A GUIDE TO MATERA IN PUGLIA

Since being crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2019, the Southern Italian city of Matera has balanced its rich heritage with a vibrant, modern energy. The city has undergone thoughtful transformations, making it more accessible while maintaining its authentic charm. The hilltop city's cathedral, which reopened after a 12-year restoration, now stands as a testament to Matera’s commitment to preserving its history. Roads have been improved, and the once-anticipated underground system has enhanced connectivity, welcoming the influx of visitors without compromising the city’s quaint appeal.

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Fast forward to 2025, and Matera's allure remains undeniable. The city’s winding alleyways still reveal hidden gems like the artisanal ice cream shop, Vizi Degli Angeli—once celebrated by The New York Times—alongside culinary hotspots such as the gourmet restaurant Ego, the subterranean cocktail haven Area 8, and the atmospheric Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita hotel, which artfully integrates 18 unique caves across three levels.

Matera continues to thrive as a cultural hub with an evolving calendar of events, from captivating art exhibitions and the annual women's literary festival to the enduring Gezziamoci Jazz Festival, which fills the city with soulful sounds from August through December. This ancient city, already a star on its own, proves that its renaissance was not just for 2019 but for generations to come.

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