Erasmus in Matera

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Matera

Why should you do Erasmus in Matera? The answer is simple: it allows you to enjoy Italy in a different way! Matera is a small town with a family atmosphere which is located in the south of the country, in the Basilicata region. It’s an ancient city that’s a world heritage site for its unique stone houses, called Sassi. It’s a place with a lot of history and nature around it, you’ll surely love it!

Cost of living in Matera, Italy

Matera is a very affordable destination in Italy to go on Erasmus. The city is small and life is simple. If what you’re looking for is a place that’s different from the typical Italian destinations, this is a good option! The average cost of living for a student ranges between €500-600 per month.

Finding accommodation in Matera is very easy. The average rent for a single room in a shared apartment is usually between €200-350, and that of a shared room usually ranges from €150 onwards. Note that location is something important to take into account. The campus of the University of the Basilicata (Università degli Studi della Basilicata) is located in the centre of the city, so you can choose any of the downtown neighbourhoods to get there quickly.

Another positive point about living near the campus is that among its facilities you can find the university cafeteria. They have discounted food menus for students starting at €2! This will help you save a lot of money on your monthly expenses, and to avoid cooking if you're lazy. Besides, being a small city you can get everywhere on foot, so transportation will be one less expense to take into account.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Matera

The atmosphere of Matera is familiar and close. It has few inhabitants and everyone knows each other. When it comes to partying, it's a quiet town but the streets of the city centre are full of bars and cafés that you can enjoy with your friends.

For a simple plan, like having a drink watching the sunset, the right place is MòVado Food and Drinks. It’s right next to the cathedral. Another good option is the Central Pub: it has a wide variety of beers to try and is known for its delicious burgers, so it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and hang out with your friends! Focusing on the nightlife, you can go to The Boulevard. It’s a place with a youthful atmosphere, music, and a great cocktail menu.

As you already know, Matera is full of caves, and many of them have been restored to give them a new use. If what you’re looking for is a calmer plan focused on learning, you can visit two cultural centres, which offer documentaries and interactive displays to learn more about the history of the city. In the Noha House you can watch a documentary projected directly on the wall of the cave itself. Entry for students costs €5. Additionally, you can visit the Cava House, the only underground cultural centre in the world, converted into an auditorium. Entry costs €3.

Culture and gastronomy in Matera

Matera is the city of Sassi. This is what the towns formed by caves, both natural and excavated by man, are called. It’s a city where people lived in caves until the second half of the 20th century. It’s also the oldest inhabited settlement in Europe. These are the essential places to visit in Matera:

• La Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It’s the main square of the upper part of Matera.
• The Cathedral of Matera, which is located in the Piazza Duomo.
• The rock churches of Matera. The most beautiful thing is the complex of Sasso Caveoso where you can find the most interesting ones: the church of Santa Lucia alle Malve and the Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone complex, two churches connected inside a large rocky crag. Admission to visit both complexes costs €5.
• The Piano, the flat part of the historic centre.
• The Palombaro Lungo, the underground cathedral of water.

Italian gastronomy is famous throughout the world. It’s known for its pasta and pizza, and there are also many more typical dishes from the Matera region. You can't miss the Cialled, a soup made with stale bread, potatoes, onion, tomato, and eggs. During the Holy Week period it’s usual to eat Pirc´dduzz, which consists of pieces of pasta cooked in wine.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Matera, Italy

• You can explore and learn about the culture of the country and the region, enjoying the history, the traditions and its delicious gastronomy.
• The student environment is calm, so you can easily meet other students who choose Matera as their Erasmus destination.
• Learn and improve your Italian, benvenuto!
• You can explore and travel to other important cities in Italy. And, of course, get closer to its wonderful coast!

Cheap Erasmus apartments in Matera

Do you need accommodation in Matera and you don't know how to get it? In Erasmus Play you will easily find the best apartments, rooms, and residences for students in this Italian city.

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Matera

Other Erasmus destinations

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Erasmus in Rome

Erasmus in Ferrara