While Matera is not technically part of Puglia (it’s in the region of Basilicata which borders Puglia to the west), we didn’t hesitate to add it to our Apulian honeymoon itinerary. Look at the photos below and you’ll see why.
Visiting Matera was absolutely a bucket list item for me, but not the type of bucket list item that is a “one and done." The second we laid eyes upon the view of the Sassi, learned about the history, encountered the warm locals, ate the food, wandered the labyrinth of streets and stairs, and explored cave houses that were part of, what felt like an active archaeological site – and when do we ever really have the chance to do that?! – I knew we’d have to come back.
Matera is one of those places that is so hauntingly, magically beautiful that you can’t help but want to return over and over again to experience its evolution and step back in time to really get away from it all. It is one of the most unique, beautiful, romantic, and raw places I’ve ever visited with a history that leaves you always wanting to dig deeper and know more. And it’s the European culture capital of 2019!
It’s safe to say that Matera is one of our most favorite places that we’ve ever visited. You can read a more in-depth overview of its history here because I can’t possibly do it justice. I hope to get back to Matera one day and feel like I've only just dipped my toes in the region of Basilicata.
