Ipogeo MateraSum

Attraction, Cave and Historic Site in Matera

Ipogeo MateraSum
Ipogeo MateraSum
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt

Ipogeo MateraSum is one of Matera's most intriguing underground attractions: a walkable hypogeum route that reveals a “city beneath the city,” carved into the rock below the modern streets near the Sassi area. You'll move through atmospheric chambers and passages that help you picture how people lived, worked, and managed water in Matera across centuries.

Because it sits close to other must-sees like Palombaro Lungo and the Sassi viewpoints, it fits perfectly into a self-guided day or a guided walking tour that links Matera's surface landmarks with its subterranean story. If you're deciding what to prioritize, pair it with a classic Sassi walk and a sunset viewpoint for the best contrast between above-ground beauty and below-ground history.

History and Significance of the Ipogeo MateraSum

Matera's identity has always been tied to rock-cut spaces: homes, storage rooms, cisterns, and passages shaped by necessity and ingenuity. Ipogeo MateraSum taps into that tradition by presenting a curated underground route that helps visitors understand how the city's “hidden” layers supported everyday life.

What makes the experience meaningful is the way it connects the dots between Matera’s famous cave dwellings and the less-visible infrastructure that kept them functioning. As you move through the hypogeum, you get a clearer sense of how space was reused over time and how the underground environment shaped local routines.

Today, visiting the Ipogeo is also a reminder that Matera isn't only about postcard views of the Sassi. It's equally about the engineering, adaptation, and resilience that allowed communities to thrive in a challenging landscape.

Things to See and Do in the Ipogeo MateraSum

Plan on a short introductory segment and then a self-paced exploration through the underground rooms and corridors. The route is designed to be approachable for first-time visitors, with interpretation that helps you understand what you’re looking at without needing a long guided tour.

Many travelers enjoy the “discovery” feeling here: the entrance can be easy to miss, and once you’re inside, the atmosphere shifts quickly from busy streets to cool, quiet stone spaces. Look for the parts of the route that highlight how underground areas were used for practical purposes, not just as curiosities.

If you're building a full day itinerary, Ipogeo MateraSum works well as a midday stop between outdoor viewpoints and churches or museums. It's also a smart choice in hot weather, when you'll appreciate the naturally cooler underground environment.

How to Get to the Ipogeo MateraSum

The nearest major airports are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (often the easiest option) and Naples International Airport; from either, you'll continue onward to Matera by a mix of bus, train, or car depending on your schedule. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Matera on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by rail, note that Matera's connections can involve a transfer (often via Bari), and you may finish the last leg by regional rail or bus depending on the route and time of day. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy..

Driving is straightforward for flexibility, especially if you're combining Matera with Puglia or Basilicata road stops, but expect ZTL restrictions and limited parking near the historic center—aim for a parking area outside the core and walk in. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ipogeo MateraSum

  • Official website: https://www.ipogeomaterasum.com/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €7.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 09:00–13:00 & 15:00–19:00.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon is ideal, especially if you’re pairing it with outdoor viewpoints before or after. In peak season, go earlier to avoid small-space bottlenecks.
  • How long to spend: Most visits take around 30–45 minutes, depending on how thoroughly you read the displays and move through the route.
  • Accessibility: Expect steps and uneven surfaces typical of underground rock-cut spaces; it may be challenging for wheelchairs and anyone with limited mobility.
  • Facilities: You’ll typically find basic visitor services at the entrance area; bring water and use nearby cafés for a longer break before continuing your Sassi walk.

Where to Stay Close to the Ipogeo MateraSum

Base yourself in or just beside the Sassi/centro storico area for the easiest walking access to Ipogeo MateraSum, viewpoints, and evening dining.

For a classic Matera stay with immediate access to the historic lanes, consider a well-located cave-style property that lets you step straight into the atmosphere after day-trippers leave.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa Chosen for a high-end cave experience and spa comfort, ideal after long days on Matera’s stairs.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Included for its iconic, immersive Sassi setting and a memorable “sleep in history” feel.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel A strong pick for travelers who want refined comfort near the Cathedral and easy access to central sights.

Hotel San Domenico al Piano Selected for practical convenience near transport links and a simpler approach to exploring on foot.

Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae Great for a mid-range stay with character, plus on-site thermal-style relaxation that suits couples and walkers.

Is the Ipogeo MateraSum Worth Visiting?

Yes—Ipogeo MateraSum is worth visiting if you want to understand Matera beyond the viewpoints. It's compact, atmospheric, and adds real context to what you see in the Sassi by showing how the underground spaces functioned as part of daily life.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike enclosed spaces, are short on time, or prefer only “big ticket” highlights like panoramic terraces and major churches, you might skip it. It’s also not the best choice if you’re expecting a highly staffed, heavily guided experience—this visit is more about self-paced discovery.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (390)

Visitors rate Ipogeo MateraSum very highly overall, praising it as a memorable underground look at Matera's hidden history. Common highlights include the atmospheric subterranean spaces, the sense of discovering a “city under the city,” and the amount to see for the ticket price. The most frequent drawbacks are that the audio guide can feel monotonous or poorly voiced for some languages, the entrance can be hard to spot, and a few travelers mention indifferent staff.

Carol Rafferty
4 months ago
"Great underground living. September 25 £7 to enter."
Jarrod Hunt
2 years ago
"Very interesting experience to explore the underground and soak up some of Matera's history. Audio guide is a oying IMO, do yourself a favour andjust read the sign boards, they are plentiful and cover most of what the monotonous audio guide covers, and more. The staff could not be more disinterested however, and the front entryway stinks of cigarettes (from the disinterested staff). Worth a look..."
Jami Willard
3 years ago
"Absolute best subterranean experience in Matera! Must see!! Excellent audio guide included in the entrance fee."

