Best Things to do in Matera | Must-see attractions 2025

National Archaeological Museum "Domenico Ridola"

9:00 AM–7:30 PM

Museum

24 Via Domenico Ridola

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The National Archaeological Museum 'Domenico Ridola' in Matera offers a rich collection of artifacts from prehistoric to medieval times, showcasing the region's archaeological heritage.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€5 for adults, €3 for children and seniors. Special discounts available for groups.

Parco Macamarda

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Via Giuseppe Saragat

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Parco Macamarda in Matera, Italy, offers a serene natural retreat with diverse flora, walking paths, and family-friendly spaces, ideal for relaxation and recreation.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Parco Lanera

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Viale della Quercia

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Parco Lanera in Matera, Italy, is a tranquil park featuring a variety of native plants, walking paths, and scenic views, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Some workshops may have fees.

Parco dei Quattro Evangelisti

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Via dei Mestieri

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Parco dei Quattro Evangelisti, located in Matera, Italy, is a tranquil urban park offering green spaces, walking paths, and cultural sculptures amidst historical surroundings.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No cost associated with general entrance; special events may have fees.

Doms Gallery

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Museum

Via Casalnuovo 10

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Doms Gallery in Matera, Italy, is a unique cultural space merging art, design, photography, and events within the historic Sassi district.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some specialized events may require a ticket purchase.

Ipogeo MateraSum

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

7 Recinto XX Settembre

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Ipogeo MateraSum in Matera, Italy, offers a glimpse into the storied history and culture of one of the world's oldest cities through its remarkable underground structures.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and guided tours may require a ticket.

Chiesa del Purgatorio

9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM

Church

Via Ridola (Via Volta)

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Chiesa del Purgatorio is a Catholic church in Matera, Italy, known for its Baroque architecture and historical significance within the region.

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Fontana Ferdinandea

Open all day

Monument

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

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Fontana Ferdinandea is a historical fountain located in Matera, Italy, known for its unique architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free.

Parco della Murgia Materana

Open 24 hours

Park

Via Sette Dolori 10

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Parco della Murgia Materana features ancient rock churches and stunning landscapes in Matera, Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and biodiversity.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Guided tours may have fees.

MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Vico I Casalnuovo,3

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MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum showcases the history of olive oil production in a reconceived ancient underground mill in Matera, Italy. Reservations required.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Reservations required for visits.

Complesso Rupestre San Giorgio

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

Via Sette Dolori

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Complesso Rupestre San Giorgio in Matera, Italy, reveals 1,000 years of history through its rock-cut architecture, ancient church, and historical functions as a mill and winery.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Chiesa di Maria Madre della Chiesa

4:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

Via dei Dauni

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Chiesa di Maria Madre della Chiesa in Matera is a modern church, completed in 1986. Its unique architecture and serene atmosphere make it a noteworthy destination.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Church of Saint John Baptist

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Via San Biagio

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Church of Saint John Baptist in Matera features exquisite Romanesque architecture, showcasing the city's rich religious heritage and remarkable artistic details.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance.

Casa Cava

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Event hall

Via S. Pietro Barisano

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Casa Cava is a cultural center in Matera, Italy, hosting concerts, theatre, jazz, and blues performances. A venue steeped in artistic heritage.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require purchased tickets.

Santuario della Madonna delle Tre Porte

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

75100 Matera Basilicate

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Santuario della Madonna delle Tre Porte is a historical church in Matera, Italy, known for its rich history and unique architectural features.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Centro Commerciale Venusio

Mo-Fr 09:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-21:30; Su 10:00-21:30

Mall

Italy

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Centro Commerciale Venusio in Matera, Italy, offers a diverse shopping experience with over 100 stores, eateries, and entertainment options, catering to locals and visitors.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Individual store pricing varies.

Chiesa rupestre di Santa Lucia alle Malve

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Sasso Caveoso

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Chiesa rupestre di Santa Lucia alle Malve is an 8th-century cliff-side Catholic church in Matera, Italy, featuring historic frescoes and architectural adaptations.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for upkeep.

Parco Scultura La Palomba

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Museum

Contrada Pedale della Palomba

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Parco Scultura La Palomba in Matera, Italy showcases contemporary sculptures within a natural park setting, blending art and nature for an immersive experience.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid entry.

Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Contrada Pedale della Palomba

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Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba in Matera, Italy, features ancient rock-cut architecture and rich historical significance, nestled in Italy's stunning rural landscape.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special tours may incur charges.

