MATERA BY NIGHT

Matera’s ancient city centers come alive at night, as the UNESCO-listed Sassi district dazzles with its illuminated caves and medieval architecture. A guided tour through this enchanting landscape reveals the region’s rich history, from a 13th-century rock church adorned with frescoes to a 16th-century hypogeum. Paired with an aperitif of local delicacies, this immersive experience captivates visitors, leaving them with lasting memories of Matera’s cultural heritage. What secrets do these illuminated streets and underground dwellings hold?

Key Points

• The Matera by Night tour showcases the illuminated ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, providing a captivating glimpse into the city’s medieval history.
• The tour includes a visit to a 13th-century rock church with well-preserved biblical frescoes and a 16th-century hypogeum that housed an oil mill and wine cellar.
• Visitors can experience a surprise aperitif featuring local products, such as Aglianico wine, Pecorino cheese, and Lucanica sausage, to enhance the culture.
• The medieval hypogea, extending 18 meters below street level, offer insights into the ingenious living spaces and practices of Matera’s past inhabitants.
• The tour has received an overall rating of 4.9/5 from customers, who praise the engaging guide and the value for money in this unique nighttime exploration of Matera.

Highlights of the Sassi

As visitors explore the Sassi of Matera, they’ll be captivated by the illuminated ancient houses resembling an outdoor nativity scene.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique opportunity to discover the medieval hypogea, underground areas extending over 18 meters below street level. Here, visitors can explore a 13th-century rock church with well-preserved frescoes and a 16th-century hypogeum that once housed an oil mill and wine cellar.

The tour also includes an initial aperitif featuring typical local products, adding to the authentic cultural experience.

With its historical significance and artistic wonders, the Sassi of Matera promises an enchanting night-time adventure.

Historical Significance of Matera

The Sassi of Matera boasts a rich historical significance that has captured the attention of filmmakers and history enthusiasts alike.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a filming location for notable movies, including "The Gospel According to Matthew" and "The Passion of the Christ."

Beneath the ancient houses, the medieval hypogea extend over 18 meters below street level, covering approximately 400 square meters.

These underground areas were once used as an oil mill with an ancient stone mill and storage "Dolii," as well as a wine cellar with original millstones and grape pressing tanks, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of Matera’s past inhabitants.

Explore the Illuminated Caves

During the Matera by Night tour, visitors can explore the illuminated ancient houses of the Sassi, which resemble an outdoor nativity scene.

The tour includes entrance to a 13th-century rock church and a 16th-century hypogeum, or underground oil mill and cellar. Guests are treated to a surprise initial aperitif featuring typical local products, setting the stage for a captivating journey through Matera’s history.

The medieval hypogea extend over 18 meters below street level, covering approximately 400 square meters, and offer a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and spirituality of the region’s ancient inhabitants.

The frescoed rock church, a hidden gem, showcases well-preserved biblical and saint-themed artwork, providing a peaceful respite amidst the artistic beauty.

Visit a Frescoed Rock Church

What makes the frescoed rock church a hidden gem on the Matera by Night tour? This ancient place of worship showcases the spiritual and artistic ingenuity of Matera’s medieval inhabitants.

The church is notable for its well-preserved frescoes that illustrate biblical stories and scenes from the lives of saints. Visitors can experience a unique sense of peace and contemplation as they enjoy the artistic beauty of this hidden gem.

The frescoes offer a captivating window into the devotional life of the past, providing a profound and memorable experience amidst the illuminated caves of the Sassi di Matera.

Aperitif With Local Products

As visitors explore the illuminated wonders of the Sassi di Matera, a delightful surprise awaits them – an aperitif featuring typical local products.

This initial offering sets the stage for a captivating tour, allowing guests to sample the flavors that have sustained the region’s inhabitants for centuries.

The aperitif may include:

• Robust, earthy Aglianico red wine
• Fragrant, sharp Pecorino cheese
• Savory, cured Lucanica sausage
• Luscious, sun-dried tomatoes
• Crisp, freshly baked Matera bread

This tantalizing taste of the local cuisine whets the appetite for the immersive exploration of Matera’s rich history and architectural marvels that follows.

Guided Night Tour Experience

Upon arrival at the designated meeting point on Via San Biagio, visitors embark on an enchanting 2-hour night tour of the Sassi di Matera. The guide leads them through the UNESCO-listed ancient cave dwellings, now illuminated and resembling an outdoor nativity scene. Highlights include visiting a 13th-century rock church and a 16th-century hypogeum, featuring an oil mill and wine cellar. The tour also includes a surprise initial aperitif with local products, adding to the authentic experience.

Tour Highlights	Historical Significance	Participant Info
Explore illuminated Sassi	Filming location for notable films	Adults, Children, Infants
Enter a 13th-century rock church	Underground areas extend 18 meters	Overall rating: 4.9/5
Discover a 16th-century hypogeum	Historical uses: Oil mill, wine cellar	"Engaging guide"

Filming Locations in Matera

Over the years, the Sassi di Matera has captured the imagination of filmmakers worldwide. The ancient city’s distinctive architecture and labyrinthine alleys have served as a backdrop for numerous acclaimed films.

Some notable examples include:

• "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" by Pier Paolo Pasolini, which highlighted the Sassi’s rugged beauty.
• Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ," which leveraged the Sassi’s timeless aesthetic to evoke the biblical setting.
• "Wonder Woman," where the Sassi’s dramatic landscapes stood in for the fictional island of Themyscira.
• "No Time to Die," the latest James Bond film, which showcased the Sassi’s cinematic potential.

The Sassi’s cinematic legacy continues to draw filmmakers seeking to capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour Logistics and Reviews

The Matera by Night tour offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 2-hour tour starts at Via San Biagio and ends at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli. Guests can expect to visit illuminated ancient houses, a 13th-century rock church, and a 16th-century hypogeum.

An initial aperitif featuring local products is included. The tour is popular, so reserving ahead is recommended.

Flexible booking options and free cancellation 24 hours in advance are available. Customer reviews highlight the engaging guide and value for money, with an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 31 reviews.

This unique nighttime exploration provides a glimpse into Matera’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour isn’t explicitly mentioned as accessible for people with mobility issues. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator about any special accommodations or alternative options available for those with mobility constraints.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the Matera by Night Tour. The tour focuses on exploring the historic Sassi of Matera and visiting ancient rock churches, which may not be suitable for pets.

Does the Tour Include Transportation to the Starting Location?

The tour does not include transportation to the starting location. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the meeting point at Via San Biagio, 15 in the Sassi di Matera district.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and modest attire are recommended to fully enjoy the evening exploration of Matera’s historic Sassi neighborhood. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is suitable for this guided tour.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are encouraged to take photos throughout the tour. The guide will provide guidance on the best places and times to capture the illuminated Sassi of Matera and the historical sites visited.

Recap

Matera by Night offers a captivating guided tour through the ancient Sassi, illuminating the region’s rich history and culture. Visitors can explore 13th-century rock churches, 16th-century hypogea, and savor local delicacies like Aglianico wine and Pecorino cheese. With an exceptional 4.9/5 rating, this enchanting experience leaves lasting memories of Matera’s UNESCO-listed wonders.