Matera is a city of two halves: the ancient Sassi cave districts (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the modern city (Piano) built after the 1950s. The Sassi themselves divide into three distinct zones, Sasso Barisano, Sasso Caveoso, and Civita, each with a different character. Understanding the neighborhoods will help you decide where to stay and how to plan your visit. Check the Matera weather by month guide for more detail.
Matera Neighborhoods: Sasso Barisano
The larger and more developed of the two Sassi districts, Sasso Barisano stretches north from the cathedral hill. It is the main tourist hub. Most cave hotels, restaurants, and wine bars are here, along Via Fiorentini and the streets branching off it. The district feels lived-in and polished, with many cave dwellings converted into stylish accommodations and shops. Hotel prices here are the highest in Matera: 150 to 500 EUR per night for a cave room in peak season. Best for first-time visitors who want to stay in a cave hotel with easy access to dining. The streets are steep and uneven, not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Check the best time to visit Matera guide for more detail.
Matera Neighborhoods: Sasso Caveoso
The southern half of the Sassi, Sasso Caveoso is rawer and less commercialized. Fewer streets have been fully restored, giving the area an authentic, slightly rugged feel. This is where you will find the Casa Grotta museum and the rock churches of Santa Maria di Idris and San Pietro Caveoso. Accommodation options are fewer and generally cheaper than Sasso Barisano: 80 to 200 EUR per night. The area is quieter at night, with only a handful of restaurants. Best for photographers and travelers who want a more atmospheric, less touristy Sassi experience. The climb from Sasso Caveoso up to the cathedral is about 100 steps. Check things to do in Matera for more detail.
Matera Neighborhoods: Civita
The rocky promontory between the two Sassi, Civita is the original fortified acropolis of Matera. It is compact, you can walk across it in 5 minutes, and dominated by the 13th-century cathedral. The cathedral piazza has several cafes and gelato shops with panoramic terrace seating. There is very little accommodation in Civita itself (a few high-end suites), but it is the natural crossroads between both Sassi districts. The views from the cathedral terrace overlook both Sasso Barisano (to the north) and Sasso Caveoso (to the south). Best for orientation. Start your visit here to get the lay of the land. Check Matera events and festivals for more detail.
Matera Neighborhoods: Centro Storico, Il Piano
“The Piano” (flat ground) is the modern city center built on the plateau above the Sassi, centered on Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via del Corso. This is where most Materani live today. You will find the main shopping streets, banks, the post office, and bus stops for regional services. Hotels here are modern (not cave-style) and significantly cheaper: 60 to 120 EUR per night, with easy parking, something the Sassi districts lack. The Palombaro Lungo cistern entrance is in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Best for travelers who want convenience, accessible accommodation, and do not mind walking 10 to 15 minutes down into the Sassi for sightseeing. Check the where to stay in Matera guide for more detail.
Matera Neighborhoods: Matera Nord and New Developments
The northern districts beyond the historic center, including Serra Venerdì and Lanera, are residential areas with apartment blocks, supermarkets, and the Matera Centrale train station (about 2 km from the Sassi). There is no tourist infrastructure here, and you would only stay here if you are on a very tight budget or prefer chain hotels. The Bari-Matera train line terminates at Matera Centrale (FAL station). A local bus (Line 2) connects the station to Piazza Matteotti near the Sassi in about 15 minutes; tickets cost 1 EUR from tabacchi shops. Check Matera travel tips and FAQ for more detail.
