonable price, i highly recommend this little spot !!

The seating in front of the bistro is limited but the sandwich/panini was excellent. We tried traditional option and was very happy with the choice.

I found these guys videos on Instagram and I had to go check if their paninis are as good as they look! And they absofu*kinglutely are! I have no words to describe them. Simply delicious. I tried 2 of them, but my absolute favorite remains the classic tramontano with mortadella and pistachio. The staff was also super kind and friendly. Long story short: I cannnot wait to take my friends there!

The best sandwiches I've ever eaten! Very tasty

We tried twice to eat there during the hours listed on Google. The first time in the afternoon, the bread had already run out and they were closing. The next morning we tried again, about an hour after the official opening time, but the bread still wasn’t ready. Keep in mind that the actual service doesn’t always match the stated opening hours.

So delicious food!We try Panini number 4(peccato originale)!We recommend this to everyone!

Very testy sandwiches, friendly and helpfull staff, very quick service. There could be more vegetarian options but still the artichoke was delicious! Highly recommend:)

The winner for worst pasta goes to… it is amazing how many positive reviews this place gets, hello are they all bots or real people? so people have some special taste buds? Or perhaps people are just too hungry when in Matera? This has got to be the most terrible tasting pasta I have ever tasted in my entire life and ironically it has to be in Italy of all places. How embarrassing! Appearance: the pasta look fresh but deceiving, sauce looks unappealing and leaks flavour, the taste is bland and probably a bottled sauce tastes 10x better. Will only feed this to my enemies. Why would u eat at this place: if u have little money maybe 7-8 euros and choose to ingest just carbs, little scraps of meat and poor quality sauce. If indeed this is high quality sauce then we have to be certain this is a low quality chef. I’m sure the reply would be sarcastic…so keep it simple, do better. AVOID AT ALL COST. Unless all u have is 7 euros, get some bread at the bakery. Update after seeing your reply: what did I say that is essentially wrong. Just improve… save on your sarcastic and “smart” remarks and reply, your pasta is bad, period. 100% truth, and sometimes truth hurts. Please have a taste your the food you make, and realise for yourself how bad it truly is. And surely there are bots, clearly only great things about your pasta, wonder what’s making them say all these nice things about the bland and tasteless pasta. The amount of proteins given is “scraps” and hardly any. Learn to handle the truth about the quality. Anyone reading this, tourists and locals alike, please feel free to share your real opinions about this tourist trap of a “pasta” place - the bad way of pasta.

The staff were very kind and friendly, and our pasta dishes were prepared very quickly — they were absolutely delicious!

Waited patiently for our food, saw tables around us finished and new customers came and received their food. Went to check on our order, gentleman at the counter and the lady chef exchanged some words, some looks of frustration and confusion there. Food was served shortly after that. Unfortunately after a couple of bites, we realised both dishes were not what we ordered. No sausage & mushrooms in one and no cod in the other. Just plain tomato & basil. One of the pasta type was wrong as well (there’s 2 types to choose from) Informed the gentleman, he offered to change the dishes to the correct ones which we appreciate, even though with some hints of frustration. Would like to think it’s not directed at us. We would like to just receive what we ordered, nothing else. The correct dishes were then served shortly. Unfortunately, it was tasteless and bland even though we were very hungry. We could have caught them on a wrong day. Just a honest recount of our experience here.

If u want something to grab fast for eat, it is really good, The service is fast, the guy on the counter was really nice, and the pasta was okay, nothing special, and the portion is ooookay, it could be a bit bigger. But to sum all up, it is okay

A nice place with a nice service. The food was very tasty, I got pasta cacio e pepe and a bottle of water, I spent 8€. My friend took pasta funghi e salsiccia. I was afraid that I would have been still hungry but I actually wasn’t able to finish my portion. The square were full of tourists so it was very dinamical. The girl who served us was very kind. Thanks for the experience!

Good fast option for a quick pasta meal. Very tasty but limited options. Located on a central square next to a popular viewpoint.

The worst pasta I have ever had. We ordered Cime di Rapa and it was bland and bitter. Also didnt have salt in it. Never again

The food was perfect, the waiters gave the right amount of attention. I had fried seafood times before, but this was the best I have ever had. The pasta was also fresh and perfectly balanced in flavour. I can’t wait to come back and try more of their dishes.

We were a group of four so we tried many dishes combined. They were all fantastic. All of the dishes had a local flare which also made them unique. The waiting staff was very attentive and efficient even though the restaurant was full. We had our main waitress and three other staff serving us.

We traveled in a group of 3 couples and visited the whole of Puglia in 7 days. At Trattoria Stano we had the most attention from the staff. The food is local, delicately prepared and very tasty. We would definitely come again.

Amazing restaurant where food is great and service is amazing. If you want to taste local ingredients, depending on season, prepared and cocked at high level this is a place you must visit. The Marro is made with interiors of sheep, amazing: don’t think you can find anywhere else. Cocked this way. Pasta selection is great and fave with cicoria is an appetiser that will set you for dinner. I saw a spectacular dish on tables near me that is the Pignata. Next time I go I will try some. Menu is rich and you do not go wrong any option you pick. Service is friendly and smooth. Waiting time is just perfect. Restrooms are clean and neat. Overall experience is high level and final price per person is amazingly fair! Thumbs up for Stano!

Fantastic meal and service at Trattoria Stano!! We had this crunchy pasta dish with breadcrumbs that I already miss. I would return every day to have that dish! Also had an excellent fava bean and chicory appetizer. Service was super friendly and attentive. Our meal there was one of our highlights of our southern Italy trip.

1st time in my life that I had donkey meat and I am still thinking about it almost a month later. The food was delicious. Their bathroom is really hidden behind a plant, it's really funny. The service was nice, cool restaurant. I wish I could return soon.

I had a wonderful experience at Trattoria Stano. The Orecchiette alla Murgiana was a super dish - a unique and delicious choice that I'd highly recommend. Enjoyed dining outside with a glass of good wine, which perfectly complemented the meal. The atmosphere was lovely, and the service was excellent.Trattoria Stano is a great choice.

We had an amazing dinner here! My husband had the lamb, and I had the octopus—both were absolutely 10/10. The food arrived quickly, and the service was excellent from start to finish. The location is stunning, with a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere that made the whole experience even more enjoyable. It’s also very family-friendly—they provide high chairs, and there’s plenty of outdoor space for kids to play safely. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food in a welcoming setting!

A lot of flies Parts of ravioli was undercooked, sauce was nice. Tourist trap Scammed and charged 12€ for use of olive oil, pepper and salt. Even the 2 star Michelin I went to a week before only charged 10 euros for 4 kinds of home made bread, 5 different infused butter and the best reserved olive oil and super fancy bread sticks. Go across the street to Conzato for more authentic and better quality food

We came to Ristorante Bell’agio for lunch after checking into our hotel. The service was excellent and the food way absolutely amazing. My wife and I did the Sunday 4 course meal. It was so delicious. I didn’t even get a chance to take a picture of our first course this delicious fava bean purée with toasted breadcrumbs and Sautéed bitter greens. Our server was so attentive and friendly, he even overheard me talking about wanting bruschetta and brought out a taste! Definitely would recommend. We sat outside and it was a lovely place to watch the visitors of Matera walk by.

