Matera Cathedral

Visiting the Sassi di Matera is an experience that leaves its mark in each traveler. Do it with a local, expert and authorized guide, will make your experience even richer. During the guided tour you passed by the enchanting alleys of the Sassi districts, admiring angles and slides among the most fascinating. The amazement with which you will admire this wonderful landscape, will be enriched and made even more exciting by the explanations and stories of our highly prepared local guide. Not only historical information but also, and above all, authentic and personal stories of those who have really lived the stones. During the guided tour you can personally realize how the domestic view of the peasant families who lived in the Sassi districts took place, also visiting a typically furnished cave house and a frescoed rock church.

Embark on a private 3-hour walking tour through the enchanting streets of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient architecture and cave dwellings. Starting in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, you’ll meet your expert guide who will introduce you to the fascinating history and hidden gems of this extraordinary city. As you stroll through Matera’s historic districts, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Church of San Giovanni Battista, Casa Cava, Rione Sasso Barisano, and the Rock Church of Sant'Antonio. Along the way, explore traditional cave houses, including a typical “Casa Grotta,” and enjoy the breathtaking views from the picturesque Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. The tour will take you through some of Matera’s most captivating sites, including the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, Piazza del Sedile, and Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi. You’ll conclude with a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Matera, perched on the highest point of the city, offering stunning views of Matera and its surroundings. This immersive guided tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the charm, history, and culture of one of the world’s most ancient cities, making it an unforgettable journey into Matera’s fascinating past.

The main attractions, the most important monuments, the curiosities, the legends, the places frequented by the locals, the best restaurants, the typical dishes, and the anecdotes of people who have always lived in the city. These are the elements I would like to find in a tour when I travel and that is exactly what you will find inside this digital tour! What will you need for this tour: - Smartphone - Internet connection - Some energy! You will walk about 3 km but it is feasible regardless of athletic training (so the tour must be done moving through the streets of Matera and not just by phone). You can start the tour at any time: once purchased you will receive link and password to start your experience! Everything is going to be into GetYourGuide Voucher so read all the info!  Once purchased, the tour can be used for the duration of the booked day + 2 extra days so: no rush at all! During the tour, you can freely enter the monuments (entrance fees are not included) and spend as much time as you like on the various visits! Unlike standard tours where you have to run after a guide, the beauty of this experience is that you can decide whether to relax, read historical insights, or spend more time on food or views! The experience is totally in your hands!

Detailed Tour Itinerary Our tour begins in the heart of Matera’s historic center, where you will find yourself immersed in a timeless atmosphere. The first stop is an in-depth visit to Sasso Caveoso, followed by Sasso Barisano, both known for their rock architecture and dwellings carved directly into the limestone. You will admire a fully frescoed rock church and mazes of alleyways that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Murgia Materana. Our knowledgeable and passionate guide will share stories of everyday life and ancient traditions, revealing how the residents of these ancient dwellings lived until the mid-20th century. The tour also includes access to usually inaccessible areas to the general public, such as ancient water cisterns and hypogea, providing a unique perspective on the ingenuity of the ancient Materani. After exploring the Sassi, the tour continues towards Matera’s historic center. Here, you will visit Matera Cathedral, situated at the highest point of the city, from which you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Sassi. As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you will discover historic palaces, charming squares, and a series of churches that narrate the city’s rich religious and cultural history. The walk concludes in the heart of Sasso Caveoso with its picturesque caves and various movie locations dedicated to Jesus—from Pier Paolo Pasolini’s “The Gospel According to Matthew” to Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and the thrilling “007 NO TIME TO DIE.”

Our private walking tour in the historic Sassi district of Matera will last approximately 2 hours and will be hosted by a local guide with whom you will discover the alleys and panoramic views of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. During the tour, our expert guides will offer a comprehensive analysis of the historical and social forces that have influenced the region's socio-economic trajectory. You will uncover the fascinating transformations and stratifications that have shaped Matera's unique urban landscape over the centuries. Along the way, you will experience firsthand the gradual evolution of the Sassi area, from its ancient origins to its modern revival. Immerse yourself in Matera's past and discover its present on this private walking tour, where every step reveals a new aspect of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sassi of Matera.

Discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single day! Embark on a remarkable journey from Bari, where a comfortable minivan or minibus will transport you to the heart of Puglia and Basilicata's most treasured destinations. Your day begins with a seamless transfer to Alberobello, granting you four leisurely hours to wander through the enchanting streets lined with iconic trulli. Immerse yourself in the whimsical atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed village, exploring its unique architecture and charming shops at your own pace. For those seeking deeper insight, an optional guided tour of Alberobello can be arranged, revealing the fascinating history and hidden stories behind these iconic conical dwellings. Later, the adventure continues to Matera, where the ancient Sassi await. Here, you'll have about three hours to delve into the captivating history of these cave dwellings. Choose your own path: either wander independently, or opt for a comprehensive two-hour guided tour, complete with entrance to a traditional cave house and rock church, to truly understand the depth of Matera's past. Throughout your experience, our dedicated support team ensures a smooth and memorable day.

On board the ape calessino you will travel through all the narrow streets and alleys of the Sassi of Matera and accompanied by a licensed tour guide you will visit without fatigue one of the most picturesque cities in the world. In particular you will admire the beautiful rock complex Madonna de Idris and San Giovanni Monterrone, which contains frescoes ranging from the 12th to the 17th century. You will visit the cave house of the peasant civilization typically furnished with period furniture and tools to better understand the customs and habits of our ancestors. And finally you will pass through the archaeological zone, the setting for films such as Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

We’ll meet at Tramontano Castle, where I’ll explain the rules of the game and give you a map with riddles linked to the places you’ll need to discover. You’ll have 2 hours to solve them, using both your brain and your legs — but the reward will be worth it! Along the way, you’ll explore hidden corners and discover what I consider to be the true gems of the city. I’ll stay at the starting point to assist you or give you hints, if needed. At the end of the adventure, you’ll return to me to decipher the key and unlock the treasure chest together, while I share some stories and fun facts about the places you’ve visited and we take some pictures together. Everyone will receive a certificate, but only the winner will take home the treasure! It’s the perfect activity to explore Matera in an original way, to give someone a special gift, or simply to enjoy a fun and unique experience! On request, small gifts or notes provided by you can be placed in the chest to make the experience even more personal. YOUR ITINERARY Your journey begins at the historic Tramontano Castle, where you will receive your first instructions. From there, you'll head towards Piazzetta Pascoli, and then lose yourself in the charming alleys of the Sasso Caveoso, passing by the scenic Church of Madonna dell’Idris. But that's just the beginning! As you continue, the route will lead you into the heart of Matera, from the Sasso Barisano to the lively Piazza Vittorio Veneto. There’s no set path — you’ll choose your own direction — but watch the time! During the treasure hunt, you’ll discover some of Matera’s most important attractions: the Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco, the underground ipogei, and the panoramic Church of Sant’Agostino. Through this unique tour, you'll have the chance to explore the city's history and beauty while having fun!

A comprehensive tour of the famous Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore this ancient city carved into the rock and set in a breathtaking landscape. We will not miss a visit to one of the city's most beautiful Rock Churches and a Casa Grotta, troglodyte dwellings in use until a few decades ago. The visit will wind through the alleys of the ancient Sassi districts, an intricate maze of stairways and small squares that will amaze you at every step. If you want to optimize your time for your stay in Matera and get valuable advice on activities, restaurants, and places of interest, this tour is for you!