From Matera: Sassi di Matera Tour with Entry to Cave Houses
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, dates back to the Paleolithic era, with its Sassi districts—Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso—carved into limestone cliffs over millennia. These cave dwellings, inhabited since 10,000 BC, evolved from prehistoric shelters to sophisticated homes by the Middle Ages, housing families, churches, and cisterns. The Rupestrian Churches, like Sant’Antonio Abate, emerged in the 8th-13th centuries, blending Byzantine art with rock-hewn architecture. Matera’s cave houses, once symbols of poverty, were abandoned in the 1950s due to overcrowding but revitalized in the 1990s after UNESCO designated the Sassi a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Guided tours, popularized in the 2000s as Matera became a cultural hub and filming location (e.g., The Passion of the Christ), offer immersive access to this unique urban ecosystem. The tours, blending history, anthropology, and architecture, highlight Matera’s transformation from “shame of Italy” to a symbol of resilience, with cave house museums and churches showcasing daily life across centuries. The addition of modern perks like discounts at local bars ties into Matera’s vibrant present as a European Capital of Culture (2019).
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit a preserved cave house museum and Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Marvel at panoramic views from Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso
- Learn 10,000 years of history from a licensed multilingual guide
- Enjoy a 10% discount at MòVado bar in Piazza Duomo
Full Description
Embark on a 2-hour guided walking tour through Matera’s Sassi, starting at one of four meeting points with Martulli Viaggi in Via Alessandro Volta. Led by a licensed guide (English, Italian, German, Spanish, or French), this private or small-group tour delves into the ancient neighborhoods of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Begin at the Church of San Francesco, a 13th-century gem in Matera’s historic center, setting the stage for the city’s layered past.
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Navigate narrow streets and winding alleys, soaking in panoramic views of limestone cliffs and cave dwellings. Visit the Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate (15 minutes), a rock-hewn marvel with frescoes and a surprising cultural feature inside, reflecting Matera’s medieval heritage. Explore a preserved cave house museum (10 minutes) at Casa Grotta Sassi, offering a glimpse into traditional life with authentic furnishings. Pass landmarks like Chiesa del Purgatorio and Piazza del Sedile (10 minutes each), where the guide shares tales of Matera’s social and religious history.
Stroll along Via Madonna delle Virtù and Via Fiorentini (5-15 minutes), admiring the Sassi’s unique architecture, and conclude in Sasso Caveoso (20 minutes) at Piazzetta Pascoli, with breathtaking views. Receive a 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food and Drink bar in Piazza Duomo to enjoy local treats post-tour. This immersive journey through 10,000 years of history blends archaeology, culture, and stunning vistas, leaving you enchanted by Matera’s timeless beauty.
Why Choose This Experience?
This Sassi di Matera tour offers an intimate, affordable ($30) exploration of a UNESCO site unlike any other, where ancient cave dwellings and churches tell a 10,000-year story. The licensed guide’s expertise, available in five languages, brings Matera’s history to life, from prehistoric origins to its modern revival. Entry to a cave house museum and Rupestrian Church adds depth, while small-group or private options ensure a personal experience, ideal for history buffs, families, or curious travelers.
The tour’s 2-hour duration and skip-the-line access to key sites maximize time in Matera’s labyrinthine Sassi, with panoramic views and photo stops enhancing the visual appeal. The 10% discount at MòVado bar ties in local cuisine, making it a cultural immersion. Flexible cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later options add convenience, while the tour’s pacing suits most fitness levels, making it a must-do for uncovering Matera’s hidden wonders.
