Guided Tour of Matera Sassi
Description
Discovering Matera, the city of the Sassi which has the title of European Capital of Culture for 2019 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient stony districts are characterized by houses carved into the limestone rock and rock churches that make it unique in the world. This natural conformation, which evokes biblical scenarios, has always made them ideal sets for important films, most recently the film by Ben Hur.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your guide at our agency
Church of Purgatory
The first stop of the tour takes visitors to Via San Francesco, in front of the majestic church of the same name. This moment allows for admiring the architecture and understanding the role that churches have played in the history and daily life of the Sassi.
Sassi of Matera
One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio, an ancient place of worship carved into the rock. Here, the guide provides detailed information about the history and religious importance of this unique structure.
Participants have the opportunity to explore a typical cave house, once inhabited by the residents of the Sassi. This experience offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in the past and helps to better understand the architecture and lifestyle of the Sassi.
During the tour, a brief stop is planned to deepen the knowledge of the Church of San Pietro, another important historical site of the Sassi di Matera.
The tour concludes with a stop at the picturesque Piazzetta Pascoli, which offers a spectacular view of the Sassi di Matera.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Shared tour. This experience will be shared with other guests
Reviews(1,476)
Our tour guide never showed up. The company got a substitute but we waited about 40 minutes until she came. Once started, the tour was very good.
Bumpy start the guide Luigi was a no show and had to recruit another guide Maria. After a 40 minute wait like an angel Maria came running down the cobblestone street to save the English tour. What a gem.
The tour was changed from 10:30 to 4:30. Due to the tour guy being unwell. I thought we would be able to make it. We were not because of previous commitments. Requested a credit.
If you are looking for an individual 1 to 1 tour Aldo is your man. He will take you to the places the mass tour guides take you. He has lived in the Sassi all his life, such a pleasant and knowledgeable man.
Fantastic tour discovering a beautiful city like Matera, thanks above all to our guide Giusy who made this visit even more interesting. The experience at the rock church was very evocative and exciting!
Very knowledgeable guide, she recounted Matera in all its beauty with a look toward the past.
Interesting and fascinating. Susy is an exceptional guide
Excellent experience. Knowledgeable and engaging guide.
Wonderful experience, our guide Maria Pia moved us, fascinated us with her knowledge of the history of Matera, and led us on a cultural journey and more.... An experience to have!
Beautiful morning on the streets of Matera. The guide Giusy made the visit very interesting and engaging despite the heat!