Ristorante Bell’Agio is truly one of the best restaurants we’ve ever experienced. What made it unforgettable was not just the amazing food, but the exceptional staff who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail created an atmosphere that felt both special and comfortable. And the food — absolutely outstanding. Every dish was crafted with care, using top-quality ingredients and full of rich, authentic flavors. You can really tell the kitchen takes pride in every plate they serve. Between the outstanding service and the incredible food, this restaurant stands out in every way. If you’re in Matera, do not miss Bell’Agio. We can’t recommend it highly enough!

We went to this restaurant for dinner and both the food and service were amazing!! In fact, we loved it so much that we had to come again the next day. Their pasta was so rich in taste and tiramisu was 10/10!! Special appreciation for Antonio and Daniela; they were so lovely!!

This time just sat down and ordered. We were quite lucky. The waiter brought bread to tableand after me asking for olive oil he brought it just a few drops to try . C’mon. We started with bruschette, which were really basic in the best possible way - olive bread + cut cherry tomatoes. Perfect. We ordered risotto with sephran and lamb cheese. It was special, a bit sweet and with taste of lamb cheese. A great combination of tastes. An original recepy of this osteria. Recommend it

We stopped in for an early dinner after a long walk. We had no reservation but were welcome and seated on the pleasant outdoor patio with a nice view. We ordered the 4 course meal and it was absolutely the best meal we had in Matera! Wonderful flavors and nicely presented. The dessert that evening was cannoli and it was the best I have ever had! Also huge and thoughtful wine list, at all price points. I would love to eat here again. Thank you!

Beautiful square. I’m pretty sure that the artist here tried to portrait the tree of life, but of course, this is not allowed these days. What a shame!

An absolutely beautiful and breathtaking space, an awe-inspiring panorama of history unfolding before you. A walk through the beautiful center of Matera is an unforgettable experience. We didn't get the chance to return at night, but we've heard it's doubly beautiful then.

Good photo stop both during day & at sunset. Worth the climb

My wife and I visited at the end of May. Was gorgeous. Watch out because the UV index is high, while the temperature was still low.

Beautiful old part of town, worth a visit in the day and the night

Matera is very interesting, the construction is amazing and has several view points. You can also walk around the old part of the city.

Breathtaking view of Matera. It is beautiful in day and night.

Seriously, the best meal on our 13 days long trip on southern Italy! The service, place, dinner table friends. Dinner at this place is a must! But be sure to make reservations.

We went here for lunch after not getting a table the evening before. Decided to try the antipasti completo - cheese, cold cuts and several specialities. It was amazing, and a lot!! Sadly didn't make it to dinner before we had to leave Matera, but when we come back, we definitely will.

The place was recommended by our hosts. The pasta was served lukewarm, almost cold. The 4 mini desserts was akin to ones you get at bad buffets. We were quite disappointed with our experience. We really wanted to like it.

The pastas are pretty good. They have a few outdoor seatings which are pretty nice when it is sunny. Live the 4 mini desserts as well.

Trattoria del Caveoso was a great restaurant with a charming atmosphere! I was lucky to get a table on a busy night without having a reservation. I ordered the Paccheri Del Casaro - a unique and delicious dish which was amazing, I loved the crushed peppers! Highly recommend this spot for an authentic dining experience!

Delicious, traditional food of the region prepared with knowhow and love. Friendly, welcoming staff, terrific house red ☺️. Despite being in the tourist district does not feel touristy, rather than a restaurant that the Matera tourist boom grew up around rather than created.

Our first restearand .. we were send here by the staff of our hotel : Le Malve Cave retreat. Amazing lo ation... We took Antipasto completo comprende: caveoso, casaro e pizzicagnolo (vegetarian mix, cheeses and typical lucanian cold cuts Super friendly staff! And mmmmmm DELICIOUS !

Matera is a must-see destination, renowned for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, stunning rock-hewn churches, and rich history. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, its labyrinth of stone-carved homes and alleys offers a unique glimpse into the past. Matera captivates with its breathtaking views, cinematic charm, and authentic Italian atmosphere.

Matera is simply breathtaking! I have never been so moved by a place... Not even Pompei (and yes it is also magnificent and an absolute wonder of history). MATERA is one of the oldest cities in the world and is literally a jewel. The feeling of being there, trying to understand how anyone could have come up with this crazy idea of carving a whole city into stone... Is simply unbelievable.

It is very picturesque. There are a plenty of museums and hidden cafes in the narrow streets. Get comfortable shoes.

be prepared to walk 1525251028 steps, and it seems you always go up and even on return up again if you dont want to take same path, but its totally worth it. i been there on rainy day and still worth it

No, one day is not enough. I geel judt lucky to hsve ever had the chance to visit such sn amazing place.

This is probably the most unique and interesting place we’ve been to. The Gravina Gorge was a very challenging hike. The old city of Matera is visually very pleasing and the Sassi (cave homes) are fascinating. If you’re a 007 fan like me you’ll be interested in the locations where several of the opening scenes of No Time To Die were shot. Love this place, 2-3 days is plenty.

If you go to Matera, you definitely have to come here!

It’s definitely one of the most beautiful and popular rock churches in Matera. It is perched on the upper part of Monterrone, the cliff that lies in the middle of Sasso Caveoso. It dates back to the 12th century and it has several frescoes.

🌅 If you’re chasing that unforgettable Matera sunset, this is the spot — Santa Maria di Idris Church. Came here hoping to catch the golden hour view of the city, and wow… it delivered. Big time. The panoramic view was just chef’s kiss — perfect to soak in the beauty of Matera as day slowly fades into night. Matera during the day is beautiful, no doubt. But Matera at night? Absolutely magical. L It’s honestly breathtaking. 💡 If you’re visiting Matera, don’t leave without seeing it at night. You won’t regret it.

This church is unique blend of history, architectory Matery .This church features a tuff facade rebuild in the XV century . The interiors contains some remarkable frescoes from XII century

A good hike to visit the church but the views are worth the visit

Unfortunately you’re not allowed to take photos inside. Quite small church, but nice to have seen the inside.

It is too small, it takes 5min to see everything because there no much to see.. parts of some paintings in bad conditions... 4 euros is too much. I suppose they dont allow pictures so people can see what is inside before paying...

The church on the rock with great view of the Sassi. 4 Euro to enter

We visited a traditional cave dwelling in the Sassi Caveoso area, and it was definitely worth the stop. Although we had to wait a few minutes before entering, the staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience feel relaxed and unhurried. The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in these caves until the 1950s. It’s quite remarkable—and a little humbling—to see how entire families shared these spaces not only with each other but also with their animals, including chickens and even horses. The interior has been thoughtfully restored and laid out, with everyday objects and furniture that help bring the past to life. While you may have read about this part of Matera’s history, standing inside the cave really gives it a whole new dimension. It’s something else entirely to physically be in the space and imagine what daily life was like. A short but meaningful visit that adds depth to your understanding of Matera’s unique heritage.

Very interesting reconstruction of life and objects in Sassi di Matera. It is amazing that this was not so long ago. It consists of 3 parts, of which only the living room and the natural refrigerator are worth seeing. There is a paid entrance fee of 5 euros for which you get a recorded audio guide through your phone, which is quite crazy, but it is what it is.

A Fascinating Step Back in Time - A Must-See in Matera. Visiting the Casa Grotta nei Sassi was a truly eye-opening experience. It's an amazing place to discover what a traditional peasant home looked like, and it's incredible to think that families lived this way until they were relocated in the 1950s. The recreation is very well done and gives you a powerful feel for their daily life. What makes this a fantastic value is that the same ticket also gives you access to two other nearby sites: an ancient snow cave used for storing ice and a small cave church that was later converted into a dwelling. This is an absolute must-see when you are in the area. It doesn't take long to visit, but it provides incredible context for understanding the unique history of the Sassi. Highly recommended.

Wonderful guide who took the time to answer our questions at Casa Grotto. Much like life in Finland at the same time. Of course, people didn't live in caves in Finland. Interesting history. No queues.

It was fascinating to see how people once lived in Matera, sharing their homes with animals and even preserving ice from winter through the summer

Oh crap. An overall underwhelming sightseeing spot. Don’t expect a full size museum. It is basically a studio packed with furniture and miscellaneous items. We like antiques, but wow, the overall amount of things to see is severely insufficient. It is sad. The site can be finished in 5 minutes. This spot l shouldn’t be priced at 5 euro. The other attractions in Matera offer a lot more and are only 3-4 euro. 5 euro is an absolute rip off. Do yourself a favor, save the 5 euro and get yourself something to drink. The fair value of this attraction should be 1 euro at best, if not free. If you don’t have time, skip this spot. The scenery around this attraction is amazing however; so visiting this general area is still recommended.

Unique experience inside the cave, very interesting to find the cellar temperature cold even without any closed doors

Finally got to try the famous Matera bread here and we loved it! We had the Lucanian pork cheek and the orecchiette with ragu - both were delicious, but the pork cheek especially blew our minds. It was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great local food experience in Matera!

Very friendly staff. We loved the table setting. Dishes are very good accompanied by a red wine. The vegetarian pasta s, chicken and lamb were all very good. To be recommended the tiramisu. Lovely restaurant

We came here for lunch, as they were fully booked for all dinners over the weekend. We ordered the set menu + wine pairing, and absolutely enjoyed our time there. I wish we got our waiter’s name because he was so friendly and spent time explaining to us about all the wines we were tasting. Our waiter’s warmth definitely made the experience better for us. The meals were delicious too. Would definitely come again if we visit Matera again.

It‘s all good until it‘s fraud! Read down below before you visit La Lopa in Matera! First of all, the restaurant is a nice place and the food is good. Don‘t expect overly large portions but the taste was nice and I would recommend eating an Antipasto, a Primi or Secondi with a side dish and a dessert. What about the fraud: We ordered two glasses of red wine and a bottle of water along with the dinner. The wine didn‘t arrive and we thought about it because we had to drive home 2 hours after dinner. We let the waiter know that they forgot the wine and that we would cancel it because we would stay with water only. No problem, he responded. When we asked for the bill it was 89€ including two glasses of red wine for I think 7€ in total, which we didn’t receive and canceled later at the waiter. It was a bill with all the positions we ordered in detail. I asked the waitress to correct the bill expecting to pay 82€ and give her a tip instead. What happened was that one of the two women in charge, a blonde, came to us with the card reader covering the bill inside of her hand. The card reader said 89€ and she asked for the credit card. I gave it to her because I didn‘t care about the 7€, more about the fact that she was willing to betray her customers. After the payment was made she quickly got rid of the bill crumpling it up with her hand. I immediately asked for the bill, so instead of giving me the detailed bill she had crumpled up, she walked away and came back with a bill which only stated the total amount of 89€ but without the positions we ordered in detail. This would otherwise have revealed that she didn’t correct the bill as we asked her to. So I‘m asking you directly: What did you earn by fooling and betraying your customers without even thinking anyone would notice your criminal behaviour? I wasn‘t willing to argue at this moment but I already thought it would be better to warn other customers here. You, as a leading employee of this restaurant should be ashamed of yourself! Time and date of visit (time of payment): 23.09.2025 / ~ 20:25

The atmosphere of this place is incredible. Beautiful place even in small details. Staff is friendly and nice, we had pleasant time there. Unfortunately, food wasn’t exactly the best.

Nice place. Have a cave cinema showing the movie clips that were taken in Matera. Food is part good as well as the service. The service is pretty fast.

We had a lovely lunch at La Lopa. The atmosphere was very nice and authentic, as we ate into the cave. We took the egg and the veal carpaccio, which were excellent and we also really liked the degustation of “Selezione di formaggi a caglio vegetale”.

There are some interesting things on display here but we found it quite difficult to find our way around the exhibits abdominal explanations are not always easy to find. The building itself is light and airy and pleasant to walk around. On the day that we visited, newly weds were having their photos taken abdominal it mams a good setting. The exterior is interesting too.

We had two days in Matera and saw many cave houses, cave churches, cave museums. On the second afternoon we opted for this museum of mainly paintings. We enjoyed it a lot. The art was beautiful and the building itself beautiful too with good views. A good contrast to the stone and caves on the surrounding area.

One of the must-visit museums in the area. The first and third floors are temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, and the second floor exhibits a collection of altarpieces, portraits and Matera local landscape paintings. The great thing is that the access is free for art students. Next to the museum is a good spot to shoot night views of sassi.

Stunning building inside and out, with a stellar collection of paintings, including many by Carlo Levi. They alone are worth the price of a ticket.

Stunning collection! Definitely worth the visit. Still speechless with the power of Carlo Levi’s life and work

Good piece of art and history of Matera. Definitely a must if passionate about.

Palazzo Lanfranchi is a beautiful historic building in Matera and represents the most important expression of seventeenth-century architecture in the city. Originally used as a seminary, Palazzo Lanfranchi was built in 1668 at the behest of Bishop Vincenzo Lanfranchi, according to Tridentine dictates. The construction project of the building was entrusted to the friar Francesco da Copertino who, in 1672, completed the complex also incorporating pre-existing structures, still today an integral part of the scenographic facade of the building. Palazzo Lanfranchi today houses the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata, inaugurated in 2003. Together with the Ridola Museum, it is one of the branches of the National Museum of Matera.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely the best gelato in Matera! The flavors are fresh, natural, and incredibly delicious – you can really taste the quality in every bite. We tried mango, melon, and cookies, all three were outstanding. The mango was intense and fruity, the melon refreshing and sweet, and the cookies flavor rich and creamy. The staff was friendly, the atmosphere charming, and the selection huge. If you're in Matera and love gelato, this place is a must!

