The Most Beautiful Viewpoints in Matera
Bold statement: after Rome, Matera might be my favourite place on earth. For me, the city feels like pure magic, and it also happens to have some of the most beautiful viewpoints I have ever seen.
The first time I visited Matera was in February 2024, when I took an eight hour FlixBus from Rome to Matera, and it was one of my first blog articles ever. While I still have PTSD from that FlixBus trip (which was not FlixBus its fault, more like my own, because my entire container of meal prepped pasta was swimming around at the bottom of my bag, yes with red sauce) I have amazing memories from that solo trip, and I could not wait to go back. This time around I was with my family, but I still had that same magical feeling I had during my first visit.
Since I had been before, I took my family to all my favourite viewpoints in Matera, the ones where you get the best views of the ancient Sassi from different corners and angles. And since I am not one to gatekeep, I thought it would be nice to share these spots so you know exactly where to go for the most beautiful views in Matera.
A short introduction to Matera
For the people who have not read my first blog post about Matera, I thought it would be nice to start with a short introduction, just so you know what on earth I am talking about. Matera is a famous historical town located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. It is known for its ancient cave dwellings called the Sassi di Matera, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Sassi are considered one of the oldest urban settlements in Europe, dating all the way back to prehistoric times. The entire town is carved into limestone cliffs, and the historic centre is filled with mysterious alleyways, endless staircases and, of course, breathtaking viewpoints.
And since the viewpoints are what make Matera truly unforgettable in my opinion, let us get into the most beautiful ones you should not miss during your visit.
Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei ‘Tre Archi’
Probably the most famous viewpoint (or belvedere in Italian) in Matera is the ‘Tre Archi’. It is located on Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a large public square full of restaurants, bars, and general life, including street musicians. From this viewpoint, you get a stunning view of the Sassi, and it almost feels like you are looking at a labyrinth, with all the narrow streets and ancient houses. The view changes beautifully throughout the day with different lighting, and I can highly recommend visiting at night too!
Piazza Duomo
Almost across from the Sassi in relation to the ‘Tre Archi’ viewpoint, you will find Piazza Duomo, one of the highest viewpoints in Matera. The beautiful Basilica Cattedrale di Matera is also located here, so you can easily combine a visit to the viewpoint with a trip inside the Cathedral. I love this viewpoint because it’s one of the highest in the city, and it feels very rewarding after climbing the steps to get there.
Tip: if you love viewpoints as much as I do, I highly recommend checking out my article about the most beautiful viewpoints in Rome!
Via San Giacomo
My favourite street in Matera is Via San Giacomo. From here, you get a beautiful view of the opposite side of the Sassi, with the cliffside right next to it. There’s something about this view that feels incredibly peaceful, and simply walking along Via San Giacomo is a true gift. With the little walls lining the street, it’s also a very Instagrammable spot for photos.
From the Rock Church
Located in a central part of the Sassi, you will find the church of S. Maria de Idris. It is called a rock church because it is quite literally carved into the rock. Around the church, there is a spacious platform from where you can take some of the most beautiful photos of the Sassi. To reach the church and the platform, simply take the steps from Via Bruno Buozzi, which are very easy to find.
Rione Casalnuovo
My second favourite street in Matera is Rione Casalnuovo, and from here you can also find stunning views. What I love about this street is that the further you walk, the fewer people you will encounter, since most tourists don’t go this far. It feels very peaceful and quiet, especially in the off season, so if you are looking for a less crowded spot to soak it all in, this street might be perfect for you.
Convento di Sant’Agostino
The Convent of Sant'Agostino in Matera consists of both a church and a convent, and it has been a place of worship since the 16th century. When I visited Matera for the first time, it was quite misty in the morning, and from the convent I captured one of my favourite photos ever. The mist combined with the beautiful ancient Sassi creates a truly spectacular view. If you are in Matera, you simply cannot miss this viewpoint!
Belvedere Murgia Timone
The last viewpoint on this list is my favourite, but it also requires the most labour since it is located on the other side of the hill. To get to Belvedere Murgia Timone, you can either drive and park nearby or hike from Matera to the opposite hillside using a suspension bridge. It might sound intimidating, but honestly it is very doable and, most importantly, worth it!
Besides offering a stunning panoramic view of Matera, this hillside also has many caves to explore, which makes the experience even more memorable. There are trails leading to the viewpoint, and along the way you can wander off the path to discover the caves and soak in all the sights of Matera.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit Matera, or if your trip is already planned, to discover its most beautiful viewpoints! These are my personal favourites, but there are definitely many more waiting to be explored. If you have already been to Matera, I would love to know your favourite viewpoint in the comments!
