Explore Matera’s Sassi on a 3.5-hour tour. Discover Baroque churches, Romanesque cathedrals, and historic districts in this cultural landscape.
Explore Matera’s Sassi on a 3.5-hour tour. Discover Baroque churches, Romanesque cathedrals, and historic districts in this cultural landscape.
- Chiesa del Purgatorio - The tour commences with a symbolic introduction to Baroque Matera through an external visit to the Church of Purgatory, emphasizing the link between faith, death, and rebirth in local culture.
- Piazza San Francesco - The elegant core of the historic city, this is the perfect spot to grasp Matera’s urban development…
- Chiesa del Purgatorio - The tour commences with a symbolic introduction to Baroque Matera through an external visit to the Church of Purgatory, emphasizing the link between faith, death, and rebirth in local culture.
- Piazza San Francesco - The elegant core of the historic city, this is the perfect spot to grasp Matera’s urban development before entering the Sassi.
- Cattedrale di Matera - Perched atop the hill, the Cathedral overlooks the Sassi: a narrative pause to view the city from above and orient yourself within the rock-hewn landscape.
- Piazza San Pietro Caveoso - A brief stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso will allow you to savor the unique atmosphere of the Sassi, with breathtaking views of the city.
- Chiesa Rupestre Sant’Antonio Abate - Enter Sasso Barisano to explore one of the most representative rock churches, where frescoes and carved spaces reveal the spirituality of the medieval period.
- Casa Grotta Narrante - A crucial stop to understand daily life in the Sassi, featuring rooms furnished as they were before the 1950s and stories revealing the real living conditions of local families.
- Via Madonna delle Virtù - One of the most evocative stretches of the tour, offering open views over the Gravina canyon and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, where nature and history converge.
- Piazza San Pietro Caveoso - A photo opportunity in the heart of Sasso Caveoso, surrounded by one of Matera’s most iconic panoramas.
- Church of Saint Mary of Idris - The central highlight of the tour: a rock-carved church suspended above Sasso Caveoso, adorned with frescoes of great historical and spiritual significance.
- La Grotta Della Petrarola - Prodotti Tipici Matera / Degustazioni / Supermarket - The tour concludes with small tastings of local food products.

- Exclusive expert tour guide
- Guided tour to both Sassi districts, Caveoso and Barisano
- Entrance ticket to the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Entrance tickets to a Casa Grotta museum (cave dwelling)
- Entrance tickets to the rock church of Madonna de Idris
- Tasting of local food samples
- 10% discount coupon to Mòvado Food&Drinks bar in Piazza Duomo
- Exclusive expert tour guide
- Guided tour to both Sassi districts, Caveoso and Barisano
- Entrance ticket to the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Entrance tickets to a Casa Grotta museum (cave dwelling)
- Entrance tickets to the rock church of Madonna de Idris
- Tasting of local food samples
- 10% discount coupon to Mòvado Food&Drinks bar in Piazza Duomo
- Tips
- Extra food and drinks
- Tips
- Extra food and drinks
This guided walking tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tailored for travelers seeking more than just a simple panoramic stroll. With a local guide, participants will delve into the historic districts, venturing into the heart of the city carved from rock.
The itinerary features…
This guided walking tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tailored for travelers seeking more than just a simple panoramic stroll. With a local guide, participants will delve into the historic districts, venturing into the heart of the city carved from rock.
The itinerary features access to two frescoed rock churches, including the famous Madonna de Idris, which is dramatically perched above Sasso Caveoso. Here, exquisite frescoes reflect the profound spirituality and artistic expression of medieval Matera.
A highlight of the tour is visiting a traditionally furnished cave house, arranged as it was before the 1950s, providing a tangible insight into the actual living conditions of the families who resided in the Sassi before the evacuation.
Conclude the tour with a light tasting of regional delicacies - taralli, bread, and vegetable spreads or other treats.
- Collect your 10% discount coupon at our agency before the tour
- Matera’s historic districts feature uneven stone pavements, steps, and sloping pathways. We strongly recommend comfortable, non-slip walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- The route includes steps, inclines, and narrow alleys. A moderate level of mobility is required. The itinerary may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, wheelchairs, or strollers
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.