Private Guided Tour of the Sassi di Matera

Overview

Explore Matera on a private walking tour to discover the Sassi, cave dwellings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey begins via Alessandro Volta, leading to the Church of Purgatory and its Baroque facade. You will then cross Piazza San Francesco and Piazza del Sedile before reaching the cathedral, which offers a panoramic view of the valley. The walk continues towards Sasso Barisano and its ancient stone houses. The circuit includes entry to a typical furnished cave house as well as a visit to a rock church. The tour concludes at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and with a visit to the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, a remarkable example of rock architecture. The activity includes a 10% discount voucher for MòVado Food & Drink for a drink or a tasting of local products (consumption not included).

Itinerary

1. The tour begins from Via Volta, a strategic and convenient location in the heart of Matera. For those staying in the historic center or the picturesque Sassi, it is possible to arrange a pick-up directly with the licensed regional tour guide. This is where the adventure starts: a meeting that marks the first step towards discovering the timeless charm of the Sassi of Matera.

   · 5 min

2. Chiesa del Purgatorio

   The external visit to the Church of Purgatory in Matera is a captivating experience that grabs attention with its baroque façade, rich intricate details. Located in the heart of the city, this church is a perfect example of how art and architecture intertwine with the local religious history.

   · 10 min· Admission not included

3. The first stop of the tour takes you to Via San Francesco, where the majestic Church of San Francesco stands. Here, you'll have the opportunity to be enchanted by the beauty of the architecture and immerse yourself in history, discovering the crucial role that churches played in the daily life and culture of the Sassi.

   · 10 min

4. Piazza del Sedile

   The next step of the tour will take you to Piazza del Sedile, a place rich in history and charm. Here, among the ancient stones of the square, you will feel the atmosphere that once hosted Matera's political and social center. You will admire the impressive palace that gives the square its name, with its elegant façade that tells centuries of local stories.

   · 10 min

5. Cattedrale Di Maria Santissima Della Bruna E Sant'eustachio

   The next tour stop will take you to the Matera Cathedral. This experience will captivate you with the grandeur of its Romanesque façade, which dominates the city with extraordinary prominence. The Cathedral will offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the Sassi and the surrounding valley at the top of the Civita hill.

   · 10 min· Admission not included

6. Sasso Barisano

   The main stop of the guided tour will begin with the district of Sasso Barisano, a place that will welcome you with its rock-hewn houses and characteristic alleys. The area, with its constant ups and downs, will offer you breathtaking views and a unique experience, making you feel part of a timeless landscape. Every corner of the Sassi has a story to reveal, and the path will immerse you completely in the magic of Matera.

   · 30 min

7. After exploring Sasso Barisano, the main stop of the tour will take you to Sasso Caveoso, another fascinating district of the Sassi of Matera. Here, among the narrow alleys and rock-hewn houses, you will encounter a constant up and down that makes this area unique. Every step will lead you to discover picturesque views and hidden corners, where the rocky landscape blends with the millennia-old history of the place.

   · 20 min

8. Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera - C'era Una Volta

   During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit a typical cave house, authentically furnished, to discover how families lived in the heart of the Sassi. This experience will allow you to take a dive into the past, observing the furniture and everyday objects that tell the story of a simple and harsh life. Don't miss the opportunity to live firsthand the history and atmosphere of Matera.

   · 15 min· Admission included

9. Walking along Via Madonna delle Virtù, you will enter the heart of Sasso Caveoso, where each step brings you closer to a discovery. This fascinating part of the tour will lead you through rock-hewn alleys, revealing a breathtaking panoramic view of the Murgia Materana. From here, you will admire the vastness of this natural landscape, which intertwines perfectly with the millennia-old history of the Sassi.

   · 10 min

10. Piazza San Pietro Caveoso

    The final stop of the tour will take you to discover the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, located in the eponymous square, a charming corner in the heart of Sasso Caveoso. This church, with its simple yet imposing façade, will captivate you with its sober beauty and the atmosphere of serenity that surrounds it. The interior, rich in history and sacred art, will transport you to a distant era, making you feel an integral part of Matera's religious tradition. While strolling through the surrounding square, you will have the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Sassi landscape.

    · 10 min

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Not recommended for travellers with spinal problems.
• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.
• The activity may be cancelled in the event of bad weather or insufficient participants.

Who is it for?

• Travellers seeking a personalised and private tour.
• History and rock architecture enthusiasts.
• Mobile individuals capable of walking for 2 hours and 10 minutes.

What makes it different

• Strictly private tour with a licensed guide.
• Included access to a cave house and a rock church.
• Discount voucher provided for typical local products.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 91060P71

Activity offered by Martulli Viaggi via Viator.