Matera: New Year’s Eve amongst the Sassi

Arrival in Matera during the day and check-in at the Ecoluxury Retreat Grotte della Civita – a cultural project involving the conservation and restoration of 18 caves, some of exceptional size, a communal space in an ancient rock-hewn church, six rooms in an 18th-century building, and a shop selling local handicrafts. The entire complex is situated in the oldest part of the Sassi, the Civita, overlooking the Gravina stream, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Murgia Park and its rock-hewn churches. Free time for an initial orientation tour of the city of the Sassi: we recommend visiting the Tramontano Castle Park, which will host the traditional Christmas markets – a perfect opportunity to buy local crafts and speciality products. Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel

In the morning, you will meet your guide, who will introduce you to all the unique features of this one-of-a-kind place. A guided tour of Matera is an exciting journey into the heart of history and stone. The tour begins at the famous Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where homes carved into the rock climb up the slopes like a living nativity scene. As you wander through the winding alleyways of the Sasso Caveoso and the Sasso Barisano, you’ll discover frescoed rock-hewn churches and peasant dwellings that have remained intact over time. The guide will recount the hard yet resourceful life that took place here until just a few decades ago, revealing a world suspended between ancient civilisations and cultural rebirth.  At the end of the tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring this unique city: you can visit the Palombaro Lungo, an ancient cistern dug beneath the city for water supply, or simply lose yourself amongst the Sassi. Alternatively, after soaking up the city’s historic atmosphere, continue your walk across the picturesque Tibetan-style bridge over the Gravina. From here, take one of the scenic paths leading up to the Murgia of Matera. The walk is easy and invigorating, and will lead you to a unique vantage point: from this perspective, Matera reveals itself in all its beauty. Wait for sunset, when the Sassi begin to be bathed in golden light. 

The view will be picture-postcard perfect: the city lights up as if by magic, suspended between the past and the present, leaving you breathless. The evening is yours to spend as you wish: you can opt for a traditional New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city centre, or celebrate the New Year alongside the locals by watching the shows organised in the squares. Overnight stay.

The morning is free after a long New Year’s Eve night. In the afternoon, we recommend an urban trek from Matera to the Belvedere, crossing the Tibetan bridge – a thrilling experience that combines nature, history and adventure. The route starts in the heart of the Sassi di Matera, taking you along ancient paths carved into the rock and offering breathtaking views of the Gravina canyon. The route leads to the picturesque Tibetan bridge, suspended between the two banks, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the rock-cut caves. After crossing the bridge, the walk continues towards the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, an ideal vantage point from which to admire Matera at sunset, with its golden lights illuminating the ancient stone. Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at your hotel.