4-Hour Matera Sassi Tour with Rupestrian Churches and Belvedere

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Visit the two ancient districts of the Sassi di Matera - Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano
• 02 Explore Rupestrian churches such as San Pietro Barisano, Santa Lucia alle Malve, Santa Maria de Idris, and San Giovanni in Monterrone
• 03 Discover Matera's Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral, the Piano district, Piazza del Sedile, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto
• 04 See the late Gothic church of St. John the Baptist
• 05 Enjoy canyon views and stop at the Belvedere di Murgia Timone

Visit the two ancient districts of the Sassi di Matera - Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore some of Matera's most interesting Rupestrian churches, including San Pietro Barisano, Santa Lucia alle Malve, Santa Maria de Idris, and San Giovanni in Monterrone. Discover other districts and monuments such as the Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral, the Piano district, Piazza del Sedile, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and the late Gothic church of St. John the Baptist. The experience also includes scenic views of the canyon and a stop at the Belvedere di Murgia Timone.

Enjoy the view of the canyon along the panoramic street and experience the atmosphere of the time before World War II.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Matera

Languages English, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore the Sassi Districts and Matera's Historic Monuments

• Take a tour of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, a unique experience among Rupestrian churches and cave houses.

• Visit interesting Rupestrian churches such as San Pietro Barisano, Santa Lucia alle Malve, Santa Maria de Idris, and San Giovanni in Monterrone.

• Enjoy the view of the canyon along the panoramic street and experience the atmosphere of the time before World War II.

• Explore Matera's other districts and monuments:

  1. The Apulian-Romanesque style Cathedral

  2. The Piano district with its palaces and Baroque churches

  3. Piazza del Sedile

  4. Piazza Vittorio Veneto

  5. The late Gothic style church of St. John the Baptist

• On the way back, stop at the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, on the hill facing Matera, and enjoy the scenic view.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Italian/English-speaking tour guide.

What's Not Included

• Extra hours.

• Lunch, dinner, or typical food tasting (from 5 to 25 EUR).

• Entrance fees if you want to visit the Rupestrian churches (3 € for one church, 5 € for 2, 6 € for 3) and/or the typically furnished cave-dwelling (2 €).

• Transport (all with air conditioning):

  • Private car (Ford Focus, 5 doors) for up to 3/4 adults + driver (me): 0,50 € per km

  • Rented minivan for up to 8 pax + driver (me): to be quoted

  • Minivan for up to 7 pax + driver + me: to be quoted

Know before you go

• Considering there are lots of stairs and slopes to climb, it is suggested to extend the tour to a full day to enjoy the city with more time and to have the chance to stop for lunch or dinner in a typical restaurant or in a baker's shop (Matera is famous for its bread), do some shopping for typical handicrafts, and visit another Rupestrian church, Matera Underground, and Tramontano Castle.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Matera, Province of Matera, Italy

Tour start

75100 Matera, Province of Matera, Italy

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.