Cook Pasta in a Cave in the Sassi of Matera
Food & Wine
5 real tours in Matera, each booked directly through Viator.
The Sassi of Matera are two historic districts — Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso — built into and carved out of the limestone ridge above a deep ravine, with some dwellings dating back thousands of years, making Matera one of the longest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Life there was hard enough that in the 1950s the Italian government forcibly relocated most residents over poor sanitation, leaving the Sassi largely empty and derelict for decades before restoration efforts brought them back to life — today many caves have been converted into homes, hotels, restaurants, and small kitchens, and the whole area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
Cooking inside one of these caves is a genuinely different experience from a normal cooking class, and not just for the atmosphere: the rock keeps a naturally stable, cool temperature year-round, which is exactly why so many of these spaces were historically used as wine cellars and food stores. Most classes here focus on hand-shaped pasta — often orecchiette or cavatelli, both native to the wider region — taught in a real former wine cellar or cave kitchen rather than a purpose-built cooking-school studio, usually finishing with the group eating what they made.
Matera: Sassi Farmer's Pasta Class in an Ancient Wine Cellar
Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a remarkable dining experience, our Farmer's Lunch promises to enchant. Come join us on this extraordinary gastronomic journey! Imagine yourself in a captivating cave, surrounded by ancient stone walls that whisper stories of generations past. As you step into this unique setting, you'll feel the excitement building. And here's the best part: we're going to dive deep into the art of making Strascinate al tegamino, a traditional dish that has been perfected by local farmers for ages. As you indulge in the fruits of your labor, surrounded by the cave's enchanting atmosphere, you'll revel in a sense of accomplishment and pure satisfaction. The flavors will dance on your palate, reminding you of the rich heritage and culinary traditions that have shaped this incredible region.
€108.00
Cooking class in a cave restaurant in the Sassi of Matera
This experience allows you to get to know in depth not only the traditions and gastronomic peculiarities of the area, but also to get to know the gastronomic habits of the families of the past. Furthermore, the cooking takes place in an exclusive location, or in a cave, in the heart of the historic center of the city, the famous Sassi of Matera.
€160.00
Matera : Local Products and Wine Tasting in Caves in the Sassi
1 - Large historical location of 300sqm of typical houses of the Sassi di Matera 2 - Over 300 types of selected local products 3 - Experience unique flavors among the rocks of the Sassi di Matera
€19.00
Private cave cooking class in the Sassi of Matera
You will cook inside a real cave in the Sassi of Matera, an authentic and suggestive environment that makes the experience unique. Everything is enriched by the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, which enhance the flavors of the territory and allow you to live the local cuisine in a genuine and sustainable way. You can choose between two options: Private cooking class : practical experience of pasta preparation Cooking class with lunch: at the end, taste the dishes prepared in a unique atmosphere in the cave
€190.00
Matera Pasta Class: Prosecco, Lunch & Souvenir in Sassi Oil Mill
Step inside a historic cave in the heart of Sassi di Matera, once used as an ancient olive oil mill, and discover Matera’s rural food traditions through a hands-on pasta-making class. Begin with a welcome glass of prosecco while exploring the original stone milling spaces carved into the rock. Then learn how to make handmade cavatelli or orecchiette alongside a local expert using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Choose between two options: the “Pasta Class” experience includes the pasta workshop, welcome prosecco, a souvenir participation certificate, and the chance to take home the handmade pasta prepared during the class. Or select the “Pasta Class with Lunch” option to enjoy a complete cave dining experience inside the historic cave setting. This small-group experience embraces a true farm-to-table philosophy, with seasonal ingredients and authentic local recipes inspired by southern Italian rural cuisine.
€95.00
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cave cooking class in Matera take?
Most run 2 to 3 hours, including the hands-on pasta-shaping lesson and a shared meal of what the group makes. A few combine the class with a short walking tour of the Sassi beforehand.
Is it actually inside a real cave, not just a themed restaurant?
The classes below take place in genuine cave spaces cut into the Sassi's rock — many are former wine cellars or centuries-old dwellings that have been restored, not modern buildings styled to look like caves.
Do I need any cooking experience?
No — these are beginner-friendly classes built around hand-shaping pasta, a technique anyone can pick up with a bit of guided practice, and most run in small groups so the instructor can help directly.