Start at the 13th-century Cathedral of Matera. Its imposing 4-story bell tower dominates the city’s skyline, and the stunning Romanesque façade captivates passers-by with a wealth of exquisite carvings and sculptures. Inside the temple, the highlight of all is an ancient nativity scene inspired by the caves in the Sassi di Matera area besides many other art masterworks.
Leaving the church, venture through the seemingly endless maze of winding alley paths, rock caves, gardens, terraces, and tunnels in the Sasso Barisano, the upper part of the two districts of the Sassi of Matera. The charming district is dotted with different terrific viewpoints and characteristic rock houses dating from very early times.
Next, visit the Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli for a movie-like panoramic vista of the fascinating city. Belvedere means "best view" in Italian. This observation platform, located to the left of the Palazzo Lanfranchi, offers one of the best views over the enchanting ancient urban area.
Take some steps to the Palazzo Lanfranchi, considered one of the best examples of the period architecture from the 17th century in Matera, with the splendid façade boasting many Renaissance elements such as the off-center door and the terrace with the family coat of arms. The beautiful building was the former residence of the Lanfranchi family who restructured it and lived in it in 1539.
Continue to explore the Sasso Caveoso, the remaining quarter of the Sassi of Matera, to discover a spectacular network of structures built from rock or carved into rock faces. Surprisingly enough, they used to be abandoned in an urban development project in the 1950s. The quarter has come to life thanks to the coming and going of a huge number of tourists who love to admire the unique architectural complex of the city.
Pass by the Church of Saint Mary of Idris, perching on Monterrone cliff and standing out as one of the most important landmarks of the city. Carved into a huge rocky summit, the church is distinguished by its majestic outside appearance and unconventional construction, vividly in contrast to its simplistic, bland interior.
The last destination of the tour is the Casa Grotta, a stunning carved-into-the-rock building that rises in the beautiful scenery of the ancient city. The cave house has now been turned into a museum which provides visitors with a lively presentation of what life in the city would have looked like back in its prime time.
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