Matera is the capital of the Matera province in the Basilicata region of Italy.
It boasts the sassi: well-preserved rock-cut settlements that are a World Heritage site and one of Southern Italy's many important attractions.
After exiting Matera Centrale, there is a piazza to the left with various buses.
From here, "Linea Sassi" buses to I Sassi di Matera every 30 min; the inexpensive tickets are sold upon boarding.
The Sassi can also be reached on foot in about 20 minutes by walking straight ahead downhill from the piazza.
The Sassi can only be explored on foot, and tourist information is available locally.