Explore Matera: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Discover Ancient City Life
4.9
1,215 Ratings
Matera
Immerse yourself in the unique city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its ancient districts, learn about its history, art, and architecture, and discover the philosophy of life in this captivating city.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Piazza San Pietro Caveoso - The journey takes you through the most captivating sights and scenes of historic Matera, including the Sasso Caveoso and sections of the Sasso Barisano.\n\nOn this excursion, which avoids the typical tourist paths, you’ll gradually uncover Matera’s history and learn why it remained obscure until the early 21st century. As you meander through the narrow streets, you’ll delve into Matera’s ethos, hearing tales and the experiences of those who inhabited the Sassi of Matera. The tour encompasses discussions on art, anthropology, and architecture, offering a comprehensive view that reveals how Matera transformed from being Italy’s ‘disgrace’ to a ‘World Heritage’ site.\n\nThis is not your standard tour focused on visiting churches; instead, it’s an exploration of the city’s labyrinthine heart.\n\nAlong with myself, Renato, you might also be guided by Sara, Domenico, or Gaetano, all passionate guides who cherish Matera and the Sassi region.
What's Included
- Radio transmitter provided for guided explanations
- Headphone-compatible for COVID-19 safety
Additional Information
Embark on a captivating journey to unlock the unique aspects of Matera, exploring its ethos and engaging with its peculiar charm. Accompanied by me, Renato, or one of my team members such as Gaetano and Domenico - all of whom are certified guides with a deep-rooted affection and ardour for the city.
Matera, famed for its medieval quarters, is known as one of the world’s oldest cities. It serves as a genuine alfresco museum tracing human existence from the Paleolithic era to the current times uninterruptedly.
Rather than a conventional sightseeing trip, step by step we will delve into the city’s history, narratives, and challenges of those who resided in the Sassi, as well as the city’s art and architecture. A comprehensive exploration of Matera, from being the ‘Disgrace of Italy’ to ‘World Heritage Site’.
Our tour will also encompass multiple filming locations from movies such as 007, The Passion, W. Woman. The group could comprise up to 18 individuals. If required, radios will be provided to enhance the tour experience.
Location
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(1215 Ratings)
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Jennifer_s
Mar 30, 2024
BOOK the Guide!!!! - Visiting Maters without a tour guide is a huge mistake. Our time with our guide helped us further appreciate Matera and the history that lives on.
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_h
Mar 29, 2024
Gaetano is amazing! - Our guide, Gaetano, was absolutely fantastic! He is kind, extremely knowledgeable about the area, and truly transformed our entire experience of visiting Matera from just a visit to the area - instead- leaving with an absolute love and respect for the city.
Review provided by Viator
Hal_b
Mar 28, 2024
Educational Fantastic very small group tour - Fantastic tour. Tour leader spoke perfect English and taught us about the history of Matera including the social and economic history. We saw a lot of the city including the caves. I highly recommend this very small group tour
Review provided by Viator
Steve
Mar 24, 2024
A fascinating walk around an historic city. - Having first talked to my wife & I about our interests, our guide Gaetano focussed our Matera tour on the Sasso Caveoso, which suited us ideally. He was an extremely knowledgeable guide, and spoke excellent English. We learnt a great deal about how people lived in this area until the mid 20th century, and it was amazing to think that people were still living with their animals in caves so recently. It was also fascinating to see how Matera is changing to accommodate tourists while still retaining the authenticity of its history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennygaryalex
Mar 23, 2024
Very knowledgeable and charming guide who provides an excellent tour - Our tour guide, Gaetano, gave us an excellent overview of the history of Matera, while keeping the content very engaging. Although Matera is very hilly, he planned the walk so that we moved very gradually up to the top of the town. The tour was first class. If you combine this tour with a visit to Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario and the rock church Santa Maria alle Malve, you will have a perfect day in Matera .
Review provided by Viator
Dottie_j
Mar 19, 2024
Fantastic Tour - We took this tour on the first day in Matera and were so glad we did. Gaetano spoke excellent English and knows the history of Matera very well. He went at a speed that accommodated all on the tour and showed us places we would never have seen on our own. We came away from the tour with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Matera.
Review provided by Viator
Kristin_m
Mar 18, 2024
Wonderful introduction to Matera - This tour was a fantastic introduction to Matera and greatly enriched the rest of our time in this beautiful city. Renato was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we (family with a 12 & 15 year old) appreciated his personal connection to the city's history.
Review provided by Viator
Chris_l
Mar 17, 2024
HISTORY COMES ALIVE - Superb tour and an amazing value. The tour wasn’t typical church and museum tour. The guide showed the rich history of Matera and really imparted a sense of the history of the region including the recent history of Italy moving the people out of the caves. An excellent tour that covered all the major items and really gave me an appreciation for this city and its culture.
Review provided by Viator
Curthofmann
Mar 16, 2024
The little hidden gem in Calabria - My wife and I had the luxury of a private tour with the knowledgeable and clever Gaetano , Who unravelled the mysteries of old and new Matera.
His comprehensive knowledge of the Town and its rich and extensive history was very impressive .
We would highly recommend this tour to anyone with a good fortune of visiting this wonderful little hidden gem in Calabria
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_p
Mar 13, 2024
Matera Brought To Life - Out guide Gaetano was enthusiastic and very informative and made our experience of Matera one that we will never forget. Very highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator