Explore Matera: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Discover Ancient City Life
4.9
1,217 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
(1217 Ratings)
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Niamh_a
May 30, 2024
A must for a visit to Matera! - The tour was really interesting; we covered a lot of ground and it gave a great introduction to Matera. We booked it at the start of our trip which set our few days there off perfectly. The guide was enthusiastic and had a fun way of sharing stories and interesting facts bout Matera. He had great historical knowledge. Matera is a fascinating place. Thank you Gaetano!
Review provided by Viator
Sue_l
May 29, 2024
Best tour ever! - This was the highlight of our trip to Puglia, and one of the best tours I have ever had. Gaetano is knowledgeable, passionate, friendly and so engaging. We spent over 2 hours in the baking sun learning about Matera, and I would have happily spent another 2 more hours listening to everything he had to say! It made our trip to Matera so meaningful - do yourself a favour and sign up with this tour when you go to Matera.
Review provided by Viator
Anonymous
May 28, 2024
Informative tour of Matera - We had a great tour with Gaetano! He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Matera. He was very friendly and funny as well, which made for a very enjoyable time. His English is excellent and he was very attentive to the needs of the group (it was quite a hot day and he made sure to plan our stops where there was shade).
Review provided by Viator
Lea_d
May 28, 2024
Don’t miss this tour! - Excellent tour! Our guide was engaging and made it fun. He was conscious of the shade and sitting down when there was opportunity.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_t
May 27, 2024
Amazing..take this tour - Such an amazing tour! Our guide made the trip not only fun but educational. The information was invaluable-one should not visit Matera without this tour.
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Jessica_a
May 27, 2024
Excellent walking tour when in Matera - Super interesting walking tour of Matera. We learned a lot and the tour guide is very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
X7674gkheleng
May 26, 2024
Best guided tour by far! - This was by far the best guided tour we have ever experienced!! Gaetano is so enthusiastic and you can tell how proud and passionate he is about Matera! His knowledge is incredible and we both learnt so much about this stunning city. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judith_p
May 26, 2024
Very interesting tour with Gaetano - very interesting tour! The guide Gaetano had a lot of interesting stories to tell. He knew a lot about the history of Matera.
Review provided by Viator
Kim_c
May 26, 2024
Book this Tour - Wonderful walking tour. Lots of historical information and a full picture of life through the centuries by the people that lived here. Highly recommend this tour when in Matera.
Review provided by Viator
Q5941cpgaryt
May 25, 2024
Highly rated tour. - I joined over 9 different tours, and I can honestly say this is the best tours during this southern Italy tour.
I felt the tour guide really try his best to provide as much useful information as possible.
I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor