MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

Attraction, Mill and Museum in Matera

MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum
MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Zacharie Grossen

Tucked into Matera's atmospheric Sassi district, the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum is a small, guided museum inside an ancient underground olive mill where you learn how olives were once transformed into “liquid gold.” It's a compact visit with a big sense of place: stone chambers, old machinery, and storytelling that connects everyday food culture to Matera's cave-city history.

Because it sits right in Sasso Caveoso, MOOM is easy to add to a walking tour of the Sassi, especially if you're already exploring viewpoints, rupestrian churches, and cave dwellings nearby. Many visitors pair it with a broader stroll through the lanes around Casalnuovo and the panoramic lookouts over the ravine.

History and Significance of the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

MOOM is hosted in a historic hypogeal (underground) olive mill, a type of working space that once made perfect sense in Matera: stable temperatures, thick stone walls, and rooms carved into the tuff. Visiting today feels like stepping into the practical, labor-intensive side of Sassi life, where production spaces and homes often blended together.

What makes the museum especially meaningful is how it frames olive oil as more than a souvenir. You see the tools and spaces that supported a local economy for centuries, and you come away understanding why olive oil was a foundational ingredient and a valuable product in southern Italy.

The guided format also adds cultural context: instead of reading labels in a large gallery, you follow a narrative through the rooms, learning how each stage of milling and separation worked and why the process demanded skill, time, and teamwork.

Things to See and Do in the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

The highlight is the underground mill itself: carved chambers, production areas, and the remnants of historic equipment that show how olives were ground and the oil separated. Even if you've visited other museums in Matera, the “working archaeology” feel here is different, because the space is the exhibit.

Expect a guided route that explains the steps from olive to oil in clear, practical terms. The pace is approachable, and the small scale makes it easy to ask questions and really focus on the details that would be easy to miss on your own.

Most visits end with an olive oil tasting, which is where the experience clicks into place. Sampling oil right after learning the process helps you notice aroma, freshness, and flavor differences more confidently than you might at a shop counter.

How to Get to the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

For flights, the most convenient gateways are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and, for more options, Naples International Airport (NAP). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Matera on Booking.com.

From Bari, you can reach Matera by regional train services (via Ferrovie Appulo Lucane) or by bus, which is often the simplest option depending on schedules. 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.

If you're driving, Matera is reachable via the main roads through Basilicata and Puglia, but parking inside the Sassi is limited and restricted, so plan to park outside the historic 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 MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

  • Official website: https://www.moom.bio/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €7; Reduced: €5; School groups: €3; Under 6: free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: By reservation (24–48 hours notice recommended).
  • Best time to visit: Aim for a morning or early afternoon slot so you can continue exploring the Sassi afterward without rushing. In peak months, reserve ahead to get your preferred time.
  • How long to spend: Plan around 45–60 minutes for the guided visit and tasting. Add extra time if you want to linger nearby for viewpoints and photos in Sasso Caveoso.
  • Accessibility: The museum is underground with uneven historic surfaces and steps, so it can be challenging for wheelchairs and anyone with limited mobility. Contact the museum in advance to discuss the easiest access options for your needs.
  • Facilities: Expect a small, intimate setup focused on the tour rather than extensive amenities. Nearby cafés and restrooms in the Sassi area are your best bet before or after your visit.

Where to Stay Close to the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

Base yourself in the Sassi (especially Sasso Caveoso or the edge of the historic center) for the easiest walks to MOOM and Matera’s most iconic viewpoints.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa Chosen for travelers who want a high-comfort cave stay close to the Sassi sights, with a spa for recovery after long stair-heavy days.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita A standout for atmosphere: a deeply immersive Sassi experience that feels like sleeping inside Matera’s history, ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel Included for its central, elegant base near the Cathedral area, making it easy to balance Sassi wandering with restaurants and evening strolls.

Hotel Sassi A reliable mid-range option with a location that keeps you close to the action without the price tag of the top luxury cave properties.

Pianelle Resort Great for design-forward comfort in the Sassi, with a calm feel that works well if you want to be central but still sleep well.

Is the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like experiences that are both local and hands-on. The combination of a historic underground mill, a passionate guided explanation, and a tasting makes MOOM feel like a concentrated slice of Matera’s everyday heritage rather than a generic museum stop.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike guided visits, have very limited mobility for steps/uneven surfaces, or you’re trying to pack in only Matera’s biggest “panorama” highlights in a short day trip, you might skip MOOM and focus on viewpoints, rupestrian churches, and a longer walk along the ravine instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (250)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing MOOM as a fascinating, unique stop in Matera’s Sassi. People consistently praise the warm, passionate guiding style, the clear explanations of historic olive-oil production, and the tasting at the end, which many say noticeably improves their ability to recognize quality oil. A recurring tip is to reserve ahead because visits are guided and time-slot based; a few travelers note that walk-ins may depend on availability, especially on busy days.

Marcie Longo
3 months ago
"We walked in without a reservation on a Saturday afternoon and the host let us join in with the tour in progress for the olive oil tasting, whichusually comes at the end of the tour. The museum tour and olive oil tasting were both fascinating. The guide is extremely kind and passionate about olive oil and kept the tour going until we ran out of questions to ask. My favorite part was hearing about the excavation and discovery of the ancient facility!..."
Armejsa Kullolli
a year ago
"A very unique experience all because of the gentleman that handles all the tour of the museum. Despite being a beautiful small place to learn a lot,his curiosities and the very visible desire to demonstrate us details was great. I would recommend to see for pre reservation and you will be handled a tablet so there is nothing to be missed. We also bought small cans of olive oil that made all worth it...."
An Dim
2 years ago
"Excellent tour in a historical olive oil mill. It is very interesting to learn about the grinding and separation processes. At the end of the tour wetried some oil from the owner’s family farm which tasted and smelt so much better than the oil at home!..."