This place does the best gelato in Matera. I'm a regular, had x2 4 euro pots today. Everyone is so smiley and polite. The gelato portions are very generous, and they have every flavour you can imagine. Absolutely delicious and so refreshing. And while I'm on holiday in Matera I have to get my gelato fix every day. They open from 5pm on a Wed by the way. Yum, Yum

Great biscoff flavor, but the banana chocolate chip wasn’t all that good. Staff seemed rushed and not nearly as polite as in the nearby Cremes Bureau, which has better ice cream in my opinion.

Wow—just wow. I Vizi degli Angeli makes next level gelato. Had the lavender and peach and both were insanely good,fresh, delicate, and full of flavour. Easily one of the best gelaterias I’ve been to.

This is the way I love Italian gelato!! Excellent quality, classic and creative flavours and quick and efficient staff. Even though there is always a cue the waiting time is almost too short to make your decision! We also got a tartufino which was Yummy!!!

Very tasty and creamy ice cream. Really recommand pistacchio, one of the best flavours there

Please tell me what the chocolate dessert I ordered for 3 euros is called (frozen, was in the window) because it is THE perfect snack after a meal. Very rich, dusted in cacao powder. I’m in love.

Well, this was an incredible surprise, a gem hidden in this gem of the city! It is one of the best cocktails places we’ve been around the world We were walking around beautiful Matera, going past tens of lovely restaurants and bistros, when we saw Area 8. At first we only stopped to take some photos, as we instantly liked the vibe, but those seconds taking photos sold us and decided to stay. Best decision! The whole place is a vibe and each tiny detail is well thought, from the placemats with slang to use in Area 8, to a Mickey Mouse plate, the cocktail in mug, the funny coasters, all the cute and cool wall decorations. We ordered an appetiser platter for 2 and were not disappointed. All classic dishes - cheese bullets, guacamole, hummus and burrata were reinvented with surprising flavours. The bread in a mushroom shape was also delicious. The atmosphere was incredible, music was eclectic and perfectly chosen. When in Matera Area 8 is a must!

The bar is wonderful😍We had some cocktails, they were really nice. We loved the atmosphere in bar and the 80's vibe. The music was also great.

Absolutely loved this place. We found it by chance on our way to check somewhere else and eventually turned back, and we're glad we did. The Atmosphere is really great. Fun music, chill vibe, and the staff is super friendly. The food was excellent as well, we had the chicken, and salmon Bao Bun, Chicken strips, a vegetarian version of the Pinsa, and Samosa. We loved it all. We also had 2 drinks which were both delicious. I absolutely recommend a visit.

Nice bar with special vibe. Cocktails are delicious. Service is excellent

Great experience! Cool interiors, friendly service, and fenomenal drinks!

Great drinks and vibes. Perfect spot for an aperitivo in Matera!

Such a good place to visit in Matera, so lively, drinks were amazing my cocktail even came with a lipstick. We went here before a dinner reservation and ended up going back until late. Also the DJ in the main room was amazing so much energy !

If you're seeking a perfect spot to unwind with drinks while enjoying a stunning view, this is the place to be! The terrace offers an incredible atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxing. While the drink prices and service fees may be higher than nearby spots, the breathtaking view of the town more than makes up for it. Whether you're there for a casual drink or a special evening, the setting alone is worth it. Highly recommend for anyone looking to elevate their experience with a fantastic backdrop!

We went in the evening and the view was amazing, for us it was the best viewpoint in the entire Sassi di Matera. Cocktails and the food bites were excellent! One piece of advice for those who gave one star to this place: read about the places and countries you visit before you go there. If you would have done it, you would have learned about the term “coperto” and what it means. Be nice, these people make a hard living and the prices are much less than other places in Europe which are light years away from Matera in terms of beauty…

Beautiful view of Matera — exactly what we were hoping for. A perfect spot to share a drink, chat, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. The service was excellent — our waiter was attentive and gave great beer recommendations. The IPA was fruity, refreshing, and incredibly easy to drink — I had three and could’ve easily had three more! The wine was also delicious. There’s limited seating, so keep that in mind — we got a seat right away but had to wait a bit for one with the best view. Well worth the wait!

Five stars for the view alone! It’s absolutely breathtaking and worth coming here just to sit, eat, and enjoy that incredible scenery that speaks for itself. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for a spot like this, though of course that’s subjective. Drinks were solid, food simple but very well prepared. It’s the perfect place to take a break while exploring Matera. I got exactly what I came for and couldn’t be happier 😍

I love having lunch with an amazing view and I don't think I've ever quite experienced a view like this! The wow factor alone is worth coming here for. The patio offers seats facing the Sassi so you get an unobstructed view while you sip your cocktail and enjoy a delicious lunch. I had a spritz with a Caprese and it was so so good. The tomatoes and mozzarella were super fresh and my spritz was refreshing, too. I need to come back and see the view at night! I often talk about how meals and sips should be an experience in Italy instead of something ordinary or basic. This was definitely not ordinary! Ask to sit facing the Sassi and even if there's a wait, you won't regret it!

The views are totally worth the wait. Best rooftop bar in matera. Might have to wait for a spot but we were able to get seated in 15 mins. Service is a little slow but drinks were good.

We really enjoyed the place! It’s suited for an aperitif - take two cocktails and something to snack. Sit on the balcony (It’s 3€, and it’s written in every page of the menu) and enjoy and afternoon-early evening view 🙌

Fantastic selection of food and incredible quality They were able to accommodate a large group at the last second. The staff had to deal with two allergies (shellfish and gluten) and did it masterfully. We were so happy to sit in such a cozy area and have delicious pizza and drinks.

Very pleasant dining experience. Service was to be commended. Staff were friendly, attentive & professional. Food was well executed and tasty. Classic orecchiette with cime di rape, tiramisu and a lovely glass of house white wine. Pizzas on the nearby table looked delicious. Would definitely recommend dining at this restaurant.

I just had a wonderful lunch, Strascinati Crusco, Margherita and to drink Verbo Bian Calice in, perfetto!! Beautiful restaurant and excellent service. I truly recomend to pay a visit. Grazie Mille Shai

We had dinner, without reservations, and the wait was 15 minutes. We sat outside but the inside was beautiful as well. We tried two pizzas (diavola and Margherita) and they were both excellent.

The food is really good especially the Pizza with truffle..The ambience is nice and cozy..The staff are nice and very attentive..

The staff from the hotel I stayed at in Matera recommended @morganristorante as one of the dinner spots for us, and I’m so glad I took the suggestion. The restaurant decor is very interesting and even though very spacious, it was soon filled with people a couple hours after opening. Every dish was delicious, but the pork tenderloin with pear entree was amazing. The pork was so perfectly cooked and went so well with the sweet pear. The local Matera style bread is also quite different from those of other regions in Italy. They came in a brown bag instead of a basket, which I thought was cute!

Great dinner in this lovely restaurant - we tried the salami as a starter, pasta and octopus and everything was great.

Great experience at Baccanti - good service and ambiance. I got the pork chops for my main - the flavours of the mashed potato, peperocino, reduction and pork really worked well together. The only fall back was that the pork chop was too fatty - it was hard to cut off the layers of fat. I do wish they trimmed the chop before searing it to avoid this. The other fallback - I do wish they had served a serrated knife with the main. The wine pairing with my food was perfect. I had the bread, olive oil, salt dessert. The best dish I had here. It was an amazingly creative dish. Don’t want to spoil the experience for the readers but this is a MUST order.