For Different Travelers

Ipogeo MateraSum is flexible: it can be a quick add-on between major landmarks or a deeper dive for travelers who love hidden layers of a city. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you like intimate spaces, interpretation panels, and a slower, more curious pace.

Families with Kids

For kids who enjoy caves, tunnels, and “secret places,” this can be a fun, bite-sized adventure that breaks up a long day of walking. The underground setting often feels like a real discovery compared with standard museums.

That said, families with very young children may find the stairs and uneven surfaces tiring, especially after exploring the Sassi. If you’re traveling with a stroller, plan to park it and take turns, or choose a more accessible attraction.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples often love the moody, cinematic feel of Matera’s underground spaces, especially when paired with sunset viewpoints afterward. It’s an easy way to add variety to a day that might otherwise be all churches and panoramas.

If you’re planning a romantic itinerary, combine this visit with a slow aperitivo in the historic center and an evening walk when the Sassi lights come on. The contrast between quiet underground rooms and glowing stone streets is part of the magic.

Budget Travelers

This is a good-value stop because it delivers a distinctive experience in a relatively short time, and it pairs well with free highlights like viewpoints and wandering the Sassi lanes. If you’re watching costs, use it as your “one paid underground visit” and fill the rest of the day with self-guided exploration.

To keep spending down, plan your route so you're walking between nearby sights rather than relying on taxis. Matera rewards slow travel, and the best moments often cost nothing.

History Buffs

History-focused travelers will appreciate how the hypogeum helps explain the practical side of Matera’s long human story—how spaces were adapted, reused, and connected. It’s less about a single era and more about continuity and survival in a rock-cut environment.

For maximum context, visit Ipogeo MateraSum early in your trip, then revisit the Sassi with fresh eyes. You'll notice more details in doorways, cistern-related features, and the way the city's levels stack and interlock.

FAQs for Visiting Ipogeo MateraSum

Getting There

Yes, it’s close enough to fit into a walking day in central Matera. Expect stairs and uneven lanes in the historic center, so allow extra time.
It can be a bit hidden, so it helps to navigate to the exact street address and look carefully for signage. If you’re unsure, ask at a nearby café or shop.
Yes, they’re close enough to pair, and doing both gives you a broader view of Matera’s underground story. Plan a short break between them to avoid “underground fatigue.”

Tickets & Entry

Booking can be helpful in busy periods or if hours are limited on certain days. If you have a tight schedule, reserve ahead to protect your time.
Many visits are designed around an audio-guided format. If you prefer not to use it, rely on the on-site information boards where available.
Discounts may exist for certain categories or organized groups. Check the official site before you go if you’re traveling with a school group or a larger party.

Visiting Experience

Most people spend under an hour inside. Your pace will depend on how much you stop to read and absorb the details.
It’s an underground route with enclosed sections, so it may feel tight for some visitors. If you’re sensitive to confined spaces, consider skipping or going with a companion.
Underground spaces can feel cooler than outside, especially in summer. A light layer can be useful even on warm days.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Doing it before can add context that makes the Sassi more meaningful. Doing it after can feel like a “behind the scenes” finale.
Some travelers visit independently, while others prefer a guided structure. If you want deeper storytelling, look for a tour that links Sassi history with underground sites.
Start with a viewpoint, visit Ipogeo MateraSum, then continue through the Sassi lanes toward a major church or museum. Finish with a long break in a central café.

Photography

Photography is often possible, but rules can vary by area and event setups. Be respectful of signage and other visitors in narrow spaces.
Yes, expect dimmer conditions than outdoors. A steady hand and a phone’s night mode can help.
Tripods may be restricted due to tight corridors and visitor flow. If you need stable shots, consider a small handheld stabilizer instead.

Accessibility & Facilities

It may be difficult due to steps and uneven rock surfaces. If accessibility is a priority, contact the venue in advance for the most realistic guidance.
Facilities can be limited in small underground attractions. Plan to use restrooms at nearby cafés before or after your visit.
If you’re unsteady on stairs or uneven ground, take extra care and consider visiting with support. Matera’s terrain can be demanding even above ground.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, central Matera has plenty of cafés within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop around your visit.
No, plan to snack and hydrate outside. Keep your hands free for stairs and narrow passages.
Visit the Ipogeo either before lunch to build appetite or after lunch as a cooler, calmer activity. Avoid rushing straight from a heavy meal into lots of stairs.

Safety & Timing

Yes, and it can actually be a relief from the heat. Still, the walk to and from the site can be sunny, so carry water.
Rain makes Matera’s stone steps slick, so wear shoes with grip. The underground portion can be a good rainy-day option, but take care on the approach.
Crowds vary, and some visitors report quieter moments inside. If you want a calmer experience, go earlier in the day or outside peak weekend hours.

Nearby Attractions to the Ipogeo MateraSum

  • Palombaro Lungo: A vast underground cistern near Piazza Vittorio Veneto that showcases Matera's historic water engineering.
  • Sassi di Matera: The UNESCO-listed cave-dwelling districts where the city's layered history is most visible.
  • Cattedrale di Matera: The hilltop cathedral with great views and a strong contrast to the underground sites.
  • MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea): A distinctive contemporary sculpture museum set within cave-like spaces.
  • Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli: A classic viewpoint for sweeping photos of the Sassi, especially near sunset.

The Ipogeo MateraSum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Matera!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 09:00-13:00 & 15:00-19:00.

Price:

Adults: €7.

Address: Recinto XX Settembre, 7, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Matera: 0 km
Telephone: +39 366 285 9653
Official Website

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