Hi everybody! I’m Valerangelo of Matera, Italy, and an enthusiastic BlaBlaCar ambassador. I travel frequently for work and to visit my hometown. And because of that, I use BlaBlaCar a lot! I think it is a great way to save money and to meet people during a trip that I would, otherwise, do alone.
Speaking of hometown, let me introduce you to Matera. This city that has a special place in my heart. It is close to the little village where I was born and where I attended high school. Every now and then, I love to come back to relax and enjoy all the things that make this city so great.
Matera’s amazing beauty has been celebrated by famous artists such as Carlo Levi and Giovanni Pascoli. It was also a favorite filming location in Pasolini and Mel Gibson movies. And most recently, Matera was named European Capital of Culture 2019 by the European Commission.
Top places to visit in Matera
To those of you who are thinking of spending a few days in Matera, I will tell you one thing: Do it! It’s totally worth it. And, of course, here are some recommendations:
The most famous things to see in this city are the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings which became the first Italian site to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other must-sees are the Cathedral, Casa Grotta, Gravina and the Rupestral Churches.
In addition to these places, my advice is to seek hospitality from locals and try the traditional food. I suggest a visit to Sottozero for the panzerotto, which is like a calzone pizza and a popular type of street food.
Those are just some brief tips for a weekend trip. But you really have to experience this city, and it will stay in your heart forever!
Want to visit Matera?
