From Matera: Day Trip to the 3 Crypts with Entry Ticket

Traveling through Italy often means wandering among its famous sights, but sometimes the most memorable experiences are the lesser-known gems. This private day trip from Matera takes you into the subterranean world of ancient crypts and historic churches, revealing the spiritual and artistic heritage of Basilicata in a way that’s both intimate and enriching. It’s a thoughtfully curated escape from the busy streets of Matera, offering a chance to step underground and touch the echoes of history.

What we love about this experience is how it combines art, spirituality, and a touch of adventure. The private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility, while the visits to remarkably preserved frescoed crypts and ancient sites give a vivid sense of the region’s past. Another highlight: the expert insights provided through an audio guide, making the experience both accessible and informative.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s duration is just four hours, which means you’d want to be ready for a fairly packed itinerary. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a focused, meaningful exploration rather than a slow, sprawling visit.

This experience is perfect for those who have a curiosity for history and art, especially if underground sites and frescoes fascinate you. Visitors looking for a deeply cultural, off-the-beaten-path adventure close to Matera will find this tour both satisfying and memorable.

Key Points

• Intimate, private experience with transportation and guided access to three unique crypt sites.
• Rich frescoes and ancient architecture provide a vivid window into early Christian and medieval art.
• Conveniently scheduled as a 4-hour tour, suitable for travelers with limited time but a love for history.
• Includes entry tickets and an audio guide for the Crypt of Original Sin, adding value and context to your visit.
• Explore underground chambers and hidden spaces like the Neviera, Refectory, and Cistern, revealing local traditions.
• Ideal for art lovers, history buffs, or those seeking authentic, lesser-known sites outside crowded tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Crypts: Why They Matter

The journey begins with pickup from Matera, a city famous for its ancient cave dwellings, but this tour takes you beyond the well-trodden Sassi. Instead, it points your curiosity toward hidden underground spaces and frescoed crypts that whisper stories of faith, artistry, and survival.

Crypt of Original Sin: A Masterpiece of Early Christian Art

Your first stop is the Crypt of Original Sin, a site dating back to the 9th century B.C., once used by Benedictine monks. It’s a fascinating mix of archaeology and religious symbolism. We loved the way the frescoes by the “Painter of Flowers of Matera” bring this ancient space alive. Rediscovered in 1963, this crypt’s vibrant artwork, depicting biblical scenes, offers a rare glimpse into the early Christian visual language.

Many visitors comment on how accessible and engaging the audio guide makes the experience. As one reviewer put it, “The crypt’s frescoes are stunning, and the explanations helped me understand what I was seeing—it’s like walking through a living museum.”

Exploring the Church of Madonna della Palomba

Next, the tour moves underground again, this time to explore the Church of Madonna della Palomba, a complex that includes several chambers like the Neviera (an ice cellar), Refectory, Cellar, Cistern, and Kitchen. These spaces reveal how people lived and worked underground, especially in the hottest months. It’s a tangible connection to regional traditions of self-sufficiency and survival techniques.

What makes this stop special is the opportunity to step inside spaces rarely open to the public, giving a real sense of the daily lives of ancient inhabitants.

The Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo: A Medieval Marvel

The final highlight is the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo in Altamura, inside Masseria Jesce. Here, the frescoes from the 14th century are particularly striking. The Byzantine-style deesis and the Marian cycles painted by Didaco de Simone are impressive examples of medieval religious art. Many visitors find themselves captivated by the vivid colors and detailed scenes, which seem to whisper stories from centuries past.

You might find that this site, with its well-preserved frescoes, feels like a step into a medieval art gallery carved into stone.

More Great Tours Nearby

What to Expect: Logistics and Experience

We appreciate how smoothly the experience is organized. Your private transfer transports you comfortably from Matera to each site, eliminating the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads or crowded buses. The group is small and private, enhancing the sense of intimacy and allowing for personalized attention.

The entry tickets are included for the Crypt of Original Sin and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, saving you time and money. The audio guide for the first crypt is a thoughtful touch, enriching your understanding of the frescoes without the need for a guide on-site.

The tour lasts about four hours, which is perfect for a half-day adventure. Starting times vary based on availability, so it’s wise to check ahead. The tour is conducted in English and Italian, accommodating most travelers.

What’s Not Included

Note that meals, drinks, or additional guided tours aren’t included. It’s recommended to bring a packed lunch if you want to extend your visit or relax after the tour. Also, bringing comfortable, closed-toe shoes is essential since you’ll be walking on uneven underground surfaces.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven floors.
• Bring a hat or sunscreen if you plan to explore outside before or after.
• Remember, food and large luggage are not allowed inside the sites.
• The tour begins at Martulli Viaggi’s office, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.

The Value of This Experience

At a price of $564.62 per group (up to five people), the tour can seem costly at first glance, but it’s important to consider what you’re getting. The private transportation, exclusive access to underground sites, and the detailed audio guide all contribute to a personalized, high-quality experience.

This isn’t just a sightseeing list—it’s an immersive journey into the spiritual and artistic soul of Basilicata. You’ll walk away with photos, stories, and a deeper appreciation for the region’s hidden religious art and underground architecture.

Many reviews emphasize the stunning views and frescoes as highlights, but we also value the craftsmanship and historical insights that bring these sites to life. The fact that the crypts have been preserved and made accessible is a testament to their importance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is an ideal outing for art enthusiasts, history lovers, and curious travelers eager for authentic experiences. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy exploring less crowded sites and discovering stories beyond the usual tourist spots.

If you’re interested in medieval art, early Christian frescoes, or underground architecture, this trip will resonate. It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate private, flexible tours and want to avoid large group tours.

In The Sum Up

This private day trip from Matera to three crypts offers an insightful look into Basilicata’s subterranean cultural treasures. It combines art, history, and underground architecture into a compact, well-organized 4-hour experience. The inclusion of entry tickets, an audio guide, and private transport makes it a valuable choice for those seeking quality and comfort.

While it’s a bit on the pricey side, the opportunity to see frescoed crypts dating from the 9th to 14th centuries in a private setting justifies the cost for many. If you’re passionate about authentic Italian art and want a meaningful, less touristy experience, this tour will reward your curiosity.

For travelers who value stunning frescoes, spiritual sites, and underground architecture, this trip offers a memorable journey into Basilicata’s hidden past.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides private transportation, admission tickets to the Crypt of Original Sin and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, an audio guide for the first crypt, and entry to the Church of Madonna della Palomba.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Can I join the tour at different times?
Yes, check availability for different starting times, as the tour’s schedule varies.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the underground sites may involve walking on uneven floors, so parental discretion is advised.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. Bring a hat, and consider a packed lunch if you want to extend your visit.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included; a packed lunch is recommended.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The tour is conducted in English and Italian.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Martulli Viaggi’s office and concludes back at the same location.

This private tour offers a rare chance to peek into the underground world of Basilicata’s spiritual art, perfect for those eager to uncover the quiet, ancient stories carved into stone.

You can check availability for your dates here: