Matera and Its Artists: Food for the Soul

Among my many travels, one city that deeply touched me was Matera.

I visited it a year ago… and it was love at first sight.

The architecture, the colors, the art.

And then the food — rich, genuine, full of identity.

The Sassi surprised me, intrigued me, and nourished me.

Matera comes from a somewhat difficult and melancholic history, one that has long shadowed much of Southern Italy. Yet today I can confidently say that it has earned its place among the greatest treasures of the South, thanks to its elegance and uniqueness.

Matera is the oldest city in Italy.

But there, I also found innovation beautifully blended with tradition — much like the reflection of luxury today.

When I want to truly understand a place, I look at its history, yes… but I try not to stop there. What matters most to me is whether that city is still looking ahead.

And in Matera, I appreciated not only the museums and ancient ruins, but especially the young artists who see the city through fresh and dynamic eyes. They create souvenirs that are actually small works of art, fragments of time that one day may represent Matera just as the ancient Sassi represent its past today

If you visit Matera, don’t miss the chance to stop by the studio of Stefano Durante, located in Piazza San Francesco (Instagram: @durante_gallery).

My collection

I own several of his works. He reinvents Matera through the sun and the moon in such a magical and dreamlike way. This time, I chose a print featuring Lupin III escaping after stealing the symbols of Matera — the angels, the cucù, and other local treasures. And honestly? I can’t blame Lupin… those truly are precious treasures.

Raffaele Pentasuglia

A little farther ahead, at Via Beccherie 65, you’ll find another fascinating workshop: Raffaele Pentasuglia and his fantastic characters. (Instagram: @ Raffaele Pentasuglia)

Of course, I couldn’t resist bringing home his “Maciara,” a witch-like figure inspired by Southern Italian folklore and magic — themes that deeply inspire many of my own works as well.

And finally, the cherry on top:

Veronica Murgia

a hidden little studio in Vico Case Nuove 22, where Veronica Murgia makes Matera bloom every single day. (Instagram: @murgiaveronica)

She adds light and color between tiny windows and quiet alleyways. Her style is joyful and vibrant, yet technically refined. Her illustrations feel as though they move the clouds away and offer comfort.

Whenever I return to Matera — now a fixed tradition for me — I always choose a B&B just outside the Sassi, but close enough to explore everything on foot. Because one of Matera’s greatest beauties is exactly this: long walks immersed in its landscape and atmosphere.

The B&B is called Le Vie del Centro Luxury Rooms. @Le Vie del Centro Luxury Room

I always choose the room called Lo Scrigno (“The Treasure Chest”): elegant, spacious, with a bed that makes me feel at home and a large terrace where you can enjoy a coffee or simply look at the sky.

Breakfast is served in the room and is generous and high-quality.

And then there is Antonio, the host — another gem within the treasure that is Matera.

That’s enough nostalgia for today… It’s already pulling at my heart.

In my next post, I’ll talk about the food — today we spoke about food for the soul — the restaurants worth visiting, and what to bring home in your suitcase to keep a little piece of Matera with you.

Write to me if you’d like more tips or recommendations for your trip to Matera 💛