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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for travelers looking to experience the Sassi of Matera in a deeper and more complete way, beyond the usual panoramic routes. The itinerary explores both historic districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, and includes visits to two of the city’s most important rock churches.
Led by a local guide, you’ll learn how Matera evolved from a “built” city into one carved directly into stone, as you pass through historic squares, scenic viewpoints, and rock-hewn spaces that reveal centuries of everyday life and spiritual tradition.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to the rock churches, from Sant’Antonio Abate to the striking Madonna de Idris. Here, you’ll admire frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th century and explore the ancient crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone.
The experience ends with a tasting of traditional Lucanian specialties. The tour runs in small groups, allowing for a more engaging pace and better interaction.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Si prega arrivare in agenzia 10 minuti prima del tour e presentarsi allo staff.
Itinerary
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Chiesa del Purgatorio (Pass by)
The route begins in the Baroque part of Matera, with an external visit to the Church of Purgatory, a symbolic site that reflects the city’s deep connection between faith, memory, and rebirth.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This spot marks the transition from monumental Matera to its rock-hewn heart, introducing the story of the city’s urban evolution.
Admission ticket free -
Cattedrale di Matera (Pass by)
From above, the Sassi unfold below, offering a clear overview that helps you understand the layout of the landscape.
Admission ticket free -
1Chiesa Rupestre Sant'Antonio Abate
In Sasso Barisano, a frescoed rock church brings to life the spiritual world of the Middle Ages, carved directly into the stone.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Casa Grotta Narrante
An immersive look into daily life in the Sassi, with rooms furnished as they were before the 1950s and stories of family life and adaptation.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
Via Madonna delle Virtù (Pass by)
This panoramic stretch connects city and nature, opening onto views of the Gravina canyon and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
One of the most iconic views of the Sassi, perfect for photos and a short pause.
Admission ticket free -
3
The highlight of the tour is a rock church seemingly suspended above Sasso Caveoso, preserving frescoes from the 12th to the 17th century and the crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4
The tour ends with a tasting of local Lucanian specialties, including taralli, Matera bread, and vegetable spreads.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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