Travel Itinerary

Start the day meandering the steep stone staircases and cave houses of Sasso Caveoso while the rising sun turns the tufa rock honey-gold.

Step inside a furnished 18th-century cave dwelling to see how large families, animals and tools once shared the same rock-hewn rooms.

Sip an espresso on the terrace that offers the postcard view over cave roofs and the dramatic ravine beyond.

Begin the short gorge-edge trail that links the most beautiful medieval cave churches, starting with frescoed Santa Lucia.

End the trail inside this tiny cliff-clinging church whose walls are still painted with 12th-century frescoes.

Refuel on handmade orecchiette pasta, local lamb and the famously crunchy Matera DOP bread in a welcoming cave-side trattoria.

Climb to the 13th-century Apulian-Romanesque cathedral terrace for sweeping views across both Sassi districts.

Cross the gorge footbridge for the classic sunset shot: the entire cave city glowing amber against the limestone cliffs.

End the day feasting on Lucanian grilled meats and robust Aglianico wine inside candle-lit limestone vaults.