MOOM, the Matera Olive Oil Museum, is a small museum in Matera’s historic centre dedicated to the story of olive oil in southern Italy. Close to the Sassi, the city’s famous cave districts, it offers a food-focused perspective on the region’s history. Its atmospheric, rock-shaped setting is part of the experience.
For generations, olive oil was more than a kitchen staple in Basilicata and neighbouring Puglia: it was also used in lamps, remedies and trade. MOOM connects its production to Mediterranean traditions and to the practical ingenuity of communities living in Matera’s rocky landscape.
The museum is a worthwhile stop between walks through the Sassi, especially for food lovers and visitors interested in everyday life beyond the city’s churches and viewpoints. Allow around an hour for a relaxed visit, and check current opening hours and tasting options before you go.
Arrive on foot if possible: access to the historic centre is restricted for cars, and its lanes can be steep, uneven and stepped. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, while spring and autumn offer milder weather for exploring the surrounding district.