Montescaglioso, in the province of Matera, is a historic village known as the 'City of Monasteries' for its wealth of religious buildings, prominently featuring the imposing Benedictine Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo. Located on a hill, it enjoys an extraordinary panoramic position, so much so that it is called the Balcony over Puglia and the surrounding valleys, offering a privileged view of the nearby Murgia Materana Park. Montescaglioso represents a charme destination for those wishing to explore lesser-known Basilicata, combining monastic history, breathtaking landscapes, and proximity to the famous Sassi of Matera (UNESCO Heritage).

What our travel designers recommend to see: Abbeys, Churches, and Rupestrian Landscapes

• Benedictine Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo – The most significant monument, with an imposing cloister and frescoes of the Lucanian school.
• Mother Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo – Important church in the historic center.
• Monastery of SS. Concezione e San Rocco – Another example of the village's monastic richness.
• Murgia Materana Park – Excursions to admire the rupestrian churches and the karst landscape at a short distance.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Cialledda Fredda – A poor summer dish based on soaked stale bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and oregano.
• Lagane e Ceci (Lagane and Chickpeas) – Short fresh pasta (similar to tagliatelle) with chickpeas, sometimes with the addition of Peperoni Cruschi.
• Peperoni Cruschi – Fried dried peppers, crunchy and flavorful, an icon of Lucanian gastronomy.
• Matera Bread IGP – PDO product of the area, ideal for accompanying typical dishes.

Experiences and Activities selected by the local experts

• Visit to the Monasteries – Thematic routes discovering the monastic heritage.
• The Diffused Hotel (Albergo Diffuso) – Experiencing spread-out hospitality, staying in rooms and suites created from historic homes in the village.
• Excursions in the Murgia – Guided trekking to explore the ravines and rupestrian churches with a view of the Sassi of Matera.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Montescaglioso
• Official Basilicata Tourism Website

Top 3 Recommended Accommodations by our travel designers

• Il Borgo Ritrovato - Albergo Diffuso – Highly rated structure offering an authentic experience in the heart of the village.
• Foresteria dell'Abbazia – Charme accommodation, often located in a historic context near the Abbey.
• Monte Bello Suites – Apartments and suites offering a luxury stay with a touch of modern elegance.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Ristorante Le Terrasse – To taste Lucanian dishes with a panoramic view of the valleys.
• Trattoria Nonna Rosa – Traditional Lucanian cuisine, where to try Lagane e Ceci.
• (Excellence Option in Matera) – Nearby starred restaurant (e.g., Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante in Matera), for a gourmet experience.