Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint
Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Matera audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Matera Matera guide
About Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint
The classic panoramic viewpoint on the ridge between the two Sassi, where the full sweep of the cave city, Sasso Barisano to the left, Sasso Caveoso to the right, the Gravina gorge below, can be photographed in a single frame.
The Belvedere dei Sassi is the primary panoramic viewpoint for the Matera Sassi, the terrace on the ridge between the Cathedral and the edge of the plateau that offers the full panoramic view of both cave districts simultaneously. From this point, looking south, you can see the Sasso Barisano on the left (western) side, the Sasso Caveoso on the right (eastern) side, the deep Gravina gorge below, and the Murgia Materana plateau on the far side. The Cathedral bell tower is immediately behind you. This is the view that has appeared on millions of photographs and postcards of Matera, and it is genuinely extraordinary at all times of day but particularly at sunset and in the evening when the cave hotels and restaurants illuminate the stone.
Did you know? The Belvedere dei Sassi viewpoint provides the single most-photographed view in all of southern Italy, the panorama of the two cave districts from the ridge has appeared in millions of photographs worldwide and is used in virtually every piece of promotional material for Basilicata, southern Italy, and often for Italy as a whole.
How long should you spend at Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint?
Plan about ~30 min at Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint worth visiting?
Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint is one of the 15 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Matera, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Matera
Hear the story of Belvedere dei Sassi: Main Viewpoint
Preview the Matera tour free in the Gingerguide app.