Explore Matera’s ancient rock city with a local guide. Visit underground sites, rock churches, and movie locations. Perfect for history buffs and curious tourists.
Explore Matera’s ancient rock city with a local guide. Visit underground sites, rock churches, and movie locations. Perfect for history buffs and curious tourists.
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto - Vittorio Veneto Square is a prominent square in Matera, situated in the city’s historic center. Constructed in the 19th century during a period of urban renewal, it serves as a vital meeting and gathering place for Matera’s residents, hosting a variety of commercial and cultural events.
- Sasso Barisano - Matera,…
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Piazza Vittorio Veneto - Vittorio Veneto Square is a prominent square in Matera, situated in the city’s historic center. Constructed in the 19th century during a period of urban renewal, it serves as a vital meeting and gathering place for Matera’s residents, hosting a variety of commercial and cultural events.
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Sasso Barisano - Matera, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 and the European Capital of Culture in 2019, is truly breathtaking. The Sassi districts, Caveoso and Barisano, carved into limestone, are unique in urban planning due to their extraordinary history. They exemplify remarkable human achievements, where the Sassi and the Natural and Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches create a perfect blend of cultural and natural features. Its outstanding universal value stems from this integration, making ‘Rioni Sassi’ a spectacular and unparalleled sight worldwide.
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Chiese rupestri Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci - According to some sources, the Church of the Madonna delle Virtù was carved out in the 12th century. Like other rupestrian churches in Matera, it is noted for its “negative architecture,” which makes it unique. This church’s distinctiveness is evident in its well-structured architecture and the later frescoes. San Nicola dei Greci is a crypt notable for its significant frescoes. The Byzantine nature of the crypt is confirmed by the 11th – 12th century frescoes on the church’s walls, linked to the Byzantine tradition. Among the most important and well-preserved are the “triptych” frescoes of St. Nicholas, St. Barbara, and St. Pantaleone in the left apse, dating back to the 13th century, and the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist from the 14th century.
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Sassi di Matera - Just steps from the Cathedral in the upper part of Sasso Caveoso, visitors will find Casa Noha. From here, they can proceed to Piazza di San Pietro Caveoso to visit the rupestrian church and enjoy a stunning panoramic view. Next, they can explore the significant churches of Madonna dell’Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone, both carved into calcareous rock (tufo). Nearby, the Casa-grotta (cave house), inhabited until 1957 and now a museum, offers a genuine glimpse into past living conditions. The Cathedral, Santa Maria della Bruna, dating to 1268, is considered Apulian-Romanesque and is located at the city’s highest point, providing a breathtaking view of Sasso Barisano.
- Complete Tour of Sassi area
- Licensed Guide
- Exclusive underground site of 500 sqm, dating back to XVI-XVII sec.
- Visit one rupestrian site, according to host preferences
- Reduced tickets for admission to rock churches
- Complete Tour of Sassi area
- Licensed Guide
- Exclusive underground site of 500 sqm, dating back to XVI-XVII sec.
- Visit one rupestrian site, according to host preferences
- Reduced tickets for admission to rock churches
- Food and drink
- Pick up & drop off
- Food and drink
- Pick up & drop off
Embark on a journey through the ancient city carved into the rock, “Sassi di Matera,” with a 2-hour walking tour led by a licensed local guide. Visit an exclusive underground site managed by our team, offering a unique perspective of the city through the eyes of a historian. This guide will reveal not only the artistic splendor but also the social,…
Embark on a journey through the ancient city carved into the rock, “Sassi di Matera,” with a 2-hour walking tour led by a licensed local guide. Visit an exclusive underground site managed by our team, offering a unique perspective of the city through the eyes of a historian. This guide will reveal not only the artistic splendor but also the social, cultural, and political significance of this enchanting location. During the cultural tour, participants can explore cisterns, rock churches, or cave dwellings, and even walk through famous movie locations. This experience provides insight into the city’s history, its internal dynamics, and the global influences that have shaped Matera over the centuries. We present an engaging narrative that captivates both young and old, immersing them in our culture. The tour is a continuous discovery, perfect for history enthusiasts and curious tourists eager to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the area beyond its postcard image. The tour is limited to small groups of up to 15 people.
- Not recommended for people with mobility impairements
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.