Crypt of the Original Sin
Tour with transfer

Nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of rock art, the Crypt of Original Sin is one of Matera’s most precious treasures and among the oldest examples of Italian rock art. Hidden among wild nature, it is located in an evocative and unspoilt setting overlooking the Gravina di Picciano.

A short ride on one of our buses will take you to the entrance of the crypt, a passage in time that leads directly to the 8th-9th century AD. Inside, the darkness gives way to an unexpected wonder: the walls are animated by painted figures in incredibly vivid colours. The pictorial cycle tells the story of Genesis in a solemn representation of God the Creator, Adam and Eve, and the Original Sin. The whole work is characterised by a wonderful background of sinuous flowers with red petals, which has led the frescoes to be attributed to a mysterious “Painter of the Flowers of Matera”.

The experience is made even more immersive by scenic light effects, Gregorian chants and an audio-guide to illustrate the secrets of the crypt. At the end of the visit, a bus will take you comfortably back to the city.

Today the “Church of the Hundred Saints”, so called by the shepherds who first discovered the crypt, is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Matera, and an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere in which history, art and spirituality come together for an experience that will leave you lost for words.

INCLUDED

• round trip transfer from the center of Matera
• entry ticket to the Crypt of the Original Sin
• audio guide
• map of the Sassi di Matera
• 10% discount voucher on local products and souvenirs at Matera City Tour infoPoints

NOT INCLUDED

• tasting of local products
• anything else not specified under “included”

BRING WITH YOU

• comfortable shoes and layered clothing
• umbrella or waterproof in case of rain
• in summer: mosquito spray

PARTICIPANTS

• maximum group size: 25 partecipants

ADVICE

• strollers and wheelchairs not recommended
• animals not allowed

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 50% 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.

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

• Via Rocco Scotellaro, 4, Matera, MT, Italia

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