Family-Friendly Adventures in , Matera!

Murgia National Park (Parco della Murgia Materana)

Why Visit?

Embark on a family-friendly adventure in the enchanting Murgia National Park, a gem in Italy"s Basilicata region, celebrated for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:

Day 1: Discover Ancient Cave Dwellings

- Morning: Arrival at Matera – Access the park by arriving in Matera, famously known for its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings. Ensure to wear comfortable shoes as exploring Matera involves a lot of walking on cobbled streets.

- Guided Tour of Sassi di Matera – Join a guided tour (easy to book at local tourist offices in Matera) that ventures from the Sassi districts into the park. Learn about the incredible history of the area, where people lived in caves up until the 20th century.

Day 2: Explore Natural Landscapes and Rupestrian Churches

- Morning: Hiking in Murgia Timone – Start early and head for a hike from Matera to the viewpoint at Murgia Timone. This route offers panoramic views back towards the Sassi and is an easy walk for families.

- Visit Rupestrian Churches – During your hike, visit ancient rock churches like Madonna delle Tre Porte, featuring fascinating frescoes. Each church tells a story linking back to when monks sought solitude in these caves.

Day 3: Wildlife Watching and Picnic

- Morning: Flora and Fauna Exploration – The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Take a leisurely walk through the trails and keep an eye out for birds such as larks, falcons, and the rare lesser kestrel.

- Lunch: Picnic at Jazzo Gattini Visitor Center – Pack a picnic and enjoy it at this restored farmstead now serving as a visitor center. They offer interactive displays ideal for kids to learn about the park’s ecosystem.

Getting Around: While some parts of Matera and the park are accessible on foot, consider renting a bike or a car for more comfortable movement, especially when traveling with children.

Enjoy your journey through time and nature at Murgia National Park, where every path leads to a story waiting to be discovered!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sassi di Matera

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary in Sassi di Matera

Day 1: Discover the Sassi

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your family adventure in Matera by exploring the enchanting Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient cave dwellings. Park at the Piazza Matteotti parking area, from where you can take a leisurely 10-minute walk to the Sassi. Start at the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, which offers a glimpse into the past life of the Sassi residents with preserved furnishings and tools.

Lunch: Local Cuisine

Enjoy lunch at a cave restaurant like Ristorante Baccus, offering dishes that kids and adults alike will love, such as homemade pasta and local cheeses.

Afternoon: Rupestrian Churches

Post-lunch, visit the stunning rupestrian churches like Santa Maria de Idris, which showcases beautiful frescoes in a serene setting. Accessed via a short walk from the Sassi, these churches are carved right into the rock, providing both a spiritual and historical experience.

Evening: Stroll and Gelato

As dusk falls, take a gentle walk to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, capturing the picturesque views of the cave dwellings under the glow of sunset. Treat the kids to some artisanal gelato from I Vizi degli Angeli, known for its unique flavors.

Day 2: Museums and Adventure

Morning: MUSMA Museum

Dedicate your morning to the MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera), housed in a traditional cave dwelling. This museum is fascinating for its blend of historical architecture and modern art, making art accessible to all ages.

Afternoon: Adventure Park

In the afternoon, head to the Parco della Murgia Materana for a thrilling family adventure. Reachable by a 20-minute drive from the center, the park offers guided tours, hiking, and even zip-lining over the ancient landscape, providing both education and excitement for the entire family.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

Conclude your Matera visit with a dinner at Le Botteghe, enjoying the local Lucanian cuisine before saying goodbye to the captivating city of stones.

This itinerary blends historical discovery with fun activities, ensuring a memorable trip for your family in the ancient city of Matera.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Madonna delle Virtù Church (Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù

Morning: Begin your day in the enchanting city of Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings and stunning historical architecture. Start at the Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù, a remarkable example of rock-hewn church architecture, integrated perfectly into the natural landscape of the Sassi di Matera. This church, dating from the 10th-11th centuries, offers a unique glimpse into Matera"s spiritual and cultural history.

*Getting There*: Located in the Sasso Barisano, the church is accessible by foot from the center of Matera. Parking is available at Piazza Pascoli, from where you can take a scenic 15-minute walk through the ancient city streets.

Interesting Fact: The church is part of a complex that includes the San Nicola dei Greci Church, showcasing frescoes that tell tales of Byzantine and Latin monks who once inhabited these caves.

Midday: After exploring the church, head to the nearby Piazza Vittorio Veneto for a delightful lunch at one of the local trattorias. Enjoy regional specialties like "cavatelli" pasta or "pane di Matera".

Afternoon: Post lunch, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to the MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera), which is uniquely housed in historic cave dwellings. It"s a fascinating juxtaposition of modern art set against ancient backdrops, perfect to spark the interest of both kids and adults.

Interesting Fact: MUSMA is one of the few museums in the world dedicated entirely to sculpture, offering a tactile and visual experience that is rare and engaging.

Evening: Conclude your day back in the Sassi area. Enjoy a gelato while walking through the cobblestone streets, soaking up the magical atmosphere as the city lights begin to twinkle.

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as Matera"s historic landscape includes uneven surfaces and stairs. This itinerary promises a memorable blend of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, perfect for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.