Trip to Metaponto with departure from Matera

Half-day trip to the ancient Metapontum, one of the oldest and important centers of Basilicata. Metaponto has been for centuries a symbol of Hellenic culture and even today the signs of the grandeur of its past are alive. The archaeological sites that stand out are, the Archaeological Park of Apollonio Licio and the so-called Palatine Tables. The National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto is another must if you want to know the history of this ancient city.

Highlights:

Tour with departure from Matera;
Visit of the Park and the Archaeological Museum;
Palatine Tables.

In detail:

Pick-up from the city of Matera (at Agenzia Martulli – via Volta n. 3/5 – or where you’re staying) to reach Metaponto and start your tour.

The tour begins with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto, where the visitor can discover the history of the territory from the initial forms of settlement by the Enotri during the Bronze and Iron Ages, to the conquest of the Greeks and then the Romans, until the gradual abandonment of the city.

The visit continues in the Archaeological Park of Apollonio Licio: the Park includes the urban sanctuary, part of the agora and the large north-south road axis (plateia) on which the entire urban system is set. Very interesting craft district for the production of ceramics (kerameikos). Unfortunately the structures are not preserved in a conspicuous way, because of the continuous looting suffered by the Greek city. An expert guide will accompany you along the way helping you to discover the many hidden secrets of this lost city.

We pass to the visit of the Palatine Tables, located a few kilometers from the main complex. The Doric temple was built by the Achaeans in 630 B.C. and was part of an extraurban sacred area connected to the worship of the goddess Hera. Of the sacred building remain the remains of 15 columns. The temple was also called “School of Pythagoras”, in memory of the great philosopher Pythagoras who is thought to have taught there.

Free time for lunch.

Meet up again with your driver and return to Matera.

THE FEE INCLUDES:

• Transfer service by minivan.
• Tour in the language chosen.

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Entry ticket to be paid on site: €2.50 per person
• Flights to/from Matera;
• Meals not mentioned.
• Drinks.
• Tips.
• personal extras.
• All that was not mentioned in “The fee includes”.