Matera: a journey into the city of the Sassi
A journey into the city of stone, among rock dwellings, ancient cisterns and timeless views
Discover Matera walking through the alleys and terraces of its famous Sassi. A moving journey through history, rock architecture and landscapes recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience available all year round, by reservation only. The route and times may vary depending on the season and the opening of the sites.
The route of the Matera excursion
- Arrival in Matera and meeting with the guide
- Introduction to the history of the city
- Panoramic view over the Sassi
- Walk in Piazza Vittorio Veneto
- Story of the underground spaces and the ancient cisterns
- Entry into the Sasso Barisano or the Sasso Caveoso
- Walk among alleys, stairways and panoramic terraces
- Explanation of the urban layout of the Sassi
- Story of the water collection and storage system
- Possible visit to a cave house
- Story of the daily life of Matera families
- Possible visit to a rock church
- Insight into the frescoes and rock spirituality
- Walk in the Civita district
- Possible visit to Matera Cathedral
- Stop at a panoramic viewpoint
- Free time in the historic centre
- End of the excursion
What the excursion may include
- Licensed tourist guide service
- Guided tour of the Sassi districts
- Route through the Sasso Caveoso or the Sasso Barisano
- Insight into the urban history of Matera
- Visit to a cave house, if selected
- Visit to a rock church, if selected
- Walk in the Civita
- Possible visit to the Cathedral
- Stops at the main panoramic points
- Free time for shopping or tastings
- Option to add a typical lunch
- Option to request transport from Altamura
- Option to request the tour in a foreign language
Useful information
- Recommended visit duration: about 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Duration with cave-house and rock church: about 3 hours
- Excursion price: on request
- The rate varies depending on the number of participants
- Entrance fees to the sites are not included, unless otherwise stated
- The cave-house ticket must be confirmed
- The rock church ticket must be confirmed
- Any entrance to the Cathedral is subject to religious opening hours
- Altamura-Matera transport is not included, unless indicated in the quote
- You may use your own vehicle
- You may request an authorised minivan or bus
- Transport costs are calculated separately
- The departure point can be the Hotel San Nicola
- The route features numerous steps and climbs
- The streets may have uneven paving
- Comfortable shoes are recommended
- The excursion may be demanding for people with reduced mobility
- Accessibility needs must be communicated in advance
- In summer, water and sun protection are recommended
- In winter, clothing suitable for the temperatures is recommended
- The programme may change in the event of adverse weather conditions
- Foreign languages are available on request
- Payment and cancellation terms are specified in the quote
