Matera has no government-run tourist office. Private agencies abound, but beware: Many are in business to sell you expensive and often uninformative walking tours of the Sassi. Your hotel will most likely provide you with a map. A good online resource is www.sassiweb.it. For excellent background on Matera, step into Casa Noha, Recinto Cavone 9 (www.fondoambiente.it; tel. 0835/335452), where visual projections and a good soundtrack trace the city's history and its unique social and architectural heritage; the staff can also set you up with a free walking-tour app. It's open March to December daily 10am to 6pm; admission is 6€.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.