Amazing experience in a great setting, indeed a Michelin guide! Not only that the food was delicious but Domenico, our host, surprised us with his recommendations. We went for an “omakase” desert and surrendering to Chef Vincenzo Paulicelli was worthwhile. Both the pastry and the bread were truly amazing! Grazie mille, we will return next year to Matera especially for you!

Romantic setting cave restaurant with great wine and great food. Probably one of the best pork dishes I’ve ever had in my life was here (forgot the name, but it’s in the photo)… buonissimo!

Fantastic experience at Baccanti. Starting with the unique atmosphere, inside the historic construction in the old city center. The service was very solicitous and we have followed all suggestions and really enjoyed. The food was pretty good, with high quality local ingredients. We certainly recommend.

The place is nice for a romantic dinner. Food looks nice, for taste it depends… i would say above average. 1 starter, 1 main or 1 pasta, 1 main is good enough for one person.

Lovely staff with a nice refined atmosphere. Food was amazing and all locally sourced, traditional meals. A nice welcome canapé of Apricot and Sausage meat. Book in advance as this fills up quickly.

Baccanti in Matera is a beautiful restaurant set inside the historic caves, which creates a truly unique and atmospheric setting. The food was excellent, carefully prepared, full of flavor, and presented with great attention to detail. The wine list is also very well curated, with many interesting choices that pair perfectly with the dishes. Unfortunately, the overall dining experience was affected by the seating arrangements. The restaurant does not seem to pay much attention to how tables are placed in the room. We were seated right next to the toilets and beside a very loud group, which made it hard to fully enjoy the wonderful food and atmosphere. For such a high-level restaurant, more consideration for guest comfort and ambiance would make a big difference.

During my research I found a photo that was taken from the inside of a cave located in Parco Regionale della Murgia, Materna. I became obsessed with getting my own photo. It wasnt easy. My son-in-law escorted me on the short but steep hike to one of the many caves. I was very proud of the results but realized this was no trek to be taken lightly. At 70 years old and in great shape I managed to lie on my back for the shot (see silhoutee of my legs. The photo of the outside of the cave from taken across the way from an area of th Sassi. Once you get to the park you will notice small arrows pointing you in the right direction. You do not need to cross the bridge. Drive to the park and follow the signs. Beware! tha the cave isnt easy to find or to get to but if you are like me and you have to get the shot. wear sturdy sneakers, travel light and take your time.

Panoramic views at the top of the cave. Considering you could do this hike in 1-2 hours by cutting through the switchbacks, the views and the Tibetan bridge walk are def worth it if in town.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana and I must say, the experience was truly breathtaking. The landscape was absolutely beautiful, and the views of Matera were simply wonderful. The park is a true gem in the heart of Italy, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking or exploring the great outdoors. The trails offer a range of difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to see the ancient rupestrian churches and settlements that are scattered throughout the park. These structures are truly remarkable and offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Overall, I would definitely recommend a visit to Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana to anyone who is looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Italy. The beauty of the landscape and the rich history of the area make it a truly special place that is not to be missed.

Visit a place where time forgot! Matera is a truly stunning town. You could easily spend two or three days here just walking the streets and National Park. The transition from the old town into the park is amazing and the views are simply breathtaking. Traversing the suspension bridge into the park leaves you feeling like your walking next to dinosaurs. Climbing the steep walk to the opposite side is well worth it but take plenty of water and some really good walking shoes/boots. Trainers aren’t really going to do the job. You are surrounded in history and magical culture with loads of beautiful places to eat and drink.

Spectacular and free of charge :))

A visit of this park is a must for any turist who wants more from such an impressive site. The views and the small houses and churches carved in stone are equal to the ones from the old part of the town.

The exciting surroundings of Matera with harsh nature and old rock caves. Bring water and a flash light.

Great spot with views and attentive kind staff. Cocktails are sensational. Well mixed light and dreamy. I came at lunchtime so it was warm but there are shade options. Sunset here would be immaculate. Must visit! I had the Madonna - highly recommend, this coming from a non drinker.

Do yourself a favor and do NOT skip this place. Has to be hands down one of my favorite bars. Amazing atmosphere, great views, extremely unique. The staff was very friendly. I did not try their cocktails but the ones I saw being handed out looked amazing. Their limoncello spritz is very good and refreshing after all that walking. Would 100% recommend!!

Like stepping into Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders — but instead of stealing a lamp, you sip on delicious cocktails. 🍸 Come for the drinks and the vibe — it’s different, unique, and very cool. There are limited spots at night, and only a few with a view of Matera. If you’re after the best views, there are other places to go, but this spot stands out for its atmosphere and creative drinks

A really incredible spot to grab a drink! The atmosphere is amazing with very unique seating, carved into the rock with incredible views. The cocktails were fantastic and the service was great! I would definitely come early as it gets quite busy from 19:00.

One of the best bars I have ever been! Very atmospheric, great views and music, cocktails were delicious! I tried the elisa(tequila, tomato, Tabasco) and it was amazing!!!! Staff is very kind!!! You should not miss!!

A true gem in Matera! The view is breathtaking, the cocktails are excellent, but what makes this place truly unforgettable is the staff. They’re so passionate about their city and culture that they turn a simple drink into a full experience. Watching the sunset from here was absolutely stunning—an experience I’ll never forget.

Definitely worth waiting in line! The location is beautiful, our server was super nice, and the drinks were great. Just be prepared to wait for a table.

Nestled in the heart of Matera, Ristorante Francesca exudes the essence of Italian culinary excellence. The rustic charm of Matera is seamlessly woven into the restaurant's atmosphere, creating a unique and authentic dining experience. The locally sourced ingredients shine in every dish, reflecting the rich flavors of the region. From the pasta crafted to perfection to the delectable desserts, each bite tells a story of passion and tradition. The staff's warm hospitality enhances the overall charm, making Ristorante Francesca a must-visit for those craving a genuine taste of Matera's gastronomic delights.

We really enjoyed our dinner this evening! This was recommended by our hotel and it did not disappoint. So cool to have your dinner in a cave.

We supped at this fine tavern, and the atmosphere was most splendid — it bore the spirit of ages past. Food were great. Recommended

Food was excellent, wine was amazing, service was great, and the atmosphere was fabulous! What more could you ask for! Highly reccomend eating here

This place has potential. The wait staff in general was lovely, the service was quick and the food was not bad. We had a few issues with our food and the portion sizes as they were not in proportion per person, and instead of dealing with the issue or apologizing they just took off 8 euros from the bill. Really not a big deal but the whole meal was us joking about how they dealt with customers and leaving half of us hungry to order more food, it was an easy conversation or a quick fix. This place wants to be great and charge for it, in my opinion you can find great food else where that makes you feel welcome and at home at a better price tag.

