Matera: Lombard Cemetery & Cave Dwellings Tour

Join us for a captivating 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. First, we'll embark on a guided stroll through the old town, unveiling the stories behind three significant monuments.

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

We'll explore the history of the temple, which features 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.

Adjacent is Matera's Lombard Cemetery, situated on an ancient monastic complex, where we'll delve into the reflections of Carlo Levi, who contemplated deeply within this cemetery.

Concluding our tour, we'll step inside a cave house to gain insights into Matera's ancient way of life. The 2-hour exploration will conclude at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli.