Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio

There is no doubt that this is a must visit spot in Matera. You would have seen it from many different angles even before you get close to it, as it stands out high in the entire old town. Though there is a fee to get inside the temple, it is strongly recommended to do so (also there is paid washroom inside and that's the only one I could pay to use). Even though it is well decocrated inside, some historic spots are also pretected by adding glass cover over the top, so you can see them through the glass and wall on top of them.

The Cathedral of Matera (Duomo) is located at the highest point of the city. Its elevated position offers breathtaking panoramic views over both the Sassi districts and the surrounding landscape. The cathedral itself is a beautiful example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, with an impressive facade and a serene, atmospheric interior. Inside, you’ll find intricate details, restored frescoes, and a peaceful ambiance that invites quiet reflection. Even though the space isn’t overly large, the sense of history and artistry makes it feel significant and memorable. Right next to the cathedral, there’s a small museum that’s also worth a visit. It houses a collection of religious art and artifacts, providing more context about the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It’s not very big, but it’s nicely curated and complements the cathedral experience.

Matera is the most popular city in Basilicata, a region in Southern Italy. Basilicata is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets waiting to be discovered. With its picturesque villages and towns alongside spectacular coastline and dramatic mountains, the Basilicata region is off-the-beaten-path Italy at its best 📍 Basilicata, Italy 🇮🇹

if you are in this part of Italy , then Matera is not a bad choice..

i been plesently suprised that its not crowded after sunset

The view from here over the city of Materna is great. The museum and the cathedral are worth seeing, but the interior is a bit gaudy and opulent, I would say.

We were disappointed that after making the effort to walk there, you were expected to pay 3.50 per person because there was a museum as well as the church. We were not interested in seeing the museum so skipped the whole thing, having seen many other beautiful churches in Italy for FREE.

This spot, along with the church, offers one of the best viewpoints of Matera’s stunning landscape. The walk up may be a bit of a climb, but it’s absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views that await. From here, you get an incredible panorama of the ancient stone city with its unique caves and historic architecture, which almost seem to glow at sunset. The rugged landscape combined with the timeless beauty of Matera’s buildings creates a view that feels like stepping back in time. The atmosphere is serene and awe-inspiring, making it an unforgettable part of any visit to Matera.