Matera: Lombard Cemetery & Cave Dwellings Tour

Experience an engaging excursion that highlights three remarkable sites in Matera within a single day—covering the Lombard Cemetery, the Church of Santa Maria d'Idris, and a Cave House. Navigate through the historic district of Matera while embracing the allure of its cave-dwelling architecture.

Guided Tour of Matera: Lombard Cemetery & Cave Heritage

Meet your guide at the scheduled time in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, located in the vibrant center of Matera's UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will first set off on an enlightening walk through the ancient town, revealing the rich narratives behind three notable landmarks.

Your first visit during this guided experience will be the Church of Santa Maria d'Idris, a stunningly carved cave chapel embedded in the cliffs. Here, you'll uncover fascinating stories, including the connection of its name to the ancient waterways that traverse these hills.

We'll delve into the history of this sacred space, showcasing a seventeenth-century artwork alongside the image of San Eustaquio, the patron of Matera. An intriguing feature is the tunnel that links the church to the cave crypt of San Giovanni di Monterrone, renowned for its striking frescoes.

Next, we will visit Matera's Lombard Cemetery, situated within the remnants of an ancient monastery. Here, we will reflect on the thoughts of Carlo Levi, a notable physician and artist, who found deep meaning among the grave sites.

As our tour comes to an end, we will enter a cave house, where you will gain a richer understanding of the traditional lifestyle in Matera that thrived amid these unique cave dwellings. This exploration will surely be an enlightening experience!

We will conclude our 2-hour journey at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, where we will say our goodbyes.