Matera Underground Cultural Sassi Tour

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Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| Matera, Italy

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2 hours (approx.)

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Overview

Explore the ancient city built into the rock, discover "Sassi di Matera" in a 2 hours walking tour, with a licensed local guide and visit an exclusive Underground site, run by our team: you will have the chance to observe the city through the eyes of a historian, who will show you not only the artistic beauty, but also the social, cultural and political value of a truly magical place. During the cultural tour, it will be possible to visit cisterns, rock churches or cave dwellings, also walking on movie locations. This will allow to experience history of the city, its internal dynamics and the global influences that have affected Matera over the centuries. We offer an enveloping tale that will enthrall young and old alike in our culture. The tour is a continuous discovery and is ideal, as well, for people interested in history and curious tourists who want to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the place, beyond the postcard image. Tour is limited to small groups of up to 15 people.

What's Included

Complete tour of the Sassi area
An exclusive Matera Underground site of 500 sqm, dating back to XVI-XVII sec.
One of rupestrian site, according to host preferences
Tickets for admission to rock churches are reduced
Licensed Guide

Food and drink
Pick up & drop off

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza Vittorio Veneto
75100 Matera MT, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazzetta Pascoli
75100 Matera MT, Italy

Looking out on Piazza Pascoli, Palazzo Lanfranchi is considered one of the best examples of 17th century architecture in Matera.

What To Expect

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Vittorio Veneto Square is one of the main squares of Matera, located in the historic center of the city. The square was built in the 19th century during the period of urban renewal of the city. Today, it is an important meeting place and gathering spot for the citizens of Matera, and hosts various commercial and cultural activities.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sasso Barisano

Matera, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, was also the European Capital of Culture 2019: sure will take your breath away. The two Sassi districts, Caveoso and Barisano, dug into the limestone, are unique from an urban planning point of view because of the exceptional nature of their history and bear witness to unique human endeavours, where the combination of the Sassi and the Natural and Archaeological Park of the Rock churches form the perfect symbiosis between the cultural and natural characteristics of a place. Its transcendent universal value derives precisely from this integration between the natural and cultural characteristics of the area: 'Rioni Sassi' are a stunning sight, one that is unique in the world.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Chiese rupestri Madonna delle Virtu e San Nicola dei Greci

According to some sources, the Church of the Madonna delle Virtù was carved out in the 12th century. Thus, as with all the other rupestrian churches in the area of Matera, the church is noted for its “negative architecture”, making it unique. The uniqueness of this rupestrian church can be seen not only in its well-structured architecture, but also in the later-dated frescoes of the church. San Nicola dei Greci is a crypt especially significant due to the survival of some important frescoes. The Byzantine character of the crypt is confirmed by the 11th – 12th century frescoes on the church’s walls, which are linked to the Byzantine tradition. Among the most important and best preserved are the “triptych” frescoes of St. Nicholas, St. Barbara and St. Pantaleone in the left apse and dating back to the 13th century, and the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, from the 14th century.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sassi di Matera

Just a few steps away from the Cathedral in the upper part of Sasso Caveoso, visitors will find Casa Noha. From here, you can move toward Piazza di San Pietro Caveoso where you can visit the rupestrian church and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view! Next, you can visit the two important churches of Madonna dell’Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone both carved into a mass of calcareous rock (tufo). Near here, you should also visit the Casa-grotta (cave house) which was inhabited until 1957 and has now been turned into a museum giving visitors a true picture of what it would have been like to live here. The Cathedral, Santa Maria della Bruna, dates to the year 1268. Considered to be Apulian-Romanesque, it is positioned in the highest point of the city and allows for a spectacular view of the Sasso Barisano.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for people with mobility impairements

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matera Underground Cultural Sassi Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025