Materadio – La Festa di Rai Radio 3

Radio becomes a festival in the Sassi

Materadio is the festival that Rai Radio 3 brings to Matera, transforming the historic squares, streets, and alleys of the Sassi into a large open-air radio studio. For several days, the flagship programmes of Rai's third radio network broadcast live from the city, in front of an in-person audience: music, literature, theatre, philosophy, and current affairs intertwine in a collective narrative that has made Matera one of the capitals of Italian radio culture.

A bond born with the European Capital of Culture

Over the years, the event has accompanied the city's major appointments, from the journey towards Matera European Capital of Culture 2019 to the new title of Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026. Historic Radio 3 programmes such as Fahrenheit, Hollywood Party, and Tre soldi have found an ideal setting here, amidst concerts in the squares, book presentations, shows, and dialogues with writers, musicians, and scholars.

Widespread culture and free entry

One of Materadio's distinctive features is its accessibility: events take place in the city's public spaces, generally with free admission, and simultaneously reach listeners across Italy via radio. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Matera and local cultural institutions, in collaboration with the Region of Basilicata.

Matera, a natural stage

Walking through the Sassi during Materadio means experiencing the city in a special dimension, where the UNESCO heritage becomes the backdrop for concerts and conversations. The light of the calcarenite rock, the rupestrian churches, and the views over the Gravina become the setting for an event that unites the in-person audience with the national and European radio audience.