For Different Travelers

MOOM works best for travelers who enjoy small-group storytelling and food culture tied to place. It’s also a smart add-on because it doesn’t take half a day, leaving plenty of time for the Sassi’s classic walks.

Families with Kids

Kids who like “how it’s made” stories often engage well here because the space feels like a real workshop rather than a quiet gallery. The tasting element can be fun for older kids as a sensory activity, even if they’re just comparing smells and flavors.

That said, families with strollers may find the underground setting and steps inconvenient. If you’re traveling with very young children, consider timing the visit when everyone is rested, and keep the rest of the day’s walking lighter.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, MOOM is a great change of pace from viewpoints and photo stops: it's intimate, atmospheric, and ends with a tasting that feels like a mini date. The underground setting also adds a memorable “only in Matera” mood.

Pair it with a sunset walk afterward through Sasso Caveoso and a dinner reservation in the historic center. It’s an easy way to add depth to a romantic itinerary without adding logistical stress.

Budget Travelers

MOOM is a strong value if you want a guided cultural experience that doesn’t cost like a big-ticket attraction. You get a focused tour plus tasting, which can replace a more expensive “food experience” if you’re prioritizing your budget.

To keep costs down, book your accommodation just outside the Sassi edge and walk in. You’ll still be close to MOOM while often paying less than the most central cave hotels.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate that the museum is the site: an underground mill that helps explain how Matera functioned day-to-day. It's a practical complement to churches and palazzi because it highlights labor, technology, and local production.

If you’re building a history-heavy day, combine MOOM with rupestrian churches and a visit to a Sassi cave dwelling to see how workspaces, storage, and living areas overlapped in the historic city.

FAQs for Visiting MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

Getting There

It’s within the Sassi area, so it’s typically a short walk from common lookouts and photo spots. Expect stairs and uneven lanes, so allow extra time if you’re moving slowly.
Yes, it fits naturally into a self-guided route because it’s located right in Sasso Caveoso. Just plan your museum time slot so it doesn’t interrupt your longer loop.
Drop-offs can be limited inside the Sassi due to restricted access. A taxi can usually get you close, but you should expect a short walk to the entrance.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, it’s generally operated on a reservation basis, and advance notice is recommended. Reserving also helps you avoid waiting between guided groups.
Yes, reduced pricing is commonly available for younger visitors, and very young children may be free. Confirm the exact category that applies when you book.
Typically, the tasting is part of the visit experience. If you have dietary concerns, mention them when reserving.

Visiting Experience

Most people complete the guided route and tasting in under an hour. It’s a good “anchor stop” between longer walks in the Sassi.
Yes, the explanations are beginner-friendly and focus on clear steps and visible details in the mill. You’ll leave with practical knowledge you can use when buying oil.
Groups are usually kept manageable because it’s a small underground space. Booking a time slot helps keep the experience comfortable.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it pairs well with a Sasso Caveoso walk and nearby rupestrian sites. Schedule MOOM as a mid-route stop so you can continue exploring afterward.
Start with a Sassi viewpoint loop, visit MOOM, then continue toward cave churches or a cave dwelling museum. Finish with a relaxed meal in the historic center.
Yes, the experience is typically guided rather than a free-roam museum visit. This is part of what makes it feel personal and informative.

Photography

Policies can vary by room and group, so ask your guide at the start. If allowed, be mindful of tight spaces and other visitors.
In historic underground interiors, flash is often discouraged. Plan for low-light conditions and use steady hands or a higher ISO.
Step back into Sasso Caveoso lanes for classic stone-street shots, then head to a nearby overlook for ravine views. Late afternoon light is especially flattering.

Accessibility & Facilities

Because it’s an underground historic mill with steps and uneven surfaces, full accessibility can be difficult. Contact the museum before booking to discuss options.
Facilities may be limited due to the small, historic setting. Plan to use restrooms at nearby cafés before your time slot.
It may be challenging, as the Sassi terrain and underground spaces often involve steps. If stairs are a concern, ask about the easiest entry route and whether any areas can be skipped.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Sassi area has plenty of cafés and small eateries within walking distance. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
Many visitors like to purchase oil after learning how to taste it properly. Ask on-site what’s available and how to store it for travel.
Matera’s historic center and Sassi edges are packed with restaurants. Reserve ahead in peak season, especially for dinner.

Safety & Timing

Matera is generally comfortable for evening walks, but the Sassi lanes can be dim and uneven. Wear good shoes and take your time on steps.
Choose stable, grippy footwear for stone surfaces and stairs. Bring a light layer, as underground spaces can feel cooler than the sunlit streets.
Late morning or early afternoon works well, leaving you daylight for viewpoints and photos afterward. In summer heat, a midday underground visit can be a pleasant break.

Nearby Attractions to the MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum

  • Sasso Caveoso: The most atmospheric part of the Sassi for cave streets, viewpoints, and that iconic “stone city” feeling.
  • Casa Grotta nei Sassi: A furnished cave dwelling that helps you visualize daily life in Matera’s historic homes.
  • MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea): A striking contemporary sculpture museum set inside cave-like spaces and historic rooms.
  • Cattedrale di Matera: The hilltop cathedral with a grand interior and excellent views over the Sassi.
  • Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli: A classic panoramic lookout for wide, postcard views across Matera’s stone landscape.

The MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum 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:

Monday - Sunday: By reservation (24-48 hours notice recommended).

Price:

Adults: €7; Reduced: €5; School groups: €3; Under 6: free.

Address: Vico I Casalnuovo, 3, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Matera: 1 km
Telephone: +39 380 701 5042
Official Website

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