2-Hour Matera Sassi Tour through the City of Caves

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the labyrinthine alleys and ancient dwellings of Sasso Caveoso
• 02 Roam through the charming streets of Sasso Barisano, steeped in history
• 03 Admire the architectural marvels of Matera's medieval quarter
• 04 Traverse the cobblestone paths of the 17th-century area and uncover hidden gems
• 05 Discover the secrets of Matera's caves through centuries-old stories etched into stone

Discover Matera, the City of Caves, on this enlightening two-hour tour through one of Italy's most distinctive historic landscapes. Explore the ancient districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, then wander through the medieval and 17th-century areas that reveal the city's layered past. Along the way, uncover the stories, architecture, and enduring character etched into Matera's stone walls.

Discover Matera, the City of Caves, on this enlightening two-hour tour through one of Italy's most distinctive historic landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Matera

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore the Sassi and Historic Quarters of Matera

• You will visit the following places on this tour:
  • Sasso Caveoso
  • Sasso Barisano
  • Medieval area
  • 17th-century area

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Expert local guide

What's Not Included

• Entrance fees
• Tastings

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes

Know before you go

• The tour includes lots of walking, with many steps and staircases.
• This is a private tour of Matera, known as the city of caves, one of the oldest cities in the world and a favored location for major film productions such as "The Passion of Christ," "007 No Time to Die," and "Ben Hur."
• After World War II, the Sassi, the ancient cave districts, were condemned as "the shame of Italy" due to the poor living conditions of over 15,000 inhabitants, many of whom lived in caves without basic amenities such as running water and sewerage, often sharing space with animals.
• Today, these same districts are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract thousands of tourists from around the globe.
• The tour delves into Matera's history from its foundation, highlighting its golden age in the 17th century and its subsequent rapid decline.
• An unmissable experience, visiting Matera offers a journey through the history of humanity from the Neolithic Age to the present day.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera, MT, Italia

Tour start

75100 Matera MT, Italia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.