Matera isn’t just a place to admire ancient caves and stone streets—it’s also a fantastic destination to get hands-on with local traditions. Whether you want to learn how to craft traditional bread, master pasta in a family-run farm, or create paper mache art inspired by local festivals, Matera offers authentic workshops that deepen your connection to this Italian city. Among them, the Matera Cooking Class stands out for its immersive rural experience, while the Matera Paper Mache Workshop and Bread Workshop provide unique craft skills that make for memorable souvenirs. We love the cooking class for its blend of local farm life and culinary pride, and the bread workshop for its deep roots in family tradition.
If you’re eager for a true tactile experience—working with dough, crafting papier-mâché, or preparing homemade pasta—you’re in luck. These workshops not only teach you new skills but also give you a taste of Matera’s soul, far from the usual sightseeing. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Keep reading to find the perfect hands-on experience.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we explore three of the best workshops and classes in Matera: the Matera Cooking Class, a private experience at a traditional farm (click here for more); the Matera Paper Mache Workshop with the artisans of the Bruna float, where you create papier-mâché inspired by local religious traditions (more details here); and the Matera Traditional Bread Workshop, a hands-on session in a four-generation bakery (learn more here). Each offers a different slice of Matera’s artisanal side, with options for foodies, craft lovers, and those curious about local customs.
1. Matera Cooking Class
At number 1 is the Matera Cooking Class, a private, four-hour journey into rural Matera’s culinary traditions. This experience takes you away from the crowds and into the countryside, where you meet a local family at their organic olive and orange farm. The tour naturally links to this experience, promising an intimate view of Matera’s countryside life.
Once at the farm, you’ll walk through the groves, learn about organic farming, and sample fresh produce. Then, it’s time to get your hands dirty—rolling out pasta, making traditional starters, and cooking classic dishes under the guidance of your hosts. The highlight is the shared meal: a hearty, country-style lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared. The reviews are glowing, with visitors describing it as “a wonderful day at the farmhouse” with “lots of laughs making pasta.”
This class is especially appealing if you want a behind-the-scenes look at rural life, combined with authentic food. The value for money is good, considering the private setting and personalized instruction. It’s perfect for food lovers who enjoy hands-on experiences and want to learn classic recipes directly from locals.
Bottom line: The Matera Cooking Class offers a genuine taste of local hospitality, farm-to-table cooking, and a break from typical sightseeing—an experience worth savoring.
2. Matera. Paper mache workshop with the artisans of the Bruna float
Second on our list is the Matera Paper Mache Workshop with the artisans of the Bruna float. For about an hour and a half, led by master craftsperson Francesca Cascione, you’ll participate in creating papier-mâché objects inspired by the Triumphal Chariot of the Festa della Bruna. Link to the experience for details.
This workshop is a fantastic way to engage with Matera’s artisanal tradition, which has over 400 years of history. You’ll learn the techniques of shaping and decorating papier-mâché, a craft deeply rooted in local religious and cultural festivals. The process is interactive and accessible, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.
What makes this workshop stand out is its cultural significance—you’re not just making art but participating in a long-standing tradition. Visitors are often impressed by the skill of the artisans and proud to take home their creations, which serve as unique souvenirs. The workshop is compact but offers a rich insight into Matera’s interior craftsmanship and religious heritage.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in local arts and crafts, this papier-mâché workshop provides a rare opportunity to learn a centuries-old craft while creating a meaningful memento of your trip.
3. Matera: traditional bread workshop. Do your loaf of bread!
Third is the Matera Traditional Bread Workshop, a two-hour, hands-on experience in a bakery run by a family with four generations of baking expertise. This tour (more here) invites you to learn the secrets behind Matera’s iconic bread, a symbol of the city’s culinary identity.
During the workshop, you’ll get your hands in dough, working alongside the bakers to shape and bake your own loaf. Afterwards, you’ll taste local foods and wines, which enhance the experience of appreciating Matera’s rich gastronomic culture. The bakery’s deep roots mean you’ll learn traditional techniques that have been passed down for decades, making this more than just a baking class—it’s a lesson in family heritage.
Guests often comment on the authenticity of the experience, with one noting, “do your own loaf and bring back local products—what a fantastic souvenir.” The price is reasonable for such an intimate, skill-based experience, and you leave with not only your bread but also a greater understanding of Matera’s food traditions.
Bottom line: This workshop offers a genuine culinary experience, perfect for bread lovers and those wanting to bring home a piece of Matera’s baking heritage.
How to Choose
Picking between these workshops depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re a foodie eager to learn traditional recipes and enjoy rural farm life, the Matera Cooking Class is ideal. For craft enthusiasts or those curious about local religious traditions, the papier-mâché workshop offers insight into Matera’s artisanal past. Meanwhile, bread lovers seeking a tactile, family-run experience will find the bread workshop perfect for creating a treasured homemade loaf.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to dedicate, and whether you prefer culinary techniques or crafts. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot in these popular workshops.
Final Thoughts
Matera’s workshops offer a wonderful way to connect more deeply with the city’s traditions. The Matera Cooking Class stands out for its intimate rural setting and authentic cuisine, while the papier-mâché workshop provides a peek into local artistic customs. For foodies and craft lovers alike, these hands-on experiences add a layer of personal meaning to your visit.
If you want a truly memorable trip, try to include at least one of these workshops—each promises a different taste of Matera’s rich cultural fabric. Be sure to book early, especially in high season, and enjoy the chance to learn something new and bring home a special souvenir of your time in this unforgettable city.