Matera has a tough history to be sure, but I found it inspiring how they city has rebounded. It has a very youthful vibe, they took caves and made them into beautiful hotels and restaurants. History marches on... There are also some interesting day trips in the area, so having some time there allows you to do more than tour the sassi.

Progol- your trip report was wonderful! What a fantastic trip and your photos are absolutely stunning! Thank you for linking it. So much good information! Looking forward to our Puglia trip! Be well!

kaybee, I’m glad you found the trip report helpful. It was an amazing trip and especially exciting since it was our first big trip since the start of the pandemic.

Are you aware there are two levels/districts to Matera? Sassi: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. They are quite different. I chose to stay two nights in Fra I Sassi Residence, Via D'Addozio overlooking Matera’s Sasso Barisano, The terrain is rough, wear safe, comfortable shoes; visitors do a lot of walking and climbing.. The"cave" guest room was an adventure to me, not so much with my husband. He's still complaining five years later.

The region of Puglia was a delightful surprise. Maybe my expectations were low. In any event, I was completely immersed, educated, and delighted by everything I experienced. If you are a reader, I highly recommend this book: "Christ Stopped at Eboli," by Carlo Levi.

haha i_am_kane - my husband may feel the same way about the cave! Thank you for the info and book suggestion. I was not aware of the two districts. I am going to check out your sassi. Thanks again!

Another vote for Matera. Fascinating and sad history, but oh so beautiful now. Last year we stayed in a lovely cave hotel, the Corte San Pietro, in the lower district and loved it. The service was especially kind-they got up at 6 am to give us a full breakfast as we had to leave early for our flight, helped us with covid tests (a necessity at the time), made restaurant reco's, and more. I would allow at least two nights--it's really stunning at nighttime, and there are many fine restaurants. We loved our stay in Monopoli at the chic Hotel Don Ferrante, and loved, loved, loved, Lecce (though not our hotel.) We especially enjoyed a quirky, tiny fine dining spot in Lecce called 3 Rane Ristoro. The fixed price dinner was amazing, and a great value, and the enthusiasm of the chef and only server were a joy.

The next time I visit Matera, I would stay in the upper town, overlooking the sassi. Flatter, easier to walk around, and maybe a little less touristy than the sassi areas. But I can understand wanting to stay in the sassi on a first trip.

Happytrvlr, don't know if you'll see this, if not, I'll start a new thread. I had a couple of questions about Covo dei Saraceni, tried to email them but it doesn't work. Although it's probably unlikely, is there an elevator? Also, since it seems to be right on the water, it is convenient to the rest of the town (close to restaurants, etc., how far from the train station)? Thanks!

Last month I stayed right "above" the sassi at Hotel Italia--very convenient location and I liked the hotel a lot (though breakfast was just okay).

I don't think I had even decided to go to Basilicata and Puglia when this thread was active. And now back already. Time flies.

kaybee, hope you have a great trip!

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e722506a2.jpeg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...11a36e62b.jpeg
View from room, Hotel Italia, Matera

SusanP, I am pretty sure they had an elevator. I think I’d remember if they didn’t but I could be wrong. We were on the second floor. It is on the water but also very near to the bridge into Old Town, adjacent, the best of both worlds. You are just set back from the busier and interesting Old Town. It is a perfect location.Their restaurant was very good too.
We had a beautiful room with balconies and a terrace. We didn’t want to leave! Staff were lovely too.
I remember seeing the train station, not close by but walkable. We flew into and out of Bari.

Thank you!