Matera is about an hour from Bari, in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, and it is one of the most extraordinary cities in Italy. Its Sassi districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, are tangled neighbourhoods of cave dwellings, stone houses, stairways and churches cut into a limestone ravine. People have lived here for thousands of years, and until the 1950s many families lived in poor conditions in the caves, which led to a resettlement programme. The Sassi were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993, and Matera was European Capital of Culture in 2019. Today the caves hold hotels, restaurants and museums, and the city has a dramatic, almost biblical atmosphere. This guided walk is a small-group English-language tour that explains the history, the water system and the rock churches, and it is the best way to understand what you are seeing.
The Sassi are best understood on foot, because they are a vertical maze. Lanes, steps and terraces climb the slope, and the roof of one house is often the street of another. A guide explains how residents built cisterns to collect water, how rock churches were decorated with Byzantine frescoes, and how the city moved from poverty to heritage status. The viewpoints across the ravine toward the rock churches of the Murgia are unforgettable, especially at sunset.
Practical points matter. The paving is old and uneven, with many steps, so wear comfortable shoes with grip. Summer is hot and shade is limited, while winter can be cool and damp. Many visitors come from Bari on a day trip by train or bus, or by car in around an hour, and some stay overnight in a cave hotel to see the Sassi at night. A walking tour of two to three hours is a good starting point, and you can then spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.
Matera is in Basilicata rather than Puglia, but it fits easily into a Bari-based trip. Combine it with Alberobello or Castel del Monte if you take an organised day, or give it a full day on its own if you want time for the rock churches and a long lunch. The city has also appeared in several well-known films, which adds to its appeal.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group, English-language guided walk through the Sassi districts of Matera, with the cave dwellings, cisterns and rock churches explained.
Best time
Morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for the light on the ravine.
How long
Two to three hours guided, within a full day trip from Bari.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip for steps and uneven paving, carry water in summer and plan your return transport in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who wants one unforgettable city on a Puglia trip.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the caves; the steps are tiring and unsuitable for strollers.
- Couples
- Stay overnight in a cave hotel and see the Sassi lit up at night.
- Pair with
- Alberobello or Castel del Monte on the way, or a night in the Sassi itself.
- Time needed
- A full day from Bari, or an overnight stay.
Good questions
Is Matera in Puglia?+
No, Matera is in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, about an hour from Bari. It is a popular day trip from Bari.
What are the Sassi?+
They are the two ancient cave-dwelling districts of Matera, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, carved into a limestone ravine. They were inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1993.
How do I get to Matera from Bari?+
Trains and buses run in roughly an hour and a half, and by car it takes around an hour. Check the return times so you can stay for the evening.
Do I need a guide?+
You can wander on your own, but a guide explains the water system, the rock churches and the history, which makes the visit far richer.
Is it suitable for people with limited mobility?+
The Sassi involve many steps and uneven paving, so it can be difficult. Ask your guide or tour operator about easier routes.
