Matera: Lombard Cemetery & Cave Dwellings Tour

Join us for a tour exploring three iconic landmarks of Matera in a single day—the Lombard Cemetery, the Church of Santa Maria d'Idris, and a Cave House. Traverse the historical center of Matera, immersing yourself in the charm of cave constructions.

Matera Guided Tour: Lombard Cemetery & Cave Constructions

Gather at the designated time in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, situated in the heart of Matera's historic center. We will start with a guided stroll through the old town, unveiling the stories behind three significant monuments.

The Church of Santa Maria d'Idris will be our first stop, an intricately carved cave temple nestled into the cliffs. You will learn about its connection to the ancient water flow through these mountains.

We will explore the history of the temple, featuring a seventeenth-century religious painting and the figure of San Eustaquio, Matera's patron saint. A tunnel connects the church to the cave crypt of San Giovanni di Monterrone, adorned with captivating frescoes.

Next, we will visit Matera's Lombard Cemetery, located on the grounds of an ancient monastic complex, reflecting the thoughts of Carlo Levi, a doctor, painter, and intellectual who contemplated within this cemetery.

Concluding our tour, we will step inside a cave house to gain insights into Matera's ancient way of life when these unique cave constructions flourished. We will finish our 2-hour exploration at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli.