Matera: A Magical Family Adventure in Italy’s City of Stone

Matera is unlike anywhere else in the world. Nestled in the southern region of Basilicata, this UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its Sassi – ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs. Walking through Matera feels like stepping back in time, yet it’s also a vibrant, modern city with welcoming locals, delicious food, and plenty to explore.

If you’re planning a trip with children, Matera might not be the first place that comes to mind, but it can be a truly magical experience for the whole family. Here are some tips and highlights to make your visit fun, smooth, and unforgettable.

Why Visit Matera with Kids?

• It’s like a movie set. Kids are fascinated by the cave houses, winding alleys, and stairways that feel like a giant playground. Fun fact: Matera was used as the backdrop for films such as The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die.

• Compact and walkable. The main sights are close together, so you don’t have to worry about long journeys between attractions.

• A chance to mix history and adventure. Learning about ancient cave life feels more like exploring than studying.

  
  

Top Things to See and Do

1. Explore the Sassi

The two districts – Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano – are the heart of Matera. Wander slowly, letting the kids peek into caves, climb staircases, and marvel at how people once lived here. Be sure to pop into one of the Casa Grotta (restored cave homes) to see how families lived before the 1950s.

2. Visit Rupestrian Churches

The rock-hewn churches are masterpieces carved directly into stone, decorated with frescoes. Some highlights include:

• Santa Maria de Idris (with stunning views)

• San Pietro Caveoso Children often enjoy spotting the colourful frescoes and imagining what life was like inside these caves.

  
  

3. Belvedere di Murgia Timone

Cross over to the Murgia Plateau, opposite the Sassi, for breathtaking views of Matera’s skyline. It’s also where ancient cave dwellings dot the landscape. Older children may enjoy a short hike here (just be mindful of the terrain).

4. MUSMA – Museum of Contemporary Sculpture

For a change of pace, this unique museum is set inside caves. Kids may not linger at every piece, but the setting itself – underground rooms filled with light and art – usually captures their attention.

5. Piazzas and Gelato Stops

Matera’s squares, like Piazza Vittorio Veneto, are great spots for a break. Grab a gelato or a snack, and let the children run around while you enjoy the view.

Where to Eat with Kids in the Sassi

Exploring Matera works up an appetite — and if you’re travelling with kids, you’ll know that food stops can make or break the day. Luckily, the Sassi has plenty of family-friendly places where little ones are welcome, and parents get to enjoy proper Basilicata flavours too.

Here are a few tried-and-tested spots to keep everyone happy:

🍝 Osteria al Casale

A traditional trattoria with hearty local dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. The pasta is fresh, the bread is famous, and the staff are used to little guests. Order a simple tomato pasta and watch it disappear in minutes.

🍕 Pizzeria Da Zero

Because sometimes, only pizza will do. This fun, casual spot serves wood-fired pizzas with fresh toppings, focaccia, and little bites that are easy to share. Parents get creative combinations, kids get Margherita heaven — win-win.

🍲 Trattoria del Caveoso

Want to impress the kids? Take them to dinner inside a cave. The atmosphere is cosy and unique, and the menu has plenty of crowd-pleasers like orecchiette pasta and grilled meats. It feels like eating in a secret hideout.

🥪 Panecotto

Perfect for a quick and easy lunch. Think platters of Matera’s legendary bread, sandwiches, and light snacks. Great if you’re in between adventures and need something fast before the kids run off again.

🍦 I Vizi degli Angeli – Gelateria Artigianale

No family trip is complete without gelato, and this spot is the best in Matera. Creamy, inventive flavours for adventurous taste buds and simple sorbets for little ones. Warning: once they try it, the kids may demand gelato breaks every day.

👉 Parent tip: Dinner in Matera starts later (after 7:30 pm). If your kids are early eaters, plan your main meal at lunch and keep the evening casual with pizza or panini. That way, everyone stays happy (and meltdown-free).

What to Order: Local Specialties Kids Might Actually Eat

Matera has a few regional dishes that even picky eaters will enjoy — so you can sneak some local culture onto the kids’ plates without any fuss.

• Pane di Matera (Matera Bread): Thick, crusty, and slightly nutty — kids love it fresh with olive oil, and it’s served everywhere.

• Cavatelli Pasta: A short, hand-rolled pasta that’s perfect with a simple tomato sauce. Think gnocchi meets penne — easy and comforting.

• Orecchiette con Pomodoro: Little “ear-shaped” pasta, usually served with tomato sauce and cheese — an instant hit with kids.

• Crapiata Soup: A hearty local bean and grain soup. Some kids love it, some don’t, but it’s worth a try (and parents usually end up finishing it!).

• Focaccia Barese: Fluffy bread topped with tomatoes and olive oil — like pizza’s cousin, and very child-friendly.

Tips for Travelling with Children in Matera

• Footwear is key. The cobbled streets and steps can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must (no flip-flops!).

  
  

• Strollers aren’t practical. A baby carrier or toddler backpack is much easier to manage in the Sassi’s winding alleys.

  
  

• Plan rest breaks. Shady piazzas and cafés are lifesavers on hot days.

  
  

• Stay overnight. Sleeping in a cave hotel can be a magical experience for kids – like being in a storybook.

  
  

• Food is child-friendly. Basilicata cuisine is hearty and simple, with pasta, bread, and pizza always available. Don’t miss Matera bread, a local speciality.

  
  

Family-Friendly Day Trips from Matera

If you’re staying longer, consider these easy excursions:

• Craco: A ghost town that feels like a real-life movie set (best for older children).

• Aliano: Quirky and full of history, with dramatic clay landscapes.

• Metaponto: Combine history with fun – visit the ancient Greek ruins and then head to the Ionian coast for a beach break.

Final Thoughts

Matera is more than a city – it’s an adventure through time. For children, it’s a place where history comes alive, where staircases lead to secret caves, and where the landscape feels almost magical. With a little planning (and the right shoes!), Matera can be a truly unforgettable family destination in Italy.