Viewpoints in Matera

Scenic Viewpoints

Matera’s unique topography, defined by the ancient Sassi districts and the deep Gravina canyon, offers diverse vantage points across the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. These viewpoints range from central urban squares like Piazza Pascoli and Piazza Duomo to the rugged cliffs of the Murgia Park. They provide perspectives on the city's complex layering of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches such as Madonna de Idris, and the 13th-century Apulian Romanesque Cathedral from varying elevations.

Belvedere "Luigi Guerricchio"

Wheelchair-accessible viewpoint in Piazza Vittorio Veneto overlooking the Sasso Barisano and the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Bruna.

Leandro Catelli / CC-BY-SA

Punto Panoramico "Piazza Duomo"

Located at the highest point of the Civita hill, this terrace offers views over the rooftops of Sasso Barisano and the surrounding Murgia plateau.

Belvedere

Vantage point located near the 16th-century Convent of Sant'Agostino, providing views across the Sasso Barisano and the Gravina canyon.

TISSERAND MARIE H / CC-BY-SA

Belvedere Piazza Pascoli

Overlooks the Sasso Caveoso district and the church of San Pietro Caveoso from the edge of the 17th-century Palazzo Lanfranchi.

I sassi

Elevated position on the northern edge of the historical center, looking down into the limestone cave dwellings of the Barisano district.

View point Madonna de Idris

Situated on the limestone Monterrone rock, this site overlooks the Sasso Caveoso and the canyon floor near the rock-hewn church complex.

Panorama sui Sasso

Located across the Gravina canyon in the Murgia Materana Park, providing a full panoramic perspective of the entire ancient city skyline.

Other Lists

Matera Essentials Historic Churches & Crypts Archaeological Wonders