Matera Guided Sunset Tour: Murgia Timone&Belvedere with Transfer
Description
Discover the wild and ancient side of Matera on a guided walking tour through the Regional Park of the Rupestrian Churches. After a shared transfer from Matera’s city center, access the protected area of Murgia Timone with the entry ticket included as part of the experience. This special access allows you to explore one of the most important archaeological areas surrounding Matera, including the ancient Neolithic village, the panoramic Belvedere overlooking the Sassi, and the rupestrian churches carved into the rock. Together with a knowledgeable guide, walk scenic trails above the Gravina canyon and visit the rock-hewn churches of San Falcione and Madonna delle Tre Porte, featuring Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. Continue to the dramatic Golgota hill, selected by Mel Gibson as a filming location for The Passion of the Christ thanks to its dramatic and timeless scenery. End the tour at sunset from the Belvedere, where Matera’s Sassi glow in golden light.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your group in Matera’s city center and board the minivan/minibus heading toward the Park of Rupestrian Churches.
Access the protected archaeological area of Murgia Timone with the included entry ticket. Explore traces of the ancient Neolithic village carved into the rock, where some of the earliest human communities in southern Italy once lived. Discover caves, cisterns, and remains that reveal prehistoric life in the area.
Visit the Crypt of San Falcione, one of the oldest rupestrian churches in the park. Admire the ancient rock-cut architecture and learn about the religious communities who inhabited these remote caves.
Continue to the Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte, known for its Byzantine frescoes and spiritual significance. Your guide will explain the symbolism and history hidden within these centuries-old paintings.
Before reaching Belvedere, cross the dramatic Golgota hill, famous as a filming location for The Passion of the Christ. End the experience at the iconic Belvedere viewpoint, the most panoramic terrace overlooking Matera’s Sassi districts.
After enjoying the sunset from the Belvedere viewpoint, relax during the shared transfer back to Matera’s city center.
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
- The actual tour time may vary from the scheduled time as it depends on the sunset time.
Reviews(131)
Very pleasant and interesting tour thanks to our guide Francesco, an expert archaeologist who was helpful and friendly. He knew how to engage the group by giving explanations in a simple and engaging way, even going beyond the scheduled end time of the tour.
It was a small group experience and the guide was phenomenal! Ivan loved his job, the nature and had great pride in sharing this experience with us!!
This walking tour was very fun and informative. Our guide brought his dog and she was so sweet too. Gorgeous landscapes, views of Matera and the sunset was spectacular. Loved seeing all of the ancient church ruins as well.
Beautiful excursion, in particular at sunset it allows you to see ‘sterà with different eyes. Highly recommended!
The guide, Francesco, was very knowledgeable and expressed himself well, alternating between serious and humorous, and covering archaeology, botany, history, and geology. The temperature was not too hot as it was late afternoon, and the view over the city of stones was fantastic. Shuttle driver was smiling and kind. The only negative note was the receptionist, who was not very friendly or welcoming.
Our guide Evian was fantastic. Explained everything in detail and with the passion he has for Matera.
A walk to discover the Murgia park with the guide Francesco (archaeologist) who took us on a journey from the Paleolithic to today through the observation of stones, plants, films, and frescoes. Wonderful sunset view. Experience highly recommended.
Beautiful experience... our guide Federico is the best as a companion.
Our tour guide was amazing. I highly recommend the walk/ mild hike as it has a wonderful history and incredible perspective and views. My only regret was not capturing his name. He had a beard and a dog named Saki. 100% best guide. Extremely kind and generous with his knowledge of the area. 10/10!!! Grazie Mille from the California couple!
Our guide was vey knowledgeable on the flora/fauna as well as the history of the area. His pride and enthusiasm for his city was clear and he shared that with the group.
