Discover Matera’s Sassi with a 3-Hour Full Itinerary and Tasting

5 of 5 stars
5
From 50,00
per person
Reservation
Location
Matera
Duration

3 hours

Type

Private/Join-in

Difficulty
Intermedio

Description

Complete Matera Walking Tour: Historic Center and Sassi Districts

 

Begin this immersive private Matera walking tour in the historic center and follow your local guide toward the ancient Sassi, experiencing the gradual transition from the built city to the one carved directly into the rock.

 

Historic squares and panoramic viewpoints

 

Walk across elegant historic squares and reach panoramic viewpoints that reveal Matera from above. One of the most striking views is near the Cathedral, where you can fully appreciate the layout of the Sassi and the dramatic relationship between architecture, landscape, and the Gravina canyon.

 

Matera Sassi guided tour with Santa Maria de Idris included

 

During this Matera Sassi guided tour, explore frescoed rock churches that reflect medieval spirituality and religious life carved into stone, starting with the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. A highlight of the experience is the visit to the iconic rock church of Santa Maria de Idris, dramatically suspended above Sasso Caveoso and considered one of Matera’s most powerful symbols.

 

Cave house, local flavors, and tour options

 

Step inside a traditionally furnished cave house to discover how families once lived in the Sassi, then finish the tour by sampling a selection of local Lucanian specialties. In addition to the private option, this tour is also available as a shared group experience.

Equipment

  • In case of rain: Bring an umbrella or K-Way
  • Clothing: Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the season and weather
  • Drinks: It is advisable to bring a reusable water bottle

Available languages

Italiano, Inglese

Highlights

  • Complete itinerary through the UNESCO-listed Sassi of Matera
  • Choose between a private tour or a small-group experience with a local guide
  • Entrance to two frescoed rock churches, including Madonna de Idris
  • Internal visit to a traditionally furnished cave dwelling (casa grotta museum)
  • Light tasting of regional food products

Included

  • Licensed local tour guide
  • Guided visit of the two Sassi districts: Barisano and Caveoso
  • Entrance ticket to the Narrated Cave House: explore a traditional cave dwelling with admission included
  • Entrance ticket to the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate: visit the church with admission included
  • Entrance ticket to the Rock Church of Santa Maria de Idris
  • Tasting of regional bites: taralli, local bread, veggie spreads
  • City map of Matera
  • 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo
  • Private tour option with personalized hotel pickup from hotels located in the historic center or the Sassi

Not included

  • Extra meals and drinks
  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transfer non inclusi

Meeting point

Matera – Martulli Viaggi - Tour & Experience, Via Alessandro Volta, Matera, MT, Italia

Directions on departure

The meeting point for the tour of the Sassi di Matera is located in the city center. It is advisable to reach it on foot, as the road is inaccessible 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
Daily10:0015:0016:00

Itinerary

Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi

An elegant threshold between the “built” city and the “carved” one: here you can read Matera’s urban evolution before entering the world of the Sassi.

Matera Cathedral – external visit

From the top of the hill, your gaze embraces the entire rock-hewn landscape. This is the ideal moment to orient yourself and understand the city’s unique layout from above.

Rock Church of Sant’Antonio Abate – internal visit

Entering Sasso Barisano marks the transition into underground Matera. Frescoes and rock-carved spaces tell the story of medieval spirituality and religious life.

Narrated Cave House – internal visit

An immersive experience into everyday life of the past: rooms furnished as they were before the 1950s and stories that reveal the real living conditions of Sassi families.

Via Madonna delle Virtù – panoramic walk

A walk suspended between city and nature, with spectacular views over the Gravina canyon and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, where landscape becomes an integral part of history.

Piazza San Pietro Caveoso

In the heart of Sasso Caveoso, a pause among light, silence, and rock architecture, surrounded by one of Matera’s most iconic views.

Rock Church of Madonna de Idris – internal visit

The most intense moment of the tour: a rock-carved church “suspended” above Sasso Caveoso, adorned with frescoes that tell centuries of faith and art.

Local food sampling – Grotta della Petrarola

Wrap up the tour with the flavors of the region: enjoy a light tasting of regional bites such as taralli, Matera bread, and veggie spreads.

Useful information

• Cancellation or postponement due to adverse weather conditions:
- In the event of adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or storms, 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 should be sent by email to ota@martulliviaggi.com.
- A full refund is only possible if the cancellation request is received at least 3 days before the scheduled departure date of the tour. Otherwise, the full cost of the tour will be charged.

• Cancellation within 3 days of departure:
- If the cancellation is made within 3 days of the tour departure date, 100% of the tour fee will be charged as cancellation fee. This policy is applied to guarantee the reservation of services and to cover any costs already incurred.

The itinerary may be subject to changes.

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

Contact Number: +39 0835334543 / +39 3284364400

We will be available to assist you with any necessary request or clarification, ensuring that your tour is organized flawlessly and smoothly.

ATTENTION:
*The itinerary indicated in the program may be subject to change for 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

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