The Best Views of Matera

Located just beside the Palazzo Lanfranchi, this large, accessible balcony offers what is arguably the most famous and comprehensive view of the entire city. Visitors are treated to an astonishing, unobstructed panorama that captures the sweeping bowl of the southern cave district and the towering cathedral spire. It is the absolute perfect spot to understand the complex, stacked geography of the ancient neighbourhoods. The view is incredibly photogenic at any time of day, but particularly magical when the city lights begin to flicker on at dusk. It is an unmissable, highly emotional vantage point.

Situated directly beneath the arches of the main square, this terrace offers a sudden, breathtaking perspective of the northern cave district. Because it is located slightly lower than the main street level, it feels as though you are suspended directly over the ancient rooftops. The view perfectly frames the labyrinthine alleys, the rock hewn churches, and the stark contrast between the excavated caves and the built facades. It is often the very first glimpse of the subterranean city that visitors experience. The visual impact of seeing the ancient stone world open up beneath you is genuinely profound.

To truly appreciate the dramatic setting of the city, you must view it from across the deep ravine. Located within the natural park on the opposite plateau, this viewpoint provides a monumental, wide angle look at the entire urban expanse clinging to the cliffside. The sheer scale of the gorge and the precarious positioning of the houses are laid bare from this angle. It is particularly revered at sunset, when the golden limestone of the city reflects the fading light. Reaching it requires a drive or a hike, but the cinematic reward is incomparable.

Positioned at the highest point of the central rocky spur, the plaza surrounding the cathedral offers phenomenal, sweeping views in two directions. From one side, you can gaze down over the bustling rooftops of the northern district, while the other side offers glimpses into the southern valley. Because of its elevation, it provides a unique 'top down' perspective on the intricate maze of alleys and courtyards below. The atmosphere here is usually quieter and more contemplative than the commercial squares. It is an excellent spot to appreciate the architectural hierarchy of the settlement.

Located at the edge of the northern district near the monumental convent, this terrace provides a highly distinct, alternative angle of the city. Looking back towards the cathedral, you can clearly see the dramatic rocky spur that divides the two ancient valleys. The viewpoint also offers a superb, plunging look straight down into the deepest part of the ravine. It is a fantastic location for morning photography, as the early sun beautifully illuminates the intricate facades of the Barisano district. The sheer drop off makes it an exhilarating place to stand and admire the architecture.

Standing on the broad plaza directly in front of the iconic church, this viewpoint offers a completely different, much closer connection to the landscape. Instead of looking down upon the city, you are looking directly across the precipitous drop of the Gravina gorge. The view focuses on the raw, untamed nature of the rocky canyon and the ancient caves dotting the opposite cliffs. It serves as a stark reminder of the harsh geological environment the city was built upon. The sound of the wind rushing up from the valley adds a dramatic auditory element to the view.