Matera: Sassi Tour With Entry to Rock Houses and Churches

Matera’s historic Sassi district is a captivating destination that beckons visitors to explore its ancient rock-hewn structures. This guided walking tour delves into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing the remarkable rock churches, furnished peasant houses, and breathtaking vistas that have made Matera a must-see destination. As you follow in the footsteps of the region’s past inhabitants, you’ll uncover the rich cultural tapestry that has endured for centuries, hinting at the intriguing stories that await those who venture deeper into this enigmatic Italian town.

Key Points

• The 2-hour guided walking tour explores Matera’s historic rock churches and a furnished peasant house in the Sassi neighborhoods.
• The tour departs from two locations on Via Don Giovanni Minzoni and is priced at $37.99 per person.
• Highlights include visits to Santa Maria de Idris, San Giovanni in Monterrone, and Casa Grotta showcasing peasant lifestyle.
• The tour is suitable for those with comfortable shoes but not for those with mobility impairments.
• Customers rate the tour highly for its knowledgeable guides, value for money, and flexibility in adjusting routes due to weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Matera: Sassi Tour with Entry to Rock Houses and Churches" is a 2-hour guided walking tour that takes visitors through the historic center of Matera.

Priced from $37.99 per person, the tour is available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish, with an optional audio guide in Spanish.

It departs from two starting locations on Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, with the exact meeting point depending on the option booked.

The tour highlights include visiting rock churches, exploring a furnished peasant house, and viewing the Cathedral from Piazza Duomo.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of the Matera: Sassi Tour is the guided exploration of the historic rock churches.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate frescoes and unique architecture of Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone.

The tour also includes a visit to Casa Grotta, a furnished house showcasing the peasant lifestyle.

Guests will discover the various neighborhoods and film locations that have made Matera a popular filming destination.

Throughout the 2-hour tour, the knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Information

Though there’s no upfront payment required, travelers can reserve their spot on the Matera: Sassi Tour and pay later.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Strollers, carriages, and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed.

Customer Experience

According to the reviews, customers have had an overwhelmingly positive experience on the Matera: Sassi Tour.

With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 534 reviews, the tour has received praise for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, earning a 4.9/5 rating.

Customers have also highlighted the tour’s value for money, rating it 4.4/5.

Even in light rain, tour routes were adjusted to accommodate weather conditions, demonstrating the operator’s flexibility.

Customers consistently report being delighted by the tour’s highlights, including visits to rock churches and a furnished house of peasant civilization.

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Exploring the Historic Center

The guided walking tour begins at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, offering a panoramic view of the Sasso Barisano, one of the two main sassi or historic cave-dwelling districts of Matera.

Guests then stroll through the historic center, arriving at the impressive Piazza Duomo.

Next, they’ll explore the Sasso Caveoso, visiting a cave house and a rock church.

The tour culminates at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, near the Sasso Caveoso.

Throughout the journey, guests gain insights into Matera’s rich history and cultural heritage, including its use as a filming location for various movies.

Visiting the Rock Churches

As part of the Sassi Tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the remarkable rock churches in Matera.

They’ll visit Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone – striking churches carved directly into the rock. These ancient sanctuaries feature intricate frescoes, Byzantine architecture, and an atmosphere of profound spirituality.

Wandering through the cavernous interiors, travelers can imagine the centuries of devotion and contemplation that have taken place within these sacred spaces.

The tour provides a unique chance to discover Matera’s rich religious heritage and the ingenuity of its early inhabitants.

Discovering the Cave House and Peasant Civilization

Alongside the awe-inspiring rock churches, the Sassi Tour also allows visitors to step into the past and explore the cave houses that were once home to Matera’s peasant civilization.

Visitors can wander through a furnished "Casa Grotta," gaining insight into the simple yet resourceful lives of the region’s former inhabitants.

These cave dwellings, carved directly into the rock, showcase the ingenuity of a community that adapted to its challenging environment.

The tour provides a window into the daily routines, household furnishings, and agricultural practices that defined the traditional peasant way of life in Matera’s iconic Sassi districts.

Concluding the Tour

After exploring the captivating rock churches and seeing the peasant way of life, visitors conclude the Sassi Tour with a final stop at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, located near the Sasso Caveoso district. This picturesque square provides a scenic overview of the unique cave dwellings and allows visitors to reflect on the remarkable history and resilience of Matera’s inhabitants.

| Attraction | Description |

| — | — |

| Piazza Giovanni Pascoli | Offers panoramic views of the Sasso Caveoso neighborhood |

| Sasso Caveoso | Final district explored, showcasing the cave houses and rock churches |

| Concluding the Tour | Opportunity to appreciate the tour’s highlights and Matera’s rich heritage |

| Reflection | Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the Sassi’s remarkable past |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Accessible for Wheelchair Users?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, as it involves navigating uneven terrain and stairs. The tour description specifically states it’s "not allowed" for electric wheelchairs.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour details specify that only comfortable shoes are recommended, and baby strollers, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Headphones for the Audio Guide?

The tour provides an optional audio guide in Spanish. Travelers don’t need to bring their own headphones, as they’ll be provided as part of the tour experience. Simply request the audio guide when booking or on the day of the tour.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Rock Churches?

Photography is generally allowed inside the rock churches, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash to preserve the sacred atmosphere. Some churches may have specific rules or restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide or staff.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if I Need More Time?

No, the tour duration cannot be extended. The Matera: Sassi Tour is a fixed 2-hour experience, and the itinerary and entrance tickets are pre-arranged. Guests are advised to book additional time if they need more flexibility to explore Matera at their own pace.

The Wrap Up

The captivating "Matera: Sassi Tour With Entry to Rock Houses and Churches" concludes with a deeper understanding of the historic city’s unique architecture and culture. Visitors marvel at the awe-inspiring rock churches, discover life in a furnished peasant house, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sassi neighborhoods, leaving with a newfound appreciation for Matera’s remarkable heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: