Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

Explore the national park home to around 150 ancient rock-hewn cave churches on this guided tour of Murgia Park in Matera.

Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

Meet your guide in Via Alessando Volta, in the heart of Matera, before heading into the national park known as the Murgia Materana, or the Park of Rock Churches.

Entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll first visit the archaeological remains of a Neolithic town to learn about the daily life of its historic inhabitants, mainly shepherds and hunters. Discover the ruins of farms, sheep pens known as "jazzo", water tanks, and wells that have withstood the test of time.

You will then explore some of the 150 Rupestrian churches. Primarily built in the Middle Ages, these sanctuaries reflect the region's religious significance. The first site will be the Church of San Falcione, known for its 9th century frescoes carved directly from rock.

Next, visit the Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte, where your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will explain its historic value.

The tour concludes at a viewpoint featured in The Passion of the Christ, offering a panoramic photo opportunity of Matera's historic centre before returning to the city by bus.

How long is the walking tour?

The excursion includes a route of around 4 kilometres (about 2.5 miles), taking approximately 50 minutes of walking. The guide will adjust the pace to suit the group's needs.

Temporary Closures

Due to rehabilitation work on the rock churches, visits to the mentioned churches are suspended until further notice. Instead, you will enter the church of Santa Maria della Palomba, a remarkable 16th-century sanctuary.