• Matera al tramonto in bus con vista sulla Gravina e paesaggio rupestre

Matera at Sunset by Bus: Gravina Canyon & Palomba Rock Church

5 of 5 stars
5
25,00€
per person
Book
Reservation
Location
Matera
Duration

1.5 hours

Type

Shared

Difficulty
Facile

Description

Matera Bus Tour at Sunset: Gravina Canyon and La Palomba Church

 

Experience a Matera bus tour at sunset with a panoramic itinerary designed to explore the city at a relaxed pace, without long walks. This open-top scenic bus tour offers privileged viewpoints over the landscape, combining comfort, carefully selected stops, and engaging historical insights. It is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a first introduction to the city or a Matera off-the-beaten-path experience away from crowded routes.

 

From the heart of Matera to the rupestrian landscape

 

The Matera bus tour at sunset begins in the historic center of Matera, with a panoramic stop in the main square, an ideal vantage point to admire the Sassi and understand the city’s urban layout. As the tour unfolds, the route gradually moves beyond the city center toward the rock-cut areas, offering a smooth transition into Matera’s rupestrian landscape. Passing through the historic Piccianello district, the city’s first post-war residential neighborhood, provides insight into Matera’s social and urban evolution.

 

La Palomba Sculpture Park and Rock Church

 

A key stop of this open-top scenic bus tour is the La Palomba Sculpture Park, an open-air space where contemporary art blends seamlessly with the surrounding rupestrian environment. The park features works by artist Antonio Paradiso, created to harmonize with stone, silence, and nature. The Matera bus tour at sunset continues with a visit to the Rock Church of Santa Maria della Palomba, often referred to as the “Cathedral of Matera’s Rock Churches” due to its impressive size and the complexity of its underground spaces.

 

Explore Agna le Piane and the Gravina Canyon at sunset

 

The final part of the Matera bus tour at sunset reaches the Agna le Piane district, one of the city’s most unspoiled natural areas. From here, enjoy breathtaking views over the Gravina Canyon of Matera, a dramatic landscape carved over millennia. The area is dotted with natural and rock-cut caves, including the well-known Grotta dei Pipistrelli(Bat Cave), offering a memorable conclusion to a truly Matera off-the-beaten-path experience.

Equipment

  • Headphones or AirPods
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for climatic conditions
  • Comfortable shoes

Available languages

Italiano, Inglese, Spagnolo, Francese

Highlights

  • Discover Matera’s off-the-beaten-path rupestrian and natural landscapes on a scenic bus tour
  • Visit the rock-cut Church of La Palomba, the “Cathedral” of Matera’s rock churches, and the Sculpture Park
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gravina canyon and the Murgia Materana Park
  • A relaxing afternoon tour, perfect for photography and stunning panoramas

Included

  • Tour leader: Enjoy the experience accompanied by our Italian-speaking tour leader, who can provide assistance in English when necessary.
  • Audio guide in English, French, and Spanish: Download the POPGuide app for free on your smartphone and listen to pre-recorded commentary on the history, architecture, and main attractions of the Sassi, using an interactive digital map.
  • Entrance to the Santa Maria della Palomba Church.
  • Discount coupon: 10% discount to be collected at our agency for products or refreshments at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo.
  • Transfer inclusi

Not included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Earphones: Please remember to bring your own earphones, required to listen to the audio guide in English, French or Spanish during the tour.
  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal expenses

Meeting point

Matera – Martulli Viaggi - DMC, Via Alessandro Volta, Matera, MT, Italia

Directions on departure

The meeting point for the open-top bus tour of the Sassi di Matera is located in Via Alessandro Volta 3/5, in the central area of the city. It is advisable to reach it on foot, as the road is not accessible to private transport. The nearest stop is Matera Central Station, 10 min walk. Paid parking - Sant'Isidoro - Daily price (from 8:00 to 23:00) - 0,70€ / 30 min - Via Lanera, 16, 75100 Matera MT. - Paid parking - H24 (1,00€/hour) - In Via Pasquale Vena, 3, 75100 Matera MT.
Departure times
Departure times
Daily15:3016:0016:3017:0017:3018:0018:3019:00

Itinerary

Itinerary map
The Tramontano Castle

From the starting point, observe the unfinished Aragonese castle. Learn about its strategic role and its dominant position over the city.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Sassi & Cathedral Viewpoint

Reach the heart of modern Matera to admire the Sassi and the Cathedral, and discover the city’s urban evolution. Explore the historical water system and the Palombaro Lungo (external visit) in the main square. Short stop with descent from the bus.

La Palomba Sculpture Park – rupestrian area on the outskirts of Matera

Travel along the roads connecting the historic city to the rupestrian area, passing through lesser-known corners away from mass tourism. Approach an area where contemporary art and the rock-cut landscape blend naturally with the environment.

Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba

Visit the so-called “Cathedral of the Rock Churches,” a site of great spiritual significance. The church incorporates an ancient crypt featuring a medieval fresco of the Madonna Odigitria. Descent from the bus – external and internal visit.

Piazza Pascoli – Sassi Viewpoint

On the return to the center of Matera, stop at one of the city’s most famous viewpoints, offering open views over the Sasso Caveoso and the Gravina valley, ideal for understanding the rupestrian landscape. Descent from the bus for a photo stop.

Agna le Piane – Panoramic stop at the Gravina canyon

Continue by bus towards the Agna le Piane district, reaching the most natural area of Matera. Admire one of the most spectacular viewpoints over the Gravina of Matera, immersed in silence and nature, and enjoy the sunset views. At the end of the panoramic stop, return to the starting point.

Useful information

• Cancellation or Postponement Due to Adverse Weather Conditions:
- In the event of adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone the excursion to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Safety is our top priority.

• Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation requests must be sent via email to ota@martulliviaggi.com.
A full refund can only be granted if the cancellation request is received at least 3 days before the scheduled tour departure date. Otherwise, the full tour cost will be charged.

• Cancellation Within 3 Days of Departure:
- If the cancellation occurs within 3 days of the tour departure date, 100% of the tour fee will be charged as a cancellation penalty. This policy is in place to secure service bookings and cover any expenses already incurred.

The tour is not suitable for children under 6.

You should download the POPGuide app on your smartphone to scan the QR code for the multilingual audio guide at our office.

The itinerary includes some stops with short walking sections on mostly flat surfaces; however, there may be a few small steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

During these stops, participants are advised to bring a fully charged phone and earphones in order to use the audio guide or other digital resources provided during the tour.

For further information or additional questions, feel free to contact the following phone number. Our team will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to ensure a memorable experience during the Matera tour.

Contact number: +39 0835334543 / +39 3284364400

We will be available to assist you with any requests or clarifications needed, ensuring that your tour is organized seamlessly and hassle-free.

PLEASE NOTE:
The itinerary outlined in the program may be subject to changes due to operational reasons or unforeseen circumstances (especially weather conditions). However, the number and quality of visits and excursions will be maintained. Any changes will not entitle you to refunds.

Frequently asked questions

Nessuna domanda frequente

Reviews

Contact and information

+39 0835 334 543
ota@martulliviaggi.com

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