What are the best things to do in Matera?
Top picks in Matera include Church of San Pietro Barisano, Matera Cathedral, Church of San Giovanni Battista, Church of San Francesco d'Assisi. See the full list and itinerary on this Matera travel guide.
Photo: Benjamin Smith · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Matera
Travel guide for Matera, Italy — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Matera is a stop in Italy, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Church of San Pietro Barisano, Matera Cathedral, Church of San Giovanni Battista instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 100–220 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Matera
1
Church of San Pietro Barisano
2
Matera Cathedral
3
Church of San Giovanni Battista
4
Church of San Francesco d'Assisi
5
Church of Purgatorio
6
Church of San Domenico
7
Church of Santa Lucia
8
Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Budget travel
Free things to do in Matera
Church of San Pietro Barisano
Matera Cathedral
Church of San Giovanni Battista
Church of San Francesco d'Assisi
Church of Purgatorio
Church of San Domenico
Church of Santa Lucia
Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Matera itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Church of San Pietro Barisano
- Visit Matera Cathedral
- Visit Church of San Giovanni Battista
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Church of San Francesco d'Assisi
- Visit Church of Purgatorio
- Visit Church of San Domenico
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Church of Santa Lucia
- Visit Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
Budget
Matera trip cost
Budget
USD 45–75
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 100–220
per person / day
Luxury
USD 255–420+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Matera, Italy. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Matera
Estimated total (USD)
$2,880
≈ $1,440 per person · $411 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $160/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Matera mid-range ground costs (budget 45–75 · mid 100–220 · luxury 255–420+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort
Hotel Casalnuovo
Hotel Il Belvedere
B&B Casastella
Museums & culture
- Church of San Pietro Barisano
- Matera Cathedral
- Church of San Giovanni Battista
- Church of San Francesco d'Assisi
- Church of Purgatorio
- Church of San Domenico
In pictures
Matera gallery
Photos: Benjamin Smith, Carsten Steger, Carmelo Marino, Pietro paolo palumbo, Roberto Strafella, Bernard Gagnon — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Matera travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Matera?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Matera?
Plan at least 3 days in Matera for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Matera?
Popular stays in Matera include Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort, Hotel Casalnuovo, Hotel Il Belvedere. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Matera cost?
On the ground in Matera (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 45–75 per person per day, mid-range about 100–220, and luxury about 255–420+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Matera, Italy. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
