Sassi of Matera
Guided walking tour
Visiting the Sassi di Matera is an experience that leaves its mark on every traveller. With our experienced and passionate local guide, your adventure will be even more exciting, packed with details that will leave lasting memories.
- Sassi di Matera, from “national shame” to UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993
- Matera, European Capital of Culture in 2019
- authentic open-air nativity scene, fascinating all year round
- ancient caves and frescoed cave churches
- film sets of prestigious international films, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and No Time To Die featuring James Bond’s famous Aston Martin
Description
Find out more exciting details about the experience
Discover Matera, a city that enchants with its timeless charm, where past and present are intertwined among narrow streets and breathtaking views. An experience that will put you at the centre of its millennial history.
The tour starts in the Piano, the heart of Matera’s post-medieval historic centre, and then crosses the Civita, a historic district built on a rocky spur that separates the two Sassi, before admiring magnificent Matera Cathedral, the city’s landmark. From one of the most impressive viewpoints, you’ll contemplate Sasso Barisano, with its fascinating facades carved into the rock, while listening to its history. The visit will continue in Sasso Caveoso, exploring hidden corners and unforgettable views that have made Matera famous all over the world.
Along the way, our expert guide will entertain and inform you with engaging tales about life in the Sassi, revealing real stories and local traditions. It’s not only listening to history, but experiencing it first-hand: you’ll have the opportunity to enter a typical cave house and learn how peasant families lived in past centuries, and admire a frescoed rock church with a mystical and fascinating atmosphere.
Book our guided tour now, and fall in love with the magic of Matera. A unique journey that will immerse you in the ancient history of a city that was once a “national shame” and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can arouse emotions and create lasting memories.
More information
Discover the services and other important information
INCLUDED
- expert licensed local guide
- entry to a typical Cave House
- entry to a frescoed Rock Church
- wireless guide system with range of 15 m (if necessary)
- map of the Sassi di Matera
- 10% discount voucher on local products and souvenirs at Matera City Tour infoPoints
NOT INCLUDED
- headsets/earpieces for wireless guide (if necessary)
- tasting of local products
- anything else not specified under “included”
BRING WITH YOU
- earpieces with cable and jack for wireless system (if necessary); these can also be purchased from us at € 0.50 each
- sun protection and hat in summer
- umbrella or waterproof in case of rain
- comfortable shoes
PARTICIPANTS
- maximum group size: 30 adults
ADVICE
- not recommended for wheelchairs and strollers
- dogs are allowed, but you must carry a muzzle for use if needed
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- weather: our tours go ahead in sunshine or rain. However, if we consider the weather conditions unfavourable, we may decide to proceed, postpone or cancel the tour, always prioritising the safety and comfort of all. Therefore bad weather does not necessarily mean your tour will be cancelled.
- cancellation and refund policy: once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Full refunds will only be given if we cancel the tour for some reason.
- cancellation with 48 hours’ notice: if you cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the tour, you’ll receive a voucher for 80% of the total, valid for one year from the date of the cancelled tour.
- late cancellation or no-show: if you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, arrive late or fail to turn up, no refund will be made.
- changes to date and time of booking: tickets are valid solely for the date and time indicated at the time of purchase, and cannot be changed.
- tolerance for late arrival: Our guides will wait a maximum of five minutes after the tour departure time. After this, latecomers will not be able to join the tour, and no refund will be given.
BEFORE THE TOUR
- please remember that we do not provide toilets. We advise you to plan accordingly.
- please bear in mind the time needed to find a parking place. We recommend arriving early to make sure you reach the departure point on time.
Venue
Additional information on the meeting place
The meeting point for the departure of the visit is in via Rocco Scotellaro n.4, at the Matera City Tour agency (infoPoint A)
ADDRESS
PARKING SPACE
- Multi-storey car park, in via Rocco Scotellaro (exactly in front of our infopoint) € 1,50/h
- Outdoor parking on blue stripes nearby in via Lucana, via Gramsci or via Passarelli € 0,70/h or € 0,50/h (8AM-1:30PM and 4PM-08:30PM)
TRAIN STATIONS & BUS STOP
- Matera Central Station, 10 min walk