Europe’s ‘beautiful’ ancient city of stone that has highs of 27°C in October

When dreaming of a holiday to Italy, destinations such as Rome, Florence, or the romantic Amalfi Coast might spring to mind. 

However, one underrated gem that rivals these well-trodden spots is Matera. 

Tucked away in Italy’s boot, in the Basilicata region, Matera is known as the ‘City of Stone’ due to its ancient cave network. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and according to some estimates, the third oldest city in the world.

It was also once branded the ‘shame of Italy’ by novelist Carlo Levi, who was exiled there in the 1930s and witnessed the dire living conditions of its residents, many of whom lived in caves alongside their livestock.

The extreme poverty and squalor that defined this period led to widespread government intervention and relocation efforts, causing Matera to be largely forgotten for years. However, its unique architecture and rich history ensured it was never completely lost. 

Since then, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, gaining UNECO World Heritage status in 1993 and even being named European Cultural Capital in 2019.

Filmmakers, too, have seen the appeal of Matera, with its striking scenery making it to the big screen in James Bond’s No Time to Die and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ.

It’s well worth a visit, but before you book your flights to Italy’s hidden treasure, here’s everything you need to know…

How to get to Matera

The nearest airport to Matera is Bari Karol Wojtyla, around 65 kilometres (40 miles) away near the port city of Bari, the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region.

From Bari, you have several options for getting to Matera, including renting a car or taking a direct shuttle or train, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours.

There are plenty of direct flights from London to Bari, operated by airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet and British Airways. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, with prices starting from £46 on Skyscanner.

Alternatively, you can fly into Naples, but the travel time to Matera will be longer, usually between three to four hours by car or train. 

What’s the weather like in Matera?

The best times to visit Matera are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and the city is lively, yet not overcrowded. 

As you might expect from a destination in the south of Italy, Matera enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In summer, temperatures can soar above 30 degrees Celsius.

October in particular offers delightful weather, and currently temperatures reach up to 27° – perfect for some last-minute sun while escaping the summer crowds. 

The winter months (December to February) bring cooler temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 12°C, providing a peaceful atmosphere for those who prefer to explore without crowds.

What to do in Matera

Due to its UNESCO World Heritage Status, the city is brimming with history and culture, offering plenty to see and do. 

The Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO site, is the main highlight. This historic area is known for its ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone, which date back thousands of years and consists of two main districts: Sassa Caveoso and Sassa Barisano. 

One review, left on Tripadvisor by Marvin G, described it as a ‘warren of crooked pathways and amazing buildings’.

He continued: ‘We got lost countless times as we wandered through stone archways and the labyrinth of lanes and dead ends, but that was the fun of it.’

Visitors can also explore the Casa Noha, a museum that delves into the city’s peasant history, and Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a traditional cave house preserved to show how families once lived in the ancient dwellings. 

Outside the Sassi is the Parco della Murgia Materna, yet another UNESCO-listedlocation: a natural park filled with ancient rock churches and archaeological sites.

Within the park lies the Cripta del Pecccato Originale, an ancient cave church adorned with 8th-century frescoes depicting biblical scenes, often dubbed the Sistine Chapel of cave churches. 

Visitors on Tripadvisor describe the church as ‘beautiful’ and ‘sacred’, with reviewer Parismuse saying it’s ‘well worth the visit’. 

Where to stay

Four-star hotel rooms on Booking.com in October tend to range from £80 to £350 per night based on two adults. 

Matera is described as a walkable city and many of its attractions are within a close distance of each other, so a long weekend should be plenty of time to explore what’s on offer.

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