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, in the heart of Matera's historic center. The guided tour starts with a stroll through the old town, unveiling the stories behind three significant monuments.

The Church of Santa Maria d'Idris will be our first stop—a cave temple nestled into the cliffs. You'll learn about its name's link to ancient water flow through the mountains.

We'll explore the temple's history, 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 frescoes.

Next is Matera's Lombard Cemetery, located on the grounds of an ancient monastic complex. We will discuss the reflections of Carlo Levi, who contemplated deeply within this cemetery.

Concluding our tour, we will visit a cave house for insights into Matera's ancient way of life. The 2-hour exploration ends at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli.