Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

Explore the national park home to around 150 ancient rock-hewn caves churches on this guided tour of Murgia Park in Matera, the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

Meet your guide in Via Alessando Volta, in the heart of Matera, to head 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, learning about the daily life of historic inhabitants, including shepherds and hunters. Discover the ruins of farms, sheep pens known as "jazzo", water tanks and wells.

You will then be surrounded by some of the 150 Rupestrian, or rock-hewn, churches. Mainly built in the Middle Ages, these sanctuaries represent the significance of religion in this area of southern Italy.

First, you'll visit the Church of San Falcione, one of the oldest cave churches in Matera, known for its 9th century frescoes and being entirely carved out of rock.

Next, explore the Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte, where your expert guide will discuss its historic value.

Your tour will conclude at the viewpoint used by Mel Gibson for the crucifixion scene in The Passion of the Christ, providing a chance for a panoramic photo of the historic centre of Matera, before returning by bus.

How long is the walking tour?

During the excursion, you'll complete a route of around 4 kilometres (about 2.5 miles - around a 50-minute walk). The guide will adjust the pace according to your group’s needs.

Temporary Closures

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