Special Tour Among Sassi, CAVE HOUSE and ROCK CHURCHES

Explore the captivating depths of Matera’s Sassi district on this remarkable guided tour. Discover the region’s rich history and uncover the secrets of its iconic cave dwellings and rock churches. From the ancient neighborhoods to the UNESCO-protected cultural treasures, this experience promises to immerse visitors in Matera’s profound heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seek an authentic Italian adventure, this tour offers a chance to explore the fascinating underground world that has shaped the city’s identity for centuries.

Key Points

• The tour explores the historic Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient cave dwellings and over 150 rock churches.
• Visitors can experience a guided sightseeing tour, food tasting, and a visit to the local food market.
• The tour lasts 3 hours and is conducted solely in Italian, with a "reserve now, pay later" booking option available.
• Highlights include a visit to the Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera, a 15-minute exploration of the Sasso Caveoso neighborhood, and a stop at Mit Matera.
• The tour provides insights into the cultural significance and historical context of the Sassi di Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This special tour, titled "Stones, Farm Houses, Cisterns, Oil Mills, and Rock Churches," offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the Sassi di Matera.

Priced at €30.00 per person, the 3-hour tour is conducted in Italian only. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, it provides flexibility for travelers.

The tour starts at Via del Corso, Sassi di Matera, and includes visits to Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera, Sasso Caveoso, and Mit Matera, along with guided sightseeing, food tasting, and a market visit.

The tour concludes at Via San Biagio, 15, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the Sassi’s cultural significance and historical context.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Via del Corso in the Sassi di Matera, where visitors explore the Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera for 15 minutes.

Next, they spend 30 minutes at the Sasso Caveoso, one of the two ancient neighborhoods.

The tour then moves to Mit Matera for 15 minutes.

Over the 2-hour period, the guide leads the group on a sightseeing exploration, food tasting, and a visit to a local food market.

The tour concludes at Via San Biagio, 15.

Cultural Significance of Sassi Di Matera

Sassi of Matera are the ancient districts of the city, where homes and churches have long been carved into the limestone. This unique landscape has earned Sassi di Matera the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

The area consists of two distinct neighborhoods: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso.

The cultural significance of Sassi di Matera is threefold:

1. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlements dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
2. The cave dwellings, known as "Casa Grotta," were once home to large families and livestock, lacking modern sanitation.
3. The region boasts over 150 rock churches, including the frescoed church of Madonna delle Grazie.

Historical Context

Settlements in the Sassi di Matera date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, showcasing the area’s long and storied history.

The Casa Grotta, an ancient peasant house, was once shared by large families and livestock, lacking modern sanitation. It was evacuated in 1952 due to poor living conditions.

Plus, the Sassi region boasts over 150 rock churches, including the frescoed church of Madonna delle Grazie, which reflect the area’s rich religious heritage.

This unique blend of historical and cultural elements has contributed to Sassi di Matera’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Underground Features and Local Products

Underneath the Sassi di Matera‘s iconic landscape, visitors can explore a network of ancient production and storage rooms known as hypogea.

These underground features reveal the ingenuity of the local population, who utilized the limestone terrain to create facilities for olive oil, wine, and wheat production.

The tour includes a visit to an ancient oil mill, where guests can see the original stone millstone and dolii used for oil storage.

Visitors will also explore the original stone tanks, called Palmenti, which were used for grape pressing and wine storage.

The tour concludes with a tasting of typical Lucanian products, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Starting Location and Main Stops

The tour begins at Via del Corso in the Sassi di Matera, the historic districts of this ancient city.

Guests will first visit Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera, an ancient peasant house, for a 15-minute exploration.

Next, they’ll spend 30 minutes in the Sasso Caveoso, one of the two main neighborhoods.

The tour then moves to Mit Matera for a 15-minute stop.

The remaining 2 hours are dedicated to a guided tour, sightseeing, food tasting, and a visit to a local food market, culminating at Via San Biagio, 15.

Duration, Language, and Cancellation Policy

The special tour lasts 3 hours and is conducted solely in Italian.

This cultural experience offers several key benefits:

1. Free cancellation: Guests can receive a full refund if they cancel the tour at least 24 hours in advance.
2. Reserve now, pay later: Participants can book their spot without any upfront payment.
3. Inclusive pricing: The tour costs €30.00 per person, covering the guided experience and tastings.

With its focus on the historical and architectural wonders of the Sassi di Matera, this immersive tour provides an authentic glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.

Reserve Now & Pay Later

With the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, visitors can effortlessly secure their spot on the special tour of the Sassi di Matera without the need for an upfront payment.

This convenient booking arrangement allows you to reserve your place on the tour and pay later, ensuring you don’t miss out on this unique cultural experience. Simply provide your booking details, and you can finalize the payment closer to the tour date.

This flexible approach makes planning your visit to the ancient Sassi neighborhoods a breeze, letting you focus on anticipating the fascinating insights and discoveries that await during the 3-hour guided exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Rock Churches?

According to the tour overview, photography is generally allowed inside the rock churches. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior during their visit. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. The narrow streets and uneven terrain of the Sassi di Matera make it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate the entire itinerary. Some sites may have limited accessibility.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes stops at locations with basic restroom facilities, but there may be limited availability. The tour guide can provide information on the nearest public restrooms during the tour for guests.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a food tasting, and visitors are expected to purchase any additional refreshments from the venues visited during the 3-hour itinerary.

Do We Need to Wear Any Special Clothing or Shoes?

The tour doesn’t require any special clothing or shoes, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there’s a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Dressing in layers is also advised to accommodate changes in weather.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a unique glimpse into Matera’s ancient history and culture. Visitors can explore the iconic Sassi neighborhoods, marvel at the intricate rock churches, and learn about the profound significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With a focus on the underground features and local products, this 3-hour guided experience provides a comprehensive understanding of Matera’s profound architectural and cultural heritage.