Matera, the ancient city in southern Italy, beckons visitors to explore its captivating history after dark. A 2-hour night walking tour guides travelers through the UNESCO-listed Sassi neighborhoods, immersing them in the atmospheric alleys and rock-cut dwellings. Led by a knowledgeable local, the tour reveals the secrets of Matera’s ancient hypogeum and the iconic rock churches carved into the limestone cliffs. Travelers can expect a personalized experience, with small group sizes ensuring an intimate glimpse into this remarkable destination. What mysteries might unfold as the sun sets over the Sassi?
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Matera.
Key Points
- This 2-hour night walking tour of Matera, Italy covers the historic center, Sasso Caveoso, and Sasso Barisano, led by a knowledgeable guide.
- The tour includes entrance fees and allows exploration of the ancient hypogeum and rock churches, providing a glimpse into Matera’s cultural heritage.
- The tour starts promptly at 6:30 pm, with tickets that must be redeemed at the Via San Biagio 15 location, and has a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
- Visitors can discover the network of rock churches carved into the limestone cliffs, and explore the furnished cave houses once inhabited by Matera’s residents.
- The tour operator offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility and peace of mind for travelers.
Tour Overview
This 2-hour night walking tour of Matera, Italy, covers the historic center, Sasso Caveoso, and Sasso Barisano, led by a knowledgeable guide and including entrance fees.
Travelers will explore the ancient hypogeum excavated on three levels and visit the rock churches that dot the landscape.
The tour also typically includes a visit to the furnished cave houses, offering a glimpse into the traditional living spaces of the region.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and immersive experience in the enchanting city of Matera, known for its unique and well-preserved historic center.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Matera.
Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the tour is the MIT Museum in Via San Biagio 15, within the courtyard of La Galleria Restaurant.
The tour ends at Piazzetta Pascoli, 75100 Matera.
Travelers will need to redeem their tickets at the Via San Biagio 15 location in Matera.
The night walking tour starts at 6:30 pm, so participants should arrive at the meeting point ahead of time to check in.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, the small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience as you explore Matera’s historic center, Sasso Caveoso, and Sasso Barisano during the evening hours.
Start Time and Tickets
The night walking tour in Matera starts promptly at 6:30 pm.
Travelers must redeem their tickets at the Via San Biagio 15 location before the tour begins. This ensures a smooth start to the experience.
The tour covers the historic center, Sasso Caveoso, and Sasso Barisano over the course of 2 hours.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Operated by VIAGGI KARMA MATERA, this tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this night walking tour is an excellent way to explore the ancient wonders of Matera.
Exploring Ancient Hypogeum
One of the highlights of the night walking tour is the chance to explore the ancient hypogeum, an underground network of excavated chambers and tunnels dating back thousands of years.
Visitors will explore this remarkable subterranean world, discovering the ingenuity of Matera’s early inhabitants. The three-level hypogeum offers a captivating glimpse into the past, with rock-carved dwellings, cisterns, and places of worship.
Wandering through these dimly lit chambers, travelers can almost feel the weight of history pressing in around them. The hypogeum provides a tangible connection to the city’s rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Matera’s remarkable history.
Visiting Rock Churches
As visitors explore the ancient streets of Matera, they’ll discover a network of rock churches that have been carved directly into the limestone cliffs.
These sacred spaces, many of which date back to the 8th century, offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich religious heritage. Travelers can marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings, which often depict biblical scenes and religious figures.
The tour guide will lead visitors through these captivating churches, sharing insights into their history and architecture. Whether it’s the Church of St. Lucy or the Church of St. Peter, each rock church offers a glimpse into Matera’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and the ingenuity of its early inhabitants.
Furnished Cave Houses
Amidst Matera’s ancient streets, visitors can explore a unique network of furnished cave houses, which were once the primary dwellings of the city’s inhabitants.
These intriguing cave homes, carved directly into the rock, have been meticulously preserved and offer a glimpse into the lives of Matera’s past residents. Visitors can wander through the rooms, admiring the traditional furnishings and architectural features that have withstood the test of time.
The cave houses provide a tangible connection to the city’s rich history, allowing travelers to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Matera’s ancient Sassi neighborhoods. These unique dwellings showcase the ingenuity and resilience of the local population, who adapted to their rugged environment by creating functional and comfortable living spaces within the rock formations.