What’s Included
- 2-hour guided tour (English, Italian, German, Spanish, or French)
- Licensed expert guide
- Entry to Casa Grotta Sassi cave house museum
- Entry to Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food and Drink bar in Piazza Duomo
- Private or small-group tour (based on option selected)
Itinerary
- Meet at Martulli Viaggi (Via Alessandro Volta) 10-15 minutes early
- Visit Church of San Francesco in the historic center (10 minutes)
- Stop at Chiesa del Purgatorio for history and photos (10 minutes)
- Explore Piazza del Sedile, a historic square (10 minutes)
- Tour Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate (15 minutes)
- Walk Via Madonna delle Virtù for scenic views (5 minutes)
- Visit Casa Grotta Sassi cave house museum (10 minutes)
- Stroll Via Fiorentini, exploring Sassi architecture (15 minutes)
- Conclude in Sasso Caveoso at Piazzetta Pascoli (20 minutes)
Pricing
From $30 per person
Meeting Point
Martulli Viaggi – Tour & Experience, Via Alessandro Volta, 3/5, 75100 Matera MT, Italy (or other Martulli Viaggi locations based on option). Confirm language and group type (private/small group) when booking. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
How to Get There
- By Car: Drive via SS7 to Matera; park at Piazza Matteotti lot (5-10 minute walk)
- By Public Transport: Take FAL bus from Bari to Matera; 5-minute walk from Via Don Luigi Sturzo stop
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Drop-off at Via Alessandro Volta; €5-10 from central Matera
- On Foot: From Matera’s historic center (Piazza Vittorio Veneto), a 5-7 minute walk
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and uneven paths
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler cave interiors
- Water bottle, as no drinks are included
- Camera for panoramic views and photo stops
- Cash for bar purchases or tips
Know Before You Go
- Moderate walking (~1.5-2 km) on uneven terrain; not wheelchair-accessible
- No large bags or luggage allowed for safety
- Tour operates in all weather; caves provide shelter
- Private or small-group options (check availability)
- Cancel up to 24 hours for full refund; reserve-now-pay-later available
- Collect 10% MòVado bar coupon at Martulli Viaggi agency
Reviews
- All good! Guide was very informative and knowledgeable—great experience.
- Great knowledge of Matera’s history, well-paced tour.
- Loved the historical info on Matera, but felt bad our guide twisted her ankle—still a fantastic tour!
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FAQ's
What makes the Sassi di Matera unique, and why visit them?
The Sassi are ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone, inhabited since 10,000 BC, making Matera one of the oldest cities in the world. A UNESCO site, they blend prehistoric, Byzantine, and modern history, with cave houses and Rupestrian Churches showcasing unique architecture. Visiting reveals 10,000 years of human resilience, from troglodyte life to modern revival. The tour’s guide and museum access bring this story alive, offering a rare glimpse into a living archaeological marvel. It’s a must for history and culture enthusiasts.
Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in English, Italian, German, Spanish, and French, with expert guides tailoring commentary to your chosen language. Select your preference when booking (private or small group). The visual impact of the Sassi and cave houses transcends language, and the guide’s storytelling is clear and engaging. Non-speakers of these languages need basic comprehension. It’s accessible for international travelers, with small groups ensuring interaction. Ask questions to deepen your experience. Matera’s beauty speaks universally.
How physically demanding is the tour?
The 2-hour tour involves moderate walking (~1.5-2 km) on cobblestone streets, uneven paths, and some steps in the Sassi districts. It’s manageable for most but not wheelchair-accessible due to terrain. Comfortable shoes are essential, and the pace is leisurely with photo stops. Cave interiors may be cool, so bring a sweater. Those with mobility issues should contact Martulli Viaggi for advice. The scenic views and short stops make it rewarding. It’s ideal for most fitness levels, with history as the focus.
What’s included in the cave house museum and Rupestrian Church visits?
The Casa Grotta Sassi museum (10 minutes) is a preserved cave dwelling with authentic furnishings, showcasing traditional Materan life from the 19th-20th centuries. The Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate (15 minutes) features rock-hewn architecture and Byzantine frescoes, with a cultural “surprise” (often historical artifacts or stories). The guide explains their significance, tying them to Matera’s history. Entry to both is included, offering a tangible connection to the Sassi’s past. Photography is allowed, enhancing the immersive experience.
What can I expect at MòVado bar with the discount coupon?
The 10% discount coupon, collected at Martulli Viaggi, applies to MòVado Food and Drink bar in Piazza Duomo, a picturesque spot for local specialties like orecchiette pasta, cheeses, or wine. Expect €10-20 for a meal or drink, with the discount lowering costs (e.g., €1-2 off a drink). The bar offers sunset views over the Sassi, perfect post-tour. Bring cash, as some items may not be card-eligible. It’s a delightful way to savor Matera’s flavors and ambiance.
