Matera Guided Tour
Description
Prepare to be captivated by the historic center of Matera during this guided walking tour. You will uncover the renowned churches and traditional houses of this remarkable city in Basilicata.
Tour Details
At the agreed meeting point on Via Alessandro Volta, your journey through Matera will commence. This city boasts a rich history, inhabited since Paleolithic times!
We will proceed along Via San Francesco, making our first stop at the Church of San Francesco. Marvel at its breathtaking Baroque-style facade as we delve into the significance of churches in the history and daily lives of the Sassi's residents.
Next, we will arrive at Piazza del Sedile before descending into the Sassi di Matera. This area, known for its ancient architecture, invites you to wander through stone houses and narrow, hand-carved streets resembling a labyrinth. Once seen as a symbol of poverty, it is now recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Discover the winding pathways and take in the timeless views of this stone-carved city. Our visit will also include the rural church of San Antonio, an intriguing site hewed from rock, revealing captivating details about its history.
We will be welcomed into a traditional Sassi house, illustrating how generations coped with harsh conditions using ingenious architectural designs. Imagine how they managed a home without electricity and water.
Continuing onto Via Madonna delle Virtù, we will explore where the historic Sassi districts of Barisano and Caveoso converge. Our journey concludes at Porta Pistoia, where tales of Matera's extensive past await. We will also visit the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, perched at the cliff's edge.
Ultimately, after two enriching hours, we will conclude our tour at this final location.
Tour Language
Please be advised that from March to December, the tour will be conducted by a guide fluent in English. During the months of January and February, the guide will converse in Italian.
What's included
- English or Italian–speaking guide (depending on the season)
- Admission to the rural church of Sant'Antonio Abate
- Admission to the Stone House
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
15 minutes before the designated time, we'll meet at the following address: Via Alessandro Volta, 5, 75100 Matera MT, Italy.
Important Info
- Please note that from March to December, the tour will have an English-speaking guide. During January and February, the tour will have an Italian-speaking guide.
- The walking tour has a total distance of 2.48 miles (4 kilometers), so we recommend you bring comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Please note that we will not enter the Matera Cathedral and we'll only see it from outside while listening to the guide's explanations.
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