This guided walking tour offers a more complete and in-depth experience of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed for travelers who want to go beyond a simple panoramic walk. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the historic districts by stepping into the heart of the city carved into the rock. The itinerary includes entrance to two frescoed rock churches, including the renowned Madonna de Idris, dramatically suspended above Sasso Caveoso. Here, precious frescoes bear witness to the deep spirituality and artistic expression of medieval Matera. Another key moment of the experience is the visit to a traditionally furnished cave house, set up as it was before the 1950s, offering a concrete understanding of the real living conditions of the families who inhabited the Sassi prior to the evacuation. Enjoy a light tasting of regional bites - taralli, bread, and veggie spreads or other - to wrap up the tour.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 3:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:08 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 38 of the next 60 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
The tour begins with a symbolic introduction to Baroque Matera through an external visit to the Church of Purgatory, highlighting the connection between faith, death, and rebirth in local culture.
The elegant heart of the historic city, this is the ideal place to understand Matera’s urban development before entering the Sassi.
From the top of the hill, the Cathedral overlooks the Sassi: a narrative stop to read the city from above and orient yourself within the rock-hewn landscape.
A short stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso will allow you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Sassi, with stunning views of the city.
You enter Sasso Barisano to visit one of the most representative rock churches, where frescoes and carved spaces reveal the spirituality of the medieval period.
A key stop to understand daily life in the Sassi, featuring rooms furnished as they were before the 1950s and stories revealing the real living conditions of local families.
One of the most evocative stretches of the tour, offering open views over the Gravina canyon and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, where nature and history meet.
A photo stop in the heart of Sasso Caveoso, surrounded by one of Matera’s most iconic panoramas.
The central moment of the tour: a rock-carved church suspended above Sasso Caveoso, adorned with frescoes of great historical and spiritual value.
The tour concludes with small samples of local food products.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 181 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 10 stops.
Prices start at $330 per person for this Matera experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
It can: 38 of the next 60 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Agenzia Martulli Viaggi. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN, IT.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
The route includes steps, inclines, and narrow alleys. A moderate level of mobility is required. The itinerary may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, wheelchairs, or strollers
The route includes steps, inclines, and narrow alleys. A moderate level of mobility is required. The itinerary may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, wheelchairs, or strollers
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Our guide, Mr. Antonio, proved to be not only a pleasant and helpful person but also competent and experienced, always attentive and punctual with all the answers to our most diverse questions and curiosities. A tour not to be missed!!!
Excellent day supported by the exquisite Giusy! I recommend a guided trip to everyone because without explanations you cannot understand the reasons for this splendid city
Stella was an awesome guide. Welcoming and friendly when we met. Spoke good English. Most importantly her knowledge and passion for Matera and the Sassi was impressive. As a result we learned fascinating facts and insights we would otherwise not have learned. The tour was well paced especially given the extreme heat. Stella’s recommendation for lunch was perfect and we also enjoyed checking out the old water system she recommended we see. We highly recommend this tour. Thanks Stella for an interesting and insightful day 👍🏻
Fantastic experience with Giusi
What a beautiful experience! We booked a guided tour of the Sassi and discovered a wonderful world rich in history, architecture, and a people capable of building in an extraordinary way and living together in peace for many centuries! All this thanks to Silvana, a wonderful guide who fascinated us with her storytelling; she was so engaging that while she was speaking, you could imagine life in the Sassi! Thank you, I will carry this splendid day in Matera in my heart!
Very beautiful and well-explained visit. Our guide Giuseppe was impeccable, knowledgeable, and friendly. Hours spent very pleasantly! Recommended!
This was a very interesting and educational tour of Matera that introduced us to its ancient history. Our guide pointed out the conditions of living in Sassi before the people occupying these cave-like dwellings were relocated to modern housing. The unique geography and architecture of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, including its winding stone-paved streets, rupestrian churches attracted the film industry and business boomed after Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Very interesting, enchanting, and informative experience.
Everything was very interesting with a friendly and professional guide
Grazie mille, Silvia, per il tuo gentile commento! Siamo felici che tu abbia apprezzato l'esperienza e la guida professionale. Torna presto a trovarci per altre storie affascinanti!
Lorenzo was fantastic - charming, passionate, thorough, etc. I truly recommend it!!!
Grazie mille, siamo lieti che Lorenzo abbia reso la tua esperienza così positiva! Speriamo di rivederti presto!
Our tour in English of Matera was with Barbara. She guided us on an enjoyable walk through the city that allowed us to see the city from various perspectives. We also had private access to one of the small rock churches. However, she was not welcoming or enthusiastic, her English communication skills made her difficult to understand, she was on the phone and texting for approximately 20 minutes (seemingly or personal calls) and she did not follow the advertised itinerary. Our group had an enjoyable time because of the beauty of the city but, look elsewhere for a private tour.
Thank you for your feedback, David. We're sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact our customer service team so we can address these concerns and work towards improving our services for you and future guests.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera | 3 hours | 4.9 (465) | $330 | |
 Guided Tour of Matera Sassi | 2 hours | 4.7 (1,543) | $17 | View |
 Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock | 2 hours | 4.8 (559) | $23 | View |
 Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - PREMIUM GUIDES | 2 hours | 4.9 (505) | $34 | View |
 Tour in the Sassi of Matera with Casa Grotta and Rock Church | 2 hours | 5.0 (422) | $14 | View |
 Panoramic Tour of the Sassi of Matera in Open-Bus with House-Cave | 1h 30min | 4.9 (337) | $23 | View |
 Sassi di Matera guided tour with Giulio | 2–3 hours | 5.0 (264) | $17 | View |