Matera: Crypt of Original Sin & Light Luch

Matera, a captivating city in southern Italy, hides a remarkable historical treasure within its ancient crypt. The Crypt of Original Sin, dating back to the 8th-9th century, showcases stunning biblical frescoes that transport visitors through time. Combining this artistic exploration with a delightful light lunch featuring regional specialties, this tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Matera. With the convenience of free cancellation and language-friendly audio guides, this enchanting experience is not to be missed.

Key Points

• Tour the Crypt of Original Sin in Matera, featuring 8th-9th century frescoes depicting biblical stories, including Creation and Original Sin.
• Enjoy a light lunch of regional specialties, including bruschetta, Matera DOP bread, and Senatore Cappelli wheat taralli, at a historic masseria.
• The 1.5-hour tour is priced at $70.55 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option.
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages to enhance understanding of the crypt’s rich history and frescoes.
• The crypt is part of a Benedictine rocky coenoby from the Lombard period, offering a unique opportunity to witness Matera’s artistic and architectural legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors a chance to explore the Crypt of Original Sin in Matera.

The activity includes a visit to the crypt and a light lunch, lasting 1.5 hours. Priced at $70.55 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can also take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.

The crypt features 8th-9th century frescoes depicting biblical stories, recently restored to regain its original splendor.

The crypt boasts 8th-9th century frescoes depicting biblical tales, meticulously restored to their former glory.

The light lunch at a historic masseria showcases local Materan cuisine and wines.

The Crypt of Original Sin

Although part of a Benedictine rocky coenoby from the Lombard period, the Crypt of Original Sin in Matera is renowned for its 8th-9th century frescoes by the Painter of the Flowers of Matera.

These biblical frescoes depict stories such as the Creation and Original Sin, featuring Apostles, the Virgin Queen, and Archangels.

Recently restored, the crypt’s frescoes have regained their original splendor, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history and religious significance of this remarkable site.

Exploring the Crypt of Original Sin offers a unique opportunity to witness the artistic and architectural legacy of Matera’s past.

Frescoes and Historical Significance

The Crypt of Original Sin boasts an impressive collection of 8th-9th century frescoes, created by the renowned Painter of the Flowers of Matera.

The Crypt of Original Sin features an impressive array of 8th-9th century frescoes by the esteemed Painter of the Flowers of Matera.

These frescoes depict biblical narratives, including:

1. The Creation and Original Sin.

2. Depictions of Apostles, the Virgin Queen, and Archangels.

The crypt is part of a Benedictine rocky coenoby from the Lombard period, highlighting its historical significance.

The frescoes have recently been restored to regain their original splendor, allowing visitors to enjoy the crypt’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Light Lunch Details

A historic masseria in Matera serves as the setting for the light lunch, which complements the Crypt of Original Sin tour.

The menu offers a delightful selection of regional specialties, including bruschetta, Matera DOP bread, Senatore Cappelli wheat taralli, and a variety of local cured meats and cheeses.

Bread balls in the Materana style, turkey and potatoes or other vegetables, and a house dessert are also served.

To complete the experience, two wines from the Matera DOC Cantine Casal Dragone, as well as water and coffee, are included.

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Dining Experience

Accompanying the tour of the Crypt of Original Sin is a delightful light lunch served at a historic masseria in Matera.

The menu features a selection of local specialties, including:

1. Bruschetta, Matera DOP bread, and Senatore Cappelli wheat taralli.

2. A variety of local cured meats and cheeses, such as Tartufato, Pecorino, and Podolica.

3. Bread balls Materana style, turkey and potatoes or other vegetables, and a house dessert.

4. Two wines from the Matera DOC Cantine Casal Dragone, as well as water and coffee.

This dining experience allows visitors to savor the flavors of Matera’s rich culinary heritage alongside the spiritual and historical significance of the Crypt of Original Sin.

Audio Guide and Additional Services

An audio guide is available in English, Spanish, German, French, and Russian, allowing visitors to enhance their understanding of the Crypt of Original Sin’s rich history and captivating frescoes.

Audio guides in multiple languages are available to enrich visitors’ exploration of the Crypt of Original Sin’s captivating history and frescoes.

For those seeking additional convenience, a transfer service to the crypt can be requested for an additional fee.

It’s important to note that the crypt is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Plus, certain items, including cameras, drones, drinks in vehicles, alcohol, and fireworks, are prohibited within the crypt.

Lastly, bachelor/bachelorette party groups are not allowed.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The crypt’s accessibility and restrictions are essential considerations for visitors.

The crypt is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Prohibited items include:

1. Cameras

2. Drones

3. Drinks in vehicles

4. Alcohol and fireworks

Plus, no bachelor/bachelorette party groups are allowed.

These measures help preserve the crypt’s historical integrity and provide a peaceful environment for exploration.

Visitors should plan accordingly to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at this remarkable 8th-9th century site.

Booking and Payment Options

How can visitors book and pay for this tour? The operator offers flexible booking and payment options. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing them to secure their tour without an upfront payment. Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. To summarize the booking and payment details:

| Option | Description |

| — | — |

| Reserve Now, Pay Later | Secure your spot without paying upfront |

| Free Cancellation | Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour |

| Payment Methods | Accepted methods not specified |

Ask Away

Are Wheelchairs or Walkers Allowed on the Tour?

Wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on this tour, as it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the restrictions and prohibited items section provided in the tour overview.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The tour package includes a light lunch at a historic masseria, and consumption of outside food or beverages is prohibited during the activity.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for visiting a historic site. No formal attire is required.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Crypt?

Photography is not permitted inside the Crypt of Original Sin. The tour overview indicates that cameras are prohibited items. Visitors must refrain from taking photos during the tour of this historical and culturally significant site.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour information does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. The price listed is a flat rate of $70.55 per person, without any indication of reduced pricing for specific age groups or student status.

Final Words

The Crypt of Original Sin in Matera offers a captivating exploration of 8th-9th century frescoes depicting biblical narratives, complemented by a delightful regional light lunch at a historic masseria. This 1.5-hour tour, priced at $70.55 per person, provides a unique cultural experience with the convenience of free cancellation and multilingual audio guides, making it an ideal way to explore Matera’s artistic heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: