Hotels Matera, Guesthouses Matera and Residences Matera

Famous all over the world for its Sassi (meaning Stones), Matera is a provincial capital of Basilicata situated east in the region, and borders Fossa Bradanica to the west and Apulia, extending across the territory of the so-called Murge. Perched on the edge of a deep Ravine, a very small valley which is the product of streamcutting erosion of calcareous rocks, this town consists of caves and dwellings scooped out of the tuff rock, the Sassi, small squares and narrow streets.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi di Matera are still partially inhabited and have recently been turned into proper accommodation facilities. Numerous caves host hotels and intimate bed and breakfasts. To stay at one of the Sassi is an unforgettable experience; however, those looking for modern accommodation facilities situated a short distance from the old town can take advantage of 3-star guesthouses or elegant  4-star hotels.

The Sassi di Matera, which are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy,  bear witness to a millenary history and could be defined as a sort of a urban miracle, since they stand out as impressive sculptures gouged out of the rock. The heart of the town is the so-called Civita, an impressive rock spur which divides it into the Sasso Barisano and the more picturesque Sasso Caveoso. The Civita is topped by the Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral, which was realized in the XIII century and still cherishes precious Byzantine frescos and Renaissance works of art.  
Walking down the narrow streets of the city centre, tourists will have the possibility to admire the fascinating architectures  gouged out of the dune limestone, which was scooped out in order to give way to caves, houses and mansions and was subsequently used to decorate their facades.
Sasso Barisano, situated north west of the Civita, is almost fully visible from Piazza del Duomo, and hides its underground surface  behind an impressive outer appearance. It is the seat of the churches of St. Agostino and St. Pietro Barisano.
Sasso Caveoso is an amphitheatre-shaped district which extends south of the Civita. San Pietro Caveoso, one of its most beautiful parish churches, is situated just in the heart of the square commanded by the so-called Rupe dell’Idris. It also hosts the Barbarian cemetery and the monastery and church of St. Lucia, situated just in the heart of the Malve District, besides offering breathtaking views over the river Gravina.
The fascinating Sassi di Matera, which are the major tourist attraction of the surrounding area, are complemented by sumptuous palaces gouged out of the rock. Not to be missed in the territory surrounding the Ravine and the Murge are the so-called Chiese Rupestri (Rock Churches).  Over 150 richly decorated churches surrounded by almost unspoilt natural settings bear witness to the numerous religious communities which built their own worship places just in the heart of this arid lunar landscape.