Matera: 2-Hour Walking Tour

Matera’s 2-hour walking tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Guided by a local expert, visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi, a network of ancient cave dwellings and rupestrian churches. Through this immersive experience, they’ll uncover Matera’s cinematic past and explore its unique architectural wonders. The tour includes access to a furnished casagrotta and a rupestrian church, providing an authentic taste of the city’s living history. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or an architecture buff, this walking tour promises to reveal Matera’s hidden gems in a way that’s both engaging and informative. What secrets will you uncover?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Matera.

Contents hide

6 Inclusions and Exclusions

7 Accessibility Information

8 Booking and Pricing

9 Frequently Asked Questions

10 Recap

Key Points

Guided 2-hour walking tour of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and 2019 European Capital of Culture.
Explore ancient cave dwellings, churches, and scenic locations used in various films.
Led by a certified local guide in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian.
Tour starts and ends at Piazzetta Pascoli, a convenient and accessible meeting spot in the historic center of Matera.
Not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain and steep inclines, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 2-hour walking tour of Matera provides a guided exploration of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the 2019 European Capital of Culture.

Led by a certified local guide, the tour immerses visitors in the unique scenery that has captivated filmmakers over the years.

Guests will marvel at the ancient cave houses and churches that dot the landscape, all while learning about the rich history and culture of this fascinating destination.

With an intimate group setting, the tour offers a personalized experience, with the option to explore in Spanish, English, French, German, or Italian.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this walking tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Matera.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Matera.

Tour Details

The Matera 2-Hour Walking Tour lasts for 2 hours and costs from $158.35 per person. It’s available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian for private groups.

The tour starts and ends at Piazzetta Pascoli, taking visitors through the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and 2019 European Capital of Culture. Along the way, you’ll see unique scenery used by directors, as well as ancient cave houses and churches, including the Church of San Pietro Caveoso.

The tour includes a certified local guide and tickets for a rupestrian church with frescoes and a furnished casagrotta. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can explore the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and 2019 European Capital of Culture, during this walking tour. They’ll marvel at the unique scenery used in various films and discover ancient cave houses and churches, including the Church of San Pietro Caveoso.

The tour highlights include:

Highlight	Description
Sassi di Matera	Explore this iconic, ancient cave-dwelling district
Scenic Locations	See spots used as filming locations for movies
Cave Houses	Wonder at the ancient, troglodyte cave houses
Religious Sites	Visit the historic Church of San Pietro Caveoso

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into Matera’s rich history and captivating cultural heritage.

Starting Location

The tour begins at Piazzetta Pascoli, a quaint square in the heart of Matera’s historic center. This picturesque location serves as the starting point for the guided walking tour, providing a convenient and easily accessible meeting spot for visitors.

From here, the knowledgeable local guide will lead the group on a captivating exploration of the Sassi di Matera, the ancient cave dwellings that have earned this city its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2019 European Capital of Culture.

With Piazzetta Pascoli as the starting point, the tour is primed to explore the rich history and unique architecture that have made Matera a premier destination for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience.

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Itinerary Stops

From Piazzetta Pascoli, the tour explores the Sasso Caveoso, one of the two main Sassi districts that have made Matera a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors then wander through the Sassi di Matera, marveling at the ancient cave dwellings and churches that dot the unique landscape. The tour continues to the Museo Nazionale di Matera, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage, before concluding at the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, where guests can admire the well-preserved frescoes within.

Itinerary Stops	Duration	Highlights
Sasso Caveoso	30 mins	Explore UNESCO-listed Sassi district
Sassi di Matera	45 mins	Marvel at ancient cave dwellings and churches
Museo Nazionale di Matera	30 mins	Discover Matera’s cultural heritage
Church of San Pietro Caveoso	15 mins	Admire well-preserved frescoes
Piazzetta Pascoli	–	Return to starting point

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a certified local guide and tickets for a rupestrian church with frescoes and a furnished casagrotta. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

During the 2-hour walking tour, visitors will explore the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO site and 2019 European Capital of Culture, and witness the unique scenery that’s been used in many films. They’ll marvel at the ancient cave houses and churches that make up this fascinating historical district.

With Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian language options available, the private tour provides an immersive and enriching experience for travelers to discover the wonders of Matera.

Accessibility Information

While the tour showcases Matera’s rich history and cultural heritage, it’s important to note that the walking tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain and steep inclines found throughout the Sassi di Matera.

The tour involves navigating narrow streets, staircases, and rocky paths, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Visitors should be prepared for a moderately strenuous walk.

However, the tour provides an immersive experience of the UNESCO-listed Sassi, allowing guests to explore the unique cave dwellings and ancient churches that have made Matera a renowned destination.

Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for the physical demands of the tour.

Booking and Pricing

Travelers can book the Matera 2-Hour Walking Tour through the tour operator’s website, with prices starting from $158.35 per person.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian, to cater to a diverse range of visitors.

Guests have the option to select a private group tour, which provides a more personalized experience as they explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera.

The 2-hour tour includes a certified local guide, as well as tickets to visit a rupestrian church with frescoes and a furnished casagrotta.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Matera?

The best time to visit Matera is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters may be chilly, making these shoulder seasons the ideal times to explore Matera’s historic Sassi neighborhoods.

Is Photography Allowed During the Walking Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during walking tours in Matera, but visitors should check with the tour operator beforehand. Some sites may have restrictions to preserve the historic atmosphere and protect the fragile environment.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, spanning approximately 2 hours. Participants can expect to cover several miles as they explore the historic Sassi di Matera district and visit key landmarks. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. It’s suitable for visitors of all ages who are able to walk for the 2-hour duration. There are no special accommodations for children or elderly participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to suit your preferences. Private tours typically allow for flexibility in the itinerary and pace to accommodate individual interests and needs, within the tour’s overall duration and locations.

Recap

The 2-hour walking tour of Matera’s Sassi offers an immersive experience exploring the UNESCO-listed historic district.

Visitors can discover ancient cave dwellings, churches, and museums, while learning about the city’s rich cultural heritage from a local guide.

Though not wheelchair-accessible, the tour provides a captivating glimpse into Matera’s cinematic landscapes and unique architectural wonders.