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, the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

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

Entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll start at the archaeological remains of a Neolithic town, learning about the daily life of historic inhabitants, mainly shepherds and hunters. Discover the ruins of farms, sheep pens known as "jazzo", water tanks and wells that have survived for thousands of years.

Next, you’ll be surrounded by some of the 150 Rupestrian churches in the park. Mainly built in the Middle Ages, these sanctuaries reflect the significance of religion in southern Italy's history.

First, visit the Church of San Falcione, one of the oldest cave churches in Matera, notable for its 9th-century frescoes.

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

Your tour ends at the viewpoint used by Mel Gibson for the crucifixion scene in The Passion of the Christ, resembling Jerusalem. Enjoy a panoramic photo of Matera's historic centre before returning to the city by bus.

How long is the walking tour?

The walking tour covers around 4 kilometres (about 2.5 miles) with approximately a 50-minute walking duration. 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 mentioned churches will be suspended. Instead, you will enter the church of Santa Maria della Palomba, a 16th-century sanctuary.