I ordered cod, but disappointed very much, it is salty whatever cod and fish, no one come to check the taste, and after told gem there was no any response, service is also terrible as well, she asked my go to counter to check, but when I was there nobody, I have to wait, the price they charged me 13 eur with any notice in advance.

The service was excellent. The dishes here were amazing. From appetizers, pasta to main. Highly recommend.

Fantastic walk from Matera. Count 3 hours relax round trip so you can walk around the caves etc… best early morning as it gets very hot!

Amazing 😍 The view is great. Easy to get by bike or feet from the parking which is 1.4-1.5 km away from a few view points. Child, dog friendly. For free.

To visit takes 1,5 hour climb ant 3 km total with 250meters of total climbing. Couple caves, bridge to criss and amazing view of Matera from the montainside. Really worth visit, and you can even choose harder or easier trails.

Amazing views of Matera but for me actually better not quite at the top because this way you don’t get to see the modern Matera behind the old town

Great view, but don’t stop at the “Visitors Center” if the gate on the road is open. We did and after a hot walk to a view from a field of sorts, that we could have driven farther. So, we went back , got our car and drove to a very large parking spot at the actual Belvedere. Much better views here.

Excellent viewpoint. The hike through the Gravina Gorge was spectacular but arduous and dangerous, but a worthwhile experience. You can also get there by car or bus, which is so much more underwhelming

A must-visit viewpoint of the city’s facade on the outer side. Would be delightful to get there either by car or on foot from central Matera. Bring a bottle of water, comfy shoes, and a camera with you.

We visited this spot around lunchtime, and while the food was delicious, it seemed they were a bit understaffed. Given that we came in a large group, the service was understandably slow, as we may have outnumbered the staff on hand. We enjoyed traditional Matera pasta, a flavorful beef dish, and finished with a delightful panna cotta for dessert. Each dish was well-prepared and truly captured the local flavors. Despite the slower service, I appreciated the cozy atmosphere and the quality of the food. Overall, it was a pleasant experience—just be prepared for a bit of a wait if you’re coming with a big group.

Had a great meal at Ristorante Soul Kitchen in Matera. The food was really good — we had ravioli and tagliata, both were delicious. The house wine was also excellent. For dessert, the tiramisu was outstanding, definitely one of the best I've had. Highly recommend it!

The Spaghetti Crusco and Pollo al Limone are good. The restaurant looks like a cave and creates a beautiful atmosphere. They charge 3 euros coperto for each person.

Absolutely incredible local food made with locally sourced ingredients - in a city such as Matera, which is filled to the brim with astonishingly great restaurants, the food here genuinely stood out. Also a great option for afternoon dining when everything else is closed and opens later in the evening!

tagliatelle porcini mushrooms and lucan black truffle was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend it! The grilled podolica beef steak charred to perfection. The panna cotta was also very good, interesting combination of cameralized crusco pepper and with the orange extra virgin olive oil, tastes great! The waiter was also super nice and friendly

The legume soup is pretty good. The bean stew is a little bit salty. Lovely and very fast service

We had been recommended this place so we’re looking forward to it. I don’t like app menus at the best of times but never mind. The chefs starter was fantastic we shared this snd every thing on it was great. However the second course didn’t go as planned. I’d ordered the medallions of beef with a mushroom sauce plus potatoes. What arrived was grilled beef looking unappetising with a pepper sauce . I questioned it and it was taken away. My daughter’s pasta was very over powering and of course I had nothing at the same time. Finally the beef arrived , it was not medallions of beef I suspect it was the previous plate with a different sauce. It was unpleasant to eat and by now the potatoes were cold. There was no apologies or any gesture to compensate for the mistake. Disappointing.

This is a fantastic place to enjoy authentic food with accurate antique recipes cooked with incredible expertise. The cuisine is very good and me and my friends were very pleased. Love from London (5 star rating) Recommend: pasta & pizza. (Any of them are just too good)

Delicious pizza! Let me vely service, the lady gave us great and confident recommendations with pizza. We enjoyed the food service and atmosphere. We got recommended to come here buy a local and we defiantly recommend it ourselves.

Great location, just near to the Museum. The staff was fantastic and so was also the food. Given the location and quality of service and food would say that its a great price/quality ratio. I would highly recommend it if you are in Matera. The owner was so kind that offered to us a free Machiato.

Set in a central location, visited by locals and tourists alike. Very clean, great looking location. We had pizza and antipasti. The antipasti were quite good. There's a wide variety of pizza to choose from. Although tasty, the pizza was a bit burned and the mushrooms were from the can which was very disappointing. Location suitable for people with various food restrictions. The prices are in line with other restaurants in Puglia.

This restaurant is really nice!! The food is excellent and the interior fits the name of the restaurant. The staff are friendly and the owner is extremely nice and enthusiastic, he even gave the kids high fives. I would definitely come here again!!

One of the best pizza's we've ever had! And believe us, we've had a lot of pizza's. The lovely staff is very friendly, so we liked it a lot!

Every 2 years my family returns to Matera. My kids cannot wait because every pizza they eat, anywhere around the world they compare it to Bartalomeo's (the owner) from Van Gogh restaurant. Nothing compares. This restaurant has won multiple awards for the best staff, best food, and best of all the best pizza in all of Italy (that's huge). The staff is super friendly, helpful and they even like to get funny and playful, super cool 😎. I would rate 100 stars 🌟🤩 if I could. If you are in matera you must hit up Van Gogh restaurant. It's a must.

The house is really hard to find. We had been searching for an hour to find it. And in the burning sun it was quite an experience. But our struggle was worth it. The staff were amazing, they were nice, friendly. And they spoke English very well (from experience during my stay, we struggled because of language barrier in many places so it was a happy relief :) ). The Casa Noha isn’t a big sight because of its look. You watch 4 videos in 3 rooms and they have an authentic kitchen in the 4th room. The videos are very interesting. I found them one of the best informative videos I have ever watched. The narrative is understandable, and helpful to understand how the people of Matera have lived. I think all of us came out satisfied, and with more knowledge than before. I recommend it before visiting the whole town. It gives you another perspective than just walking around in the city of ruins.

Interesting place. Basically it is a short movie about Matera history, so you should not expect to see some exhibitions apart from the old house itself. I would rather dedicate time for some cave house with preserved furniture.

Really good museum with movie in English via headphones. Excellent insight into the whole history of Matera. If you have English National Trust cards with you it’s free!

A very informative movie exhibition providing an in-depth historical background of Matera... But if you are a member of National Trust you get a free entry as there is a cooperation between the NT and the FAI of Italy. If you buy online you miss this chance....

Casa Noha in Matera is a historic house that offers a unique multimedia experience, telling the story of the city and its rock-dwelling inhabitants. It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn a bit about Matera’s history.

Nice place and the stuff is friendly. We learned a lot about Matera's history. However, the entrance costs 6,5€, not 3€.

very interesting place if you want to know more about history of Matera.

This place is a very good visit! Well maintained and very clean, used for conferences (inside a cave!!), I think is a great idea. Casa cava is a cave very small but cute. Highly recommended to visit if you are in Matera which is wonderful and must visit once in a lifetime. It has a place in my heart. Also the staff is brilliant and very welcoming, thanks a lot!!

