The Sassi di Matera
📍 Sasso Barisano & Sasso Caveoso
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi are Matera’s most iconic architectural feature. These ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone have been continuously inhabited for thousands of years.
- Highlights: Wandering alleys, cave churches, panoramic terraces
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for golden lighting
- Entry: Free to explore the streets (some private homes or churches may charge)
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
📍 Via Bruno Buozzi
This square, perched at the edge of a cliff, is framed by the beautiful Church of San Pietro Caveoso and offers breathtaking views of the Gravina Canyon.
- What to See: Romanesque architecture, dramatic rock scenery, photogenic facades
- Entry: Church exterior and square are free
Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera)
📍 Piazza Duomo
This 13th-century cathedral sits on Civita hill, the highest point of the old town. Its Apulian Romanesque architecture and elegant rose window dominate the skyline.
- Architecture Style: Romanesque with Baroque touches
- Admission: Free to view from outside and often free entry inside (check hours)
Palazzo Lanfranchi
📍 Via Ridola
Once a seminary, now home to the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art (paid entry), this majestic building is a great example of 17th-century civic architecture.
- Free Elements: Admire the impressive façade and visit nearby Piazzetta Pascoli for sweeping views
- Best For: Architecture lovers and photo enthusiasts
Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve
📍 Via Madonna delle Virtù
This rock-hewn church stands out with its cave-carved structure and arched entrance. While interior visits may require a ticket, the architecture can be admired from the street.
- Type: Rupestrian (rock-cut) religious architecture
- Entry: Free to view exterior
Convent of Sant’Agostino
📍 Via D’Addozio
A fine example of Baroque architecture with panoramic views over the Sasso Barisano. The façade is detailed and elegant, while the square in front offers peaceful moments.
- Entry: Exterior and surrounding area free
- Tip: Combine your visit with a walk along the upper old town
Chiesa del Purgatorio
📍 Via Ridola
This 18th-century church features dramatic skull-and-bones motifs on its façade, a rare example of Southern Italian Baroque memento mori design.
- Unique Feature: Funereal symbols carved into stone
- Entry: Free to admire exterior, interior often open at no cost
Torre Metellana and Porta Pistola
📍 Sasso Caveoso
A lesser-known but fascinating medieval watchtower and gate that once guarded the city.
- Best For: Quiet exploration and history lovers
- Vibe: Off the beaten path, atmospheric
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
📍 Piazza San Giovanni
This 13th-century church blends Romanesque and Gothic styles and features a beautiful cloister and rose window.
- Entry: Free to enter and explore
- Perfect For: Lovers of religious architecture
Historic Staircases and Arches in the Sassi
📍 Throughout Matera’s Old Town
The city is filled with dramatic stone staircases, vaulted arches, and narrow passageways—all part of the architectural experience.
- Tip: Don’t follow just the main paths—get lost in the winding alleys
- Entry: Entire area is freely accessible
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