Nature, history, authenticity, and traditions: the route of Matera by bike that we want to share with you today is perfect for discovering the treasures of this enchanting destination, which in 2019 was also the European Capital of Culture . If until a few years ago people thought of this city of Basilicata only for the famous Sassi, today things have changed: here are the main attractions not to be missed if you too want to fall in love with this pearl set in southern Italy.

Matera by bike through local art and culture

For art lovers, one of the most appreciated treasures of Matera are the rock churches dating back to the Early Middle Ages, when Byzantine and Benedictine monks began to settle into the caves, turning them into new centers of worship and prayer. These places are a distinctive feature of the city and are appreciated both for their architectural virtuosity and for their valuable pictorial decorations: there are about 150 churches scattered throughout the territory that are protected by the Park of the Rock Churches of Materano, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among these stand out the Church of San Pietro Barisano and the Church of Santa Maria de Idris .

The itinerary of Matera by bike continues with the Museo della Scultura Contemporanea di Matera, which offers a rich collection of works including sculptures, ceramics, art books, and engravings, with masterpieces by artists such as Pomodoro and Manzù. Another unmissable stop is the famous Palombaro: it is a cistern dug under the main square of Matera, Piazza Vittorio, which was used until the first decades of the last century to collect drinking water. Completed in 1846, it was brought back to life in 1991 and is considered an extraordinary work of hydraulic engineering, as imposing as a "water cathedral".

The history of the Sassi di Matera

The cultural and natural treasures of Matera make it the perfect destination for those who want to experience an authentic travel experience, rediscovering a slower and more sustainable lifestyle. Among the attractions that have always captivated the hearts of local, Italian and foreign travelers stand out the famous Sassi di Matera: but what is their history? They are ancient inhabited settlements that were built in the tufaceous rock on the side of the Gravina valley and in 1993 they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These incredible sculptures bear witness from the Paleolithic how the caves were inhabited, next to which were then built from the Middle Ages, more modern houses built above ground. This peculiar architectural intertwining, between alleys, rock churches and caves used as dwellings, makes the Sassi an absolutely unique and unmissable spectacle. Useful information before visiting them is that the Sassi are divided into two quarters: the Sasso Barisano, the largest district, whose houses today mainly house shops, restaurants and hotels, and the Sasso Caveoso, considered the oldest neighborhood that most preserves the most authentic aspect of the city.

Matera between nature and cuisine

The journey to Matera by bike then continues with a discovery of the local nature and gastronomic tradition. A distinctive feature of the Basilicata region is that here, nature and culture blend and intertwine, so much so that the protected natural areas do not only guard particular plants and animals, but also works and rock treasures. Among the unmissable stops are the Parco della Murgia Materana, the Riserva Regionale San Giuliano and the Colle Timmari: the first is famous for the remains of ancient Neolithic villages, the San Giuliano Lake for the many species of birds that can be admired and the hill is an important archaeological area for prehistoric findings as well as those from the 4th century BC.

Once the biking is finished, it's important to take some respite, perhaps in front of some typical dish of the gastronomic tradition of Basilicata: among the best-known dishes we can mention the Crapiata, which is based on legumes, wheat and potatoes, Peperoni Cruschi and Ravioli di pezzente and Sarconi beans, all accompanied by a good glass of local red wine.

Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019

During 2019, Matera was the hub for all cultural travelers, who wanted to immerse themselves not only in the beauties of the territory but also in creativity and innovation. The Matera 2019 website is still active and is a collector of all the main events taking place in the area. So if you and your family are art and culture lovers, you can't miss the rich calendar of events that animate the city throughout the year.

Nature, history, cuisine, art and authenticity: if you want to discover Matera by bike with your family, all you have to do is pack your backpack and hit the road!