There are better casa to visit instead. Here only a documentary is shown that they also play in another casa we've been to. The documentary is nice and there are also clean toilets, but that's all there is.

It isbgood to know and listen more about Matera, you will learn things you did not know.

It was a good experience to learn history. I recommend visiting.

It's okay, but be aware it truly is just a cultural centre. For the for euro, they really just show you a movie on the story of Matera. Which is fine, but don't expect seeing anything more.

Great experience! Beautiful interior and great movie presented on Matera!

Interesting place - cave serving as an event place. Nice presentation.

A church that is an example of the local vandalism of the 70s - heads of several statues are no longer there as well as the painting that used to hang above the altar. However, we were very impressed by the modern statue of the crucified Christ that is hanging on one of the walls of the church. It's impressive ragged beauty left us stunned. Regretfully, there was no name of the artist who created the statue and we found no info on it online as well. Whoever she or he is, it's the best image of Christ I've seen.

I suggest parking in one of the nearby public garages. There is one just a 8 minute walk to the church. It was a great starting point for our 2.5 hours of exploring the steep, windy streets of this ancient part of Matera. It is a photographer's dream, especially early or early evening when the lightning is softer. Lots of fun and plenty of places to rest and take in the views along the way.

Another beautiful church to admire. Make sure you go to the “basement”. It is fascinating. So sad that many items were vandalized in the 70’s

For me this is a tourist trap, there no much to see.. parts of some paintings in bad conditions... some caves and passages 4 euros is too much. I suppose they dont allow pictures so people can see what is inside before paying

This was the biggest of the 3 rock churches we visited in Matera. It was more complex and had catacombs as a bonus. I strongly recommend it is worthwhile to consider buying the combined ticket for this and the other churches (plus other casa attractions). Look for the OltreLAtre symbols around town.

A nice church with great view of Matrea.

The Church of Saint Peter ‘Barisano’ is a place where history whispers through every stone and arch. Stepping inside, you feel a serene weight of centuries — the soft echo of prayers, the warm glow of sunlight through ancient windows, and the delicate artistry carved into every corner. It’s more than a visit; it’s a quiet journey through time, a moment to pause, reflect, and be inspired. A true testament to beauty, devotion, and the enduring soul of the region.

One of the greatest meals of my life! However, I should warn you that it doesn't come cheap—our dinner for two cost over $400. Nevertheless, the entire experience is truly memorable. Each dish is presented in the most creative ways imaginable, featuring designs like castles and skulls. The five-course meal is substantial, so don’t worry about opting for the smallest choice. The food is exceptionally well-seasoned, fresh, and prepared in ways I’ve never encountered before. You'll even find yourself trying lamb liver that looks nothing like you’d expect. Or black and white dishes! The staff is fantastic, making us feel right at home, and the atmosphere is incredible—you dine inside a cave!

Very good dining experience, worthy of one Michelin star. The setting was wonderful, in a traditional Matera style cave. Dishes were beautifully presented, full of flavour and creative. Service was nearly faultless, unfortunately with only 3 staff on the floor the pressure and stress was evident in the staff.

Unfortunately, about half of the dishes didn’t taste good. The place and service were up to standard. If you’re particular about food taste, I wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you’re more focused on the overall dining experience, it’s not a bad option — all the dishes were beautifully presented. Good for pictures. Camera eat first ! 😉 About the taste: This restaurant seems to like adding grainy elements to their dishes, such as charcoal powder, crispy minced garlic, and some black breadcrumb-like ingredient. Overall, you often get a mouthful of hard, gritty bits — which feels quite unpleasant. But since you’re in Matera — famously known as the “City of Stone” — maybe it’s all part of the experience. Perhaps they just wanted you to taste the stones too. Also, for some reason, one or two of the dishes were overly greasy, making them taste very heavy and cloying.

Avoid this restaurant. The reason for the one star is because everything was perfect (delicious food, excellent service, elegant ambiance) until towards the end of our dinner we hear loud violent screaming coming from the kitchen. I had unobstructed view of the kitchen and through the glass I see the chef screaming and insulting the kitchen staff. The violence is unacceptable and the lack of restraint unprofessional.

This is the first Michelin restaurant that encouraged eating with fingers and mouth to plate and I gotta say it added to the experience. Professional, unrushed service, and different tastes that do not disappoint. We did think the pizza was overrated and really needed true caviar to add any flavor, but other than that excellent overall

Outstanding. Our dinner here was the cherry on the Materna trip cake. Not for nothing is this a Michelin star restaurant. Very nicely located in the Sassi district in one of the caves. We had the 8 course full menu which was exceptionally good. Nicely curated dishes of huge variation, always referring to the South Italian heritage and Materna. The staff is super kind and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Huge wine menu and good recommendations. A very memorable experience from the starters to the dessert (try the Monte Crusko!)

What a treasure in Matera. Beautiful delicious food, pretty setting, friendly and attentive service. Great value, too. Loved the wine pairings and the concept of being able to assemble your own tasting menu. Chef is in the kitchen himself. The Michelin star is well deserved.

A great little hike to view the caves and get a great view of the city. The bridge is fun to walk across but nothing special. The trail is probably easy-medium if you’re in shape. Took about an hour total to go there and back. Beautiful views and definitely worth the hike.

I recommend going down to Canton and walking over this bridge. These are cool feelings, very beautiful nature. You must be in good physical shape. Take water with you

Nice hike to the caves from where u have an amazing view of the city. It took me 1h to the viewpoint and back. Use proper shoes.

We really enjoyed doing this hike even with the heat, but there is very little shade so bring lots of water. The path is very steep at certain sections and the dirt / rocks can be quite slippery. There is multiple routes you can take but if you stray from the main pathway the difficulty goes up dramatically in terms of steepness. The view from the top is worth the hard hike though

Great little hike! Come before 11am to avoid the scorching sun

Great hike. Make sure to wear good shoes and/or hiking boots as there are some steep parts of the trail. If it rains a lot the trail will be slick. Check out my photos for more details on what to look for on getting there and the trail itself!! Slight edit, but if you go left instead of right you used to be able to climb the hill to see one of the cave churches but that is no longer the case hence the reduced star.

Beautiful walk it's awesome to walk around and pretend you're Fredd Flintstone. Almost every single cave on the hike has human fieces, there's toilets at the carpark and stuff but just be wary there's fieces in almost every cave; in fact 100% of all the cave I walked in had it.

Beautiful cave church with entrance fee. Photo and video is not allowed but you can take some sneaky shots :)

it's one of the cave churches in Matera, beautiful frescos. If you choose to see at least one of them, this one should not be that one, but if you are fond of art, it's worth a visit

Amazing! Don’t miss it if you like history and art. You can’t take pics inside. A church dating back to 8th Century. Inside you can see some frescoes from the 13th century onwards. There is an interesting one of the Virgin breastfeeding.

To get a good look of the interior of the rock churches, which Matera is famous for, you have the option to buy a single ticket for 4 euro or a combined ticket of 3 churches for 8 euros. The two-ticket option at 7 euro makes no sense. If you want just pick one from the three, this will be my choice. It may not be an obvious choice. Madonna de Idris and San Giovanni is the more famous one among the three. But in fact if what you want is to see the interior and understand better of the rock church history, then Saint Lucia and Malve is special. First it is the oldest in Matera- tracing back to the 9the century! The frescos inside ranging from 11th to 16th century and you can see clearly the Byzantine influences. The church is small but the frescos are more numerous and well preserved. Also here you can see clearly the structural changes happened over time. It was converted into a house during the overpopulation and poverty-stricken “dark age” of Matera. Part of the church was modified for this for two families to live in. The front part was converted to a kitchen and restored back. This gives you a visual history of the rise and fall and the reemergence of Matera. Madonna de Idris is magnificent from outside and occupy a great location. You can simply visit it and take photos outside the church if time or budget is a concern. San Pietro has a very interesting crypt. It is really worthy 8 euro to get all three but if only picking one, Santa Lucia and Malve will be my choice. P.S. recommend to visit Casa Noha first and watch its well-made documentary film before visiting the rock churches.

Incredibly unique and beautiful inside. Frescoes are better preserved than in the other churches in Matera, and this gives some insight also into the lives of the locals. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the Byzantine influence affected the art and architecture inside a church like this one.

Great place to visit.

Definitely you must visit one of the rock churches during you visit to Matera. €4 entrance though you can get discounted tickets to visit 2 or 3 churches. Church used from 9th century AD. High mass is still celebrated annually on 13th December. Apparently part of this church was used as a family dwelling until 1960! Wonderful frescoes from 11th to 17th centuries - sad to see them fading as the years go by. Interesting that there was no insistence on women covering shoulders (ie modest dress) that you have in other churches around Italy. No photos inside church.

The service here was great, the guy that served us was really friendly. Although he didn’t make us aware of the area out the back which would have been lovely to have sat in and enjoyed the view. We had pizzas but they weren’t the best, if you want pizza go elsewhere but if you do come here make sure you get a seat out the back as the view is amazing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the most beautiful spots to enjoy a casual meal in Matera! The terrace offers an absolutely stunning panoramic view over the Sassi – perfect for a relaxed evening with delicious food. The pizza was tasty and freshly made, and the prices are very reasonable. It’s a self-service concept, but everything is well organized, and the staff is kind and helpful. Highly recommended for anyone looking for good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and one of the best views in the city!

Delicious pizza with a magnificent view, honestly you can’t ask for a better combination. Grabbed a couple of slices and a lemon beer for an afternoon snack and boy, was it the best decision ever. The pizza was thin, crispy, warm. It was just pure happiness. Staff were lovely and friendly. Highly recommend!

Great atmosphere, good food and beer, amazing view, mostly in the evening, recommend that. Paid 11,50 for everything on the picture, was really good

I saw the place in tiktok and we ended up eating there two times in a row. We tried the slices of pizza, one full pizza and a sandwich. Everything was amazing and complemented by the incredible view of the Matera Sassi through the balcony of the restaurant. The staff was very pleasant as well. A must try in Matera!!

Such a great little place for (delicious) pizza and drinks with the most incredible view!

Might be cause of low season but there was plenty of space outside to watch the sunset and Campari spritz + pizza slice at 12 EUR which is pretty affordable compared to next door

Can't say enough good things about our dining experience. Vito is a hugely talented chef, and every dish we had was cooked to perfection. The effort that's been put into creating a unique menu that showcases local flavours is clear. As well, our servers were friendly, attentive and gave us great recommendations for wine from the region. Thanks again to all the team!

If you go to Matera and consider yourself a foodie do.not.miss.going here! The food was amazing, the staff gracious (we were early for our reservation and then afterwards had to wait there for our tour guide to arrive) and view from the patio spectacular. Chef came out after to chat. My son-in-law ran a Michelin star restaurant in Manhattan and I think this place is worthy!

Our dining experience here was very positive. As we were iat the end of January, we were alone. The music, the place the food were exactly i love. The dishese were not of the large size, but we enjoyed the food.

My mom and I had an incredible experience here. Came here for dinner and we both agreed this was one of our faviourite meals in all of Italy. We started with the plate of Matera cheeses, then had the scallops and the snapper fish (on recommendation from our server). Everything was fantastic. The service was top notch, the food was amazing, the chef even came out to ask how everything was. Don't skip dessert either, it was just as well thought out as our meals! Highly recommend!

Our favourite restaurant in Matera. We visited twice during our four day stay in the town. Very friendly and welcoming staff, excellent food and very good choice of wine. Also had the chance to meet the chef personally. It‘s small, so necessary to reserve a table, but well worth visiting.

This is by far the best restaurant I’ve had in Italy , the food is delicious and magnificent , the ambiance is really classy and chic , deserve every euros spent !

This is an excellent restaurant, that you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Matera. I had dinner on the outside terrace, and the show of the Sassi slowing being illuminated at night was breathtaking in itself. The food is delicious and carefully curated, and the service is friendly and efficient.

This is a cute, unassuming place from the outside but we honestly had some of the most delicious and tender food we’ve ever had! We ordered the dried peppers which were great, and then what was described on the English menu as “piglet” with mushrooms and we’ve never had pork like it! It fell apart, best dish from our trip by far! The classic Pignata with melt in the mouth lamb and potatoes was also amazing, and it’s a bit of theatre which is also a plus. The service was great, our waiter spoke perfect English and was super attentive and friendly. Would recommend!

I stopped by La Pignata for lunch while I was staying in Matera and had a great meal! The Pasta Al Pomodoro was delicious - simple yet flavourful. The salad was fresh and tasty. The service was great, and the prices were very reasonable. La Pignata is a great spot, highly recommend!

Lovely Italian restaurant with a warm and lively atmosphere. The waiters were charming, cheeky, and very helpful — they made the whole experience fun. It felt authentically Italian, with plenty of locals dining there. The food was amazing and well-priced — the lamb paita was a real hit! We didn’t have a reservation and had to wait a little for a table, but it was absolutely worth it.

Amazing lamb stew in a special pot with lots of flours and broth, called “The Pignata” as the name of the place. Definitely recommended. Best meal I ever eaten in Italy, and I’ve been in Italy 6-7 times.

La Pignata might probably be the best restaurant during our last travel in Puglia region. While Matera is really one of the most beautiful city I have ever been. This restaurant came as a recommendation by an old friend. We tried it out and was not disappointed at all. I ordered the Pignata which is a lamb stew served in a bread bowl. It was very delicious. The staff were also wonderful and has taken very good care of us. Truly a wonderful experience.

La Pignata is where the locals eat! Every single thing we had was delicious and fresh. We ate there 4 times while in Matera. The pasta was homemade and delectable. I am still swooning over the cavatelli soup and the steak dish! They only serve pizza at night, so be sure to go back at dinner to try it. Superb!! Make reservations or get there when they open. Such sweet people!

Great experience Must have the stew 18 h lamb. It’s the best lamb dish I had in Europe! Highly recommend!