Tour Group Size
The night walking tour in Matera has a maximum group size of 30 travelers, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience as visitors explore the historic city.
This small group size ensures that guests can easily hear the guide and ask questions, fostering a deeper understanding of the ancient sites.
Some key benefits of the limited group size include:
- More personalized attention from the guide
- Easier navigation through the narrow streets and alleys
- Ability to access smaller, more secluded areas
- Enhanced opportunities for interaction and discussion
- A quieter, more peaceful atmosphere for appreciating the unique ambiance of Matera.
This thoughtful group size policy creates an optimal setting for discovering the wonders of Matera after dark.
Cancellation Policy
The night walking tour in Matera offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing travelers with flexibility and peace of mind.
This generous cancellation policy allows visitors to book the tour without worrying about unexpected schedule changes or conflicts. Whether it’s a last-minute work obligation or a change in travel plans, travelers can rest assured they can cancel their reservation with no penalties.
This policy reflects the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and creating a stress-free experience. Knowing they can easily cancel their tour if needed, travelers can fully focus on enjoying the historic sights and enchanting atmosphere of Matera during this guided evening exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Language of the Tour?
The tour is conducted in the English language. As the overview states, this is a guided tour, indicating that the guide will provide commentary and information to participants in English throughout the 2-hour walking experience.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Visitors are generally permitted to take photographs during the guided walking tour of Matera. However, it’s best to be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour or hindering the experience of other participants.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The night walking tour in Matera has no age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, and children are welcome to join. Families can enjoy exploring the historic center and cave dwellings together on this guided tour.
Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves walking through uneven, hilly terrain and visiting ancient cave dwellings. Those with limited mobility should check with the tour operator for accessibility details.
What Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?
For this walking tour, guests should bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater for the evening temperature, and any necessary medication. Bringing a camera is also recommended to capture the historic sights along the way.
Recap
The night walking tour of Matera offers an immersive experience in the historic center, exploring the ancient hypogeum, unique rock churches, and furnished cave houses.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour includes entrance fees and a small group size, ensuring a personalized experience.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover Matera’s Sassi neighborhoods.
More Walking Tours in Matera
- Matera: Suite La Stalla Night Stay w/ 2 Meals & Walking Tour
- Matera: Walking tour with entries in Cave House and Church
- Sassi di Matera: Guided Walking Tour with Cave House/Church
- Matera: Private or Group Walking Tour & Cave House Admission
- Matera: Sunset Walking Tour on the Murgia Park
- Matera_Belvedere Walking Tour
More Tours in Matera
- Matera: Suite La Stalla Night Stay w/ 2 Meals & Walking Tour
- Matera: sunset horseback riding tour on Murgia
- Matera & Alberobello: Private UNESCO Heritage Tour
- MATERA: COMPLETE TOUR OF THE ROCK CHURCHES
- Matera: Private Half-Day Tour from Bari
- TRANI AND CASTEL DEL MONTE: guided tours and transfers from Matera
More Tour Reviews in Matera
- Matera: Suite La Stalla Night Stay w/ 2 Meals & Walking Tour
- Matera: sunset horseback riding tour on Murgia
- Matera & Alberobello: Private UNESCO Heritage Tour
- Matera by Night lingua italiana.Casa Grotta e Chiesa incluse
- Matera: Aperitif Truffles and Champagne under the olive tree
- Matera: Pasta Cooking Class Old Farmer Style in Sassi Cellar
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Matera we have reviewed
- Matera: Suite La Stalla Night Stay w/ 2 Meals & Walking Tour
- Matera: sunset horseback riding tour on Murgia
- Matera & Alberobello: Private UNESCO Heritage Tour
- Matera by Night lingua italiana.Casa Grotta e Chiesa incluse
- Matera: Aperitif Truffles and Champagne under the olive tree
- Matera: Pasta Cooking Class Old Farmer Style in Sassi Cellar
- MATERA: COMPLETE TOUR OF THE ROCK CHURCHES
- Matera: Private Half-Day Tour from Bari
- TRANI AND CASTEL DEL MONTE: guided tours and transfers from Matera
- Matera: Yoga session in a Sassi cave with Breakfast
- Matera: local pastry experience
- Matera Evening Tour in English