A trip to Matera, Italy, will take you back in time.
It is an extraordinarily rich place for travelers who have great artistic and culinary sensibilities.
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Best Things to Do
Hike Murgia Materana Park.
Getting here does take some dedication, though.
Take a tour with an expert.
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See and do as much as possible inone tour with Russo.
Stops at sites with neolithic graffiti and medieval and hidden frescoes are other itinerary perks.
Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Idris.
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Yet none is as magical as theChurch of Saint Mary of Idris.
This tiny church welcomes visitors, who usually come to gaze upon what remains of its frescoes.
But its not just the views inside that are special.
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Find contemporary pieces at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera.
Best Restaurants
Trattoria del Caveoso
Cant get enough time in Materas caves?
Make a reservation atTrattoria del Caveoso, a restaurant tucked into a cliff.
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Il Rusticone
Grab a no-fuss but still highly delicious lunch atIl Rusticone, a restaurant specializing in mouth-watering pizzas.
Pasta and sandwiches are on the menu, too, but pizza really is the thing here.
Order a classic Margherita or Napoli, or spice things up with a Diavola.
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Vitantonio Lombardo
Plan an elegant evening out with reservations at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante.
Have a shorter dinner with a five-course menu, or stay the whole evening and go for 10.
Its held every year on July 2, and it includes parades, parties, and plenty of fireworks.
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By Bus
The easiest way to get to Matera is by bus.
There are buses to and from Matera via major metropolitan areas in Italy, including Rome and Florence.
Seek out the options and schedules available on both theMarozziandLisciobus lines.
By Train
Travelers can also get to Matera via train, but these tend to be very long rides.
Getting Around
On Foot
Getting around Matera definitely requires solid walking shoes.
Its narrow streets werent built with future cars in mind, so confirm to pack your most comfortable kicks.
