Matera: Guided Tour of the 3 Crypts With Entry Tickets

Matera, the ancient city in southern Italy, is renowned for its intricate network of cave dwellings and religious sites. This guided tour offers an opportunity to explore three of its most captivating subterranean wonders – the Crypt of Original Sin, the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo. Over the course of 5 to 8 hours, a small group of travelers will explore Matera’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, marveling at ancient frescoes, biblical scenes, and historical artifacts that have been carefully preserved within these sacred spaces. With transportation, entry tickets, and an audio guide included, this immersive experience promises to leave visitors with a deeper understanding of Matera’s enduring significance.

Key Points

• This guided tour takes visitors to three prominent religious sites in Matera: the Crypt of Original Sin, Church of Madonna della Palomba, and Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo.
• The tour duration ranges from 5 to 8 hours, with a small group size limited to 8 participants.
• Inclusions cover transportation, entry tickets, and an audio guide for the Crypt of Original Sin.
• Highlights include exploring ancient frescoes, discovering subterranean heritage, and admiring historical artifacts and cultural legacy.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour takes visitors to three religious sites in Matera’s hinterland:

• the Crypt of Original Sin
• the Church of Madonna della Palomba
• the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo

It’s a small group tour, limited to just 8 participants, and lasts between 5 to 8 hours.

Transportation is included, as are entrance tickets to the Crypt of Original Sin and the Crypt of Saint Michael the Archangel. Visitors will also receive an audio guide for their tour of the Crypt of Original Sin.

Plus, a 10% discount coupon for Mòvado Food & Drink is provided.

The tour highlights include seeing the frescoes in the Crypt of Original Sin, exploring the underground environments of the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and viewing the 14th-century frescoes and 17th-century wall panels in the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo.

Inclusions

This tour includes transportation to and from the various sites, as well as entry tickets to the Crypt of Original Sin and the Crypt of Saint Michael the Archangel.

Participants will also receive an audio guide to enhance their experience within the Crypt of Original Sin.

On top of that, a 10% discount coupon for Mòvado Food & Drink is provided as part of the tour package.

The tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

With the included transportation and entrance fees, guests can focus on exploring the historical and cultural significance of these remarkable religious sites without worrying about logistics.

The tour offers a comprehensive and hassle-free way to discover the hidden gems of Matera’s hinterland.

Highlights

Amid the ancient splendor of Matera’s hinterland, travelers will uncover a trove of extraordinary frescoes and remarkable historical artifacts.

Within the Crypt of Original Sin, rediscovered in 1963, visitors can marvel at the vivid biblical scenes adorning its walls.

Descending further underground, the Church of Madonna della Palomba offers a glimpse into the region’s subterranean heritage.

The Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo showcases a captivating blend of 14th-century frescoes and 17th-century wall panels.

These three religious sites, accessible through the guided tour, provide a unique opportunity to explore Matera’s rich cultural tapestry, unearthing the area’s profound spiritual and artistic legacy.

Exclusions

Aside from the transportation, entry tickets, audio guide, and discount coupon, the tour doesn’t include meals and drinks, as travelers are recommended to bring a packed lunch.

Plus, tips for the guide aren’t covered by the tour price.

While the tour provides access to the Crypt of Original Sin, Church of Madonna della Palomba, and Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, any other items not explicitly listed in the ‘Includes’ section are considered exclusions.

Guests should plan accordingly and budget for any additional expenses they may incur during the tour, such as souvenirs or extra food and beverages.

The tour’s focus is on the religious sites, so the exclusions are limited to keep the overall cost reasonable.

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Cancellation Policy

Guests can cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time with no penalty, allowing for full refunds.

This flexible cancellation policy ensures that travelers can plan with confidence, knowing they won’t be penalized for unexpected changes in their itinerary.

Whether due to unforeseen circumstances or a simple change of plans, the tour operator understands the need for adaptability.

By providing this 24-hour window, guests can make last-minute adjustments without worrying about losing their investment.

This customer-centric approach sets the tour apart, demonstrating a commitment to providing a seamless and stress-free travel experience for all participants.

Meeting Point

The tour begins at the Martulli Viaggi – Tour & Experience office, which serves as the designated meeting point for participants.

This is where the group will assemble before embarking on the day’s adventure. The office is conveniently located and easy to find, ensuring a smooth start to the tour.

Once the group has gathered, the guide will provide an overview of the itinerary and answer any questions.

From the meeting point, the transportation for the tour will depart, taking the group to the first stop on the journey through Matera’s hinterland and its fascinating religious sites.

The meeting point is a central and accessible location, making it a convenient starting point for the guided tour.

Getting There

To reach the meeting point at Martulli Viaggi – Tour & Experience office, visitors can take advantage of Matera’s well-connected public transportation system. The office is situated in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by bus, taxi, or on foot for those staying nearby.

Detailed directions and transportation options are provided upon booking, ensuring a smooth arrival for the start of the guided tour.

Matera’s historic city center is compact and walkable, so those staying in the Sassi district can easily reach the meeting point on foot. Alternatively, the city’s bus network connects the major neighborhoods, with stops conveniently located near the tour office.

Taxi service is also readily available for a direct and hassle-free transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Guests can customize the tour to visit specific sites. The tour provider typically offers flexibility and is willing to accommodate special requests, subject to availability and feasibility.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for seniors and students. Travelers aged 65 and over, as well as students with valid ID, can receive a 10% discount on the tour price. This discount is applied automatically when booking.

How Accessible Are the Sites for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour sites are moderately accessible for individuals with mobility issues. Some locations have stairs and uneven terrain, but the tour operator provides assistance as needed. Visitors should inquire about specific accessibility requirements when booking to ensure a comfortable experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Crypts?

Visitors are generally permitted to take photos inside the crypts, but flash photography may be prohibited to preserve the delicate frescoes. It’s important to follow the instructions of the guides and signage when visiting these historic sites.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can likely be extended to include additional sites. Guests should inquire with the tour operator about customizing the itinerary to visit other notable religious or historical places in Matera’s hinterland, based on their interests and available time.

Recap

This immersive guided tour offers visitors a chance to explore Matera’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.

Spanning 5-8 hours, the small-group experience includes transportation, entry tickets, and an audio guide for the Crypt of Original Sin.

Visitors will explore the captivating subterranean wonders of Matera, admiring ancient frescoes, biblical scenes, and historical artifacts across three iconic religious sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: