Sassi de Matera Guided Tour

The Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso form the core of the historic center of Matera. This guided excursion through the Sassi allows us to explore the rock-carved houses and churches that define the landscape.

Guided Tour of the Sassi de Matera

We’ll begin our adventure at Piazza Pascoli, the designated meeting point, where we'll set the stage with an overview of Matera's rich history and intriguing details about its unique architectural and anthropological features.

Our journey will take us towards Civita, the highest vantage point in the Sassi of Matera. As we stroll, we'll admire notable landmarks, including the stunning baroque churches of Purgatorio and San Francesco d'Assisi.

Continuing on, we'll traverse Via delle Beccherie, a street that once buzzed with shops, leading us to Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Here, a remarkable 19th-century fountain built by King Ferdinand II awaits, alongside breathtaking views over Sasso Barisano.

Within Sasso Barisano, we’ll delve into an underground hypogeum and visit a traditional cave house, gaining insights into the lifestyle of peasants until the 1950s, when they had to leave these historic dwellings behind. We'll also explore a handicraft workshop, showcasing various artisanship crafted from tuff, a unique volcanic rock.

Next, we will make our way to the Sasso Caveoso, where we will enter one of its ancient rock-hewn cave churches. This site dates back to the Italo-Greek period and displays icons from the 10th to the 13th centuries.

Our experience will culminate with a sampling of typical Matera products, selected based on the season's offerings.

Ultimately, this tour will wrap up approximately three hours after we commence our exploration.