Casa di Ortega

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

Via San Nicola del Sole Sasso Barisano

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Casa di Ortega in Matera, Italy, is a museum showcasing local culture and history, with unique architecture and rich heritage.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Chiesa di San Biagio

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Via San Biagio

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Chiesa di San Biagio is a historical Catholic church in Matera, Italy, known for its remarkable architecture and significant cultural heritage.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Santuario Santa Maria di Picciano

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Church

Via Santuario di Picciano Monastero S. Maria di Picciano

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Santuario Santa Maria di Picciano in Matera, Italy, is a sanctuary offering accommodation for spiritual retreats with 80 beds and camping for 60 guests.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for retreat services.

Church of Saint Peter 'Barisano'

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

75100 Matera Basilicate

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Church of Saint Peter 'Barisano' in Matera, Italy, is a historic Catholic church featuring frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries and significant rupestrian architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Chiesa di Sant'Agostino

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Via D'Addozio

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Chiesa di Sant'Agostino in Matera, Italy, dates back to the 13th century and features remarkable architecture and a rich history tied to the city’s development.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some guided tours may have associated costs.

Chiesa di Santa Lucia e Sant'Agata alla Fontana

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Via del Corso Corner Piazza Vittorio Veneto

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Chiesa di Santa Lucia e Sant'Agata alla Fontana in Matera features unique rock-hewn architecture and significant historical value, making it a notable site for visitors.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations appreciated for maintenance.

Chiesa di Materdomini

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

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Chiesa di Materdomini in Matera, Italy, is a historic church known for its rock-cut architecture and significant cultural heritage, featuring stunning frescoes.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free.

Parco Giovanni Paolo II

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Via Lucana

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Parco Giovanni Paolo II in Matera, Italy features expansive green spaces, children’s play areas, walking paths, and cultural installations, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require prior registration or a fee.

Chiesa Di San Giacomo

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Italy

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Chiesa Di San Giacomo in Matera features Baroque architecture and vibrant frescoes, dating back to the 13th century, reflecting its rich religious history.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcome for preservation efforts.

Chiesa Rupestre Madonna Di Monteverde

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

75100 Matera Lukanien

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Chiesa Rupestre Madonna Di Monteverde in Matera is a 13th-century rock church noted for its frescoes and ancient architecture carved into limestone cliffs.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are encouraged for maintenance.

Via San Pietro Barisano

Open all day

Church

Piazza San Pietro Barisano

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Via San Pietro Barisano in Matera, Italy, is a historically rich street lined with ancient cave dwellings and religious structures, showcasing a unique architectural heritage.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some cultural events may require a paid ticket.

Stadio XXI Settembre-Franco Salerno

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Stadium

Via Nicola Sole

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Stadio XXI Settembre-Franco Salerno is a multi-purpose stadium in Matera, Italy, primarily used for football matches, with a seating capacity of approximately 7,500.

Duration: 2 hours.

Ticket prices vary by event. Football matches typically have affordable entry fees.

MUSMA Museum of Contemporary Sculpture

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

Palazzo Pomarici Via San Giacomo

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MUSMA Museum in Matera, Italy, is dedicated to sculpture, featuring works from the late 1800s to today in historic cave settings.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Specific exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Laboratory Museum of Rural Life

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Via San Giovanni Vecchio 60

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The Laboratory Museum of Rural Life in Matera showcases the region's peasant culture with exhibits on ancient trades and daily life tools from the 16th century.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

National Museum of Matera

14:00-20:00

Museum

Via Domenico Ridola 24

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National Museum of Matera showcases Neolithic artifacts and significant Greek pottery, like the Cratere Mascheroni, highlighting the region's rich history.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may have an entry fee.

Palazzo Lanfranchi

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

Piazza Giovanni Pascoli 1 Palazzo Lanfranchi

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Palazzo Lanfranchi in Matera, Italy, features sacred and contemporary art, including works by Carlo Levi, housed in a historic 17th-century seminary.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Church of San Pietro Caveoso

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Piazza San Pietro Caveoso 1

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Church of San Pietro Caveoso in Matera, Italy, features a 17th-century facade and a frescoed timber ceiling, distinct from other rock-hewn churches.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may occasionally require a paid ticket.

Matera Cathedral

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Church

piazza duomo

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Matera Cathedral, a monumental 13th-century cathedral in Matera, Italy, features a prominent bell tower and an ornate, richly decorated interior.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Parco di Lanera

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Amusement Park

Via Della Quercia

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Parco di Lanera in Matera, Italy, is a peaceful park featuring walking paths, historical sites, and diverse flora, ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.