6 Best View Points in Matera
Matera is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited. The epic, historical city is located in the Basilicata region of Italy, closer to the center of the country than the nearby Puglia region, and you’ll spend the majority of your time in awe of its beauty. While you’re there you’ll want to find all the best panoramic viewpoints of the city for the best views and the best photos. I’ve compiled a list (and a map) of the 6 best viewpoints for your next trip to Matera!
To get to these viewpoints, the first 5 are walkable within the main area of Matera, but the 6th does require driving or hiking to, more details below!
Map of Matera’s Best View Points
Belvedere Luigi Gureicchio
Belvedere Luigi Gureicchio is one of the main viewpoints of the infamous Sassi of Matera. The viewpoint is located off of one of the main squares of Matera Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and right next to Palombaro lungo, Matera’s ancient cistern. The viewpoint is directly across from the Basilica Cattedrale di Matera, and so it offers the best views looking up at the church over the Sassi.
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is another epic Matera view point. This is a great spot to head for sunset/golden hour. It’s located next to Museo Nazionale di Matera.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso offers some of my favorite views of Matera. From the piazza with the church behind you’ll find some of the best views of the Sassi in Matera. Bu the views towards the church and behind the church are also stunning and highlight the impressiveness of the cliffside landscape.
Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo is the square where the main cathedral of Matera sits. The piazza offers stunning views out over the Sassi back towards Belvedere Luigi Gureicchio (the first viewpoint)
Convent di Sant’Agostino
Convent di Sant’Agostino has some of the best views of Matera and offers a different perspective than the first four viewpoints. I highly recommend heading up to the convent for these views!
Belvedere Murgia Timone
Belvedere Murgia Timone is a bit outside of the main downtown area of Matera, but is definitely worth a visit for the views! The easiest way to get there is by car. If you put it in your GPS you’ll get there easily, it’s only about 5 minutes from Mater – the road often is closed on the weekends, so try to go during the week. If the road is closed you can park in the lot at the end of the road and walk the mile or so to the viewpoint.
If you don’t have a car and you’re feeling ambitious you can hike from Matera to the viewpoint. You’ll take the Belvedere Murgia Timone Hiking Trail. The trail descends deep into the canyon before you’ll begin the climb up the ancient paths towards Belvedere Murgia Timone. It’s a two and a half mile round trip, but it is quite a steep way down and back up (and you’ll have to do that twice) so keep that in mind! Also you’ll need to cross a suspension bridge, just something to keep in mind if you’re frightened of heights.
For more information on Matera see my full Matera travel guide with details on:
