Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Collect your 10% discount coupon at our agency before the tour
- Matera’s historic districts feature uneven stone pavements, steps, and sloping pathways. We strongly recommend comfortable, non-slip walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- 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
Reviews(460)
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.
Our guide Stephania (Stephanie) was truly wonderful. She made our 3hour private tour of a truly magical city absolutely memorable. She is very knowledgeable and has a warm & sincere personality. We felt very relaxed & could readily tell that Stephania really knew the history & culture of the town/region. We would recommend her to everyone who plans on visiting this spectacular place. She’ll make your time very worthwhile
The guided tour of the Sassi was very interesting and at the same time pleasant, the sympathy and preparation of our guide Giusi offered us an unforgettable experience and recommended to all those who really want to know the history and the particularities of this wonderful city.
Grazie di cuore! Siamo felici che Giusi abbia reso l’esperienza così piacevole e indimenticabile. Consiglio davvero apprezzato!
We booked a guided tour in Matera and were lucky enough to be accompanied by Pasquale. With great passion and competence he guided us through the picturesque streets of the city, making us discover and appreciate this unique place even more. Thank you Pasquale for this wonderful experience!
Grazie Mille M S! Siamo felici che Pasquale abbia reso speciale la tua visita ai Sassi di Matera. La tua esperienza riflette la nostra dedizione a offrire tour memorabili.
With the family we did the tour of the stones, wonderful experience with the guide Giusi very nice and very prepared. It was a really enjoyable experience
Grazie Elisa per aver condiviso la tua esperienza! Siamo lieti che il tour dei sassi e la guida Giusi abbiano reso la giornata speciale. Speriamo di rivederti presto per altre avventure.
Great tour! Giusy is very good and tells you the story of the stones in detail! He made us spend a pleasant and carefree morning, highly recommended!
Grazie Modestino per le belle parole! Siamo felici che il tour con Giusy ti abbia regalato un'esperienza piacevole. Speriamo di rivederti presto per scoprire altre meraviglie insieme!
