Sassi de Matera Guided Tour

The Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso are the districts that make up the historic centre of Matera. On this guided tour of the Sassi, we'll see their houses and churches carved into the rock.

Sassi de Matera Guided Tour

We'll meet at the indicated time in Piazza Pascoli to commence our exploration of Matera's past, beginning with an introduction to its history and architecture.

Next, we will head towards the Civita, the highest point of the Sassi of Matera. During the walk, we will observe significant monuments, including the baroque churches of Purgatorio and San Francesco d'Assisi.

We will proceed through Via delle Beccherie, a historic shopping street, and reach Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where we will see the 19th-century fountain built by King Ferdinand II and enjoy a panoramic view of the Sasso Barisano.

In Sasso Barisano, we will visit an underground space (hypogeum) and enter a cave house to learn about peasant life until the 1950s. We will also visit a handicraft workshop showcasing tuff creations.

Next, we will walk to Sasso Caveoso to visit a rock-hewn cave church from the Italo-Greek period, featuring icons from the 10th to 13th centuries.

Before concluding the tour, we will stop for a tasting of typical products of Matera, varying by season. We will finish the tour three hours after it begins.