Luigi Guerricchio Viewpoint, also known as the Belvedere dei Tre Archi, looks out from Piazza Vittorio Veneto over Matera’s Sasso Barisano. Through its stone arches, the cave district unfolds in layers of pale houses, terraces, church towers and rooftops. It is an excellent place to understand how the Sassi fit together before heading down into their lanes.
Named after the Matera artist Luigi Guerricchio, the viewpoint overlooks a landscape shaped by centuries of life in and around rock-cut dwellings. The Sassi were largely evacuated in the 1950s after living conditions there became a national concern. Today, the districts form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are once again home to residents, workshops, restaurants and places to stay.
Come early for softer light and a quieter view, or pause at dusk as lights begin to appear among the stone buildings. The viewpoint is easy to reach on foot from Matera’s historic centre; if you continue into the Sassi, wear shoes with good grip for the steep steps and uneven paving. In summer, bring water and expect heat during the middle of the day.