Matera, elected European Capital of Culture in 2019, is world-famous for its beauty. At Christmas, this wonderful city in Basilicata shines even more brightly thanks to its many attractions. Here are the main ones.
1. Living Nativity Scene among the Sassi of Matera
At Christmas time, the incredibly evocative atmosphere of the Sassi of Matera provides the backdrop for one of Italy’s most beautiful living nativity scenes. It is a narrative nativity scene set among typical historical districts. Within each section of the nativity, a short theatrical representation of the biblical events relating to the Nativity takes place, and visitors can admire them all, thanks to a dedicated tour.
2. Christmas markets and Santa’s Village
Starting on 8 December in the very central Piazza Vittorio Veneto the Christmas Village, is an event dedicated to Christmas with local craft markets, typical products and other festive events. Some of the most characteristic works by Matera’s artisans include whistles, cuccù and terracotta artefacts, made according to tradition.
3. Typical Christmas sweets
One of the things you absolutely cannot miss in Matera during Christmas are sweets, such as the strazzate, typical Lucanian biscuits made with almonds and cocoa; the cartellate, usually covered with honey or vin cotto, and finally the famous ricotta cake, an important symbol of Christmas in Basilicata!
4. Sunset over the Murgia
The colours of Murgia plateau in winter are spectacular. If you are in Matera during the Christmas period, you absolutely cannot miss the moment of sunset: watching the sunlight veiling the stones is an extraordinary experience.
5. Visiting the Rock Churches
Within the Matera Regional Historical and Natural Archaeological Park, also known as the Murgia Materana Park, there are the so-called Rupestrian Churches, carved into the rock. We recommend visiting them to live a unique experience that combines art, history and spirituality.
Would you like to spend your Christmas holidays in Matera? Find among our stay options in Matera, the best solution to enjoy festivities with your family or friends. If you want to spend Christmas holidays to make a complete trip and visit the most beautiful places in Apulia, you can choose one of our tours, such as the 8-day Grand Tour Apulia and Matera – Christmas and New Year, or the 5-day Mini Tour Apulia and Matera – Christmas and New Year.