Matera Underground Cultural Sassi Tour

Discovering Matera, the city of the Sassi which has the title of European Capital of Culture for 2019 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient stony districts are characterized by houses carved into the limestone rock and rock churches that make it unique in the world. This natural conformation, which evokes biblical scenarios, has always made them ideal sets for important films, most recently the film by Ben Hur.

Our guide will accompany you to discover the oldest and most fascinating area of the city of Matera: the historic Rioni Sassi. Along this pleasant walk, which winds through the alleys and panoramic views of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, there are many stops for historical, architectural and cultural insights. In particular, it will be possible to visit a 12th century rock church from the inside, one of the most representative carved into the rock, both for its still recognizable architectural structure and for the excellent state of conservation of the period wall paintings medieval.

Explore the ancient city built into the rock, discover "Sassi di Matera" in a 2 hours walking tour, with a licensed local guide and visit an exclusive Underground site, run by our team: you will have the chance to observe the city through the eyes of a historian, who will show you not only the artistic beauty, but also the social, cultural and political value of a truly magical place. During the cultural tour, it will be possible to visit cisterns, rock churches or cave dwellings, also walking on movie locations. This will allow to experience history of the city, its internal dynamics and the global influences that have affected Matera over the centuries. We offer an enveloping tale that will enthrall young and old alike in our culture. The tour is a continuous discovery and is ideal, as well, for people interested in history and curious tourists who want to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the place, beyond the postcard image. Tour is limited to small groups of up to 15 people.

The thing that makes the Ape Calessino Tour special is the ease of getting to know and admire an extraordinary city, in an exclusive way (not in a group), optimizing times, without getting tired, especially in the summer, having fun. To be able to take photos, selfies and videos, alone or with your family, taking advantage of breathtaking views and unique views, which will remain in your heart.

The panoramic tour "Private Tour in Ape Calessino" – the Sassi in Ape "will allow you to have an exclusive experience to visit the city of Matera comfortably aboard the vintage and iconic ape calessino. The tour winds through the most beautiful alleys and squares, between Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. During the tour you will make some panoramic stops in the central squares and you will be able to admire the main attractions of the city. An excellent opportunity to learn about the stories and curiosities of this heritage of humanity.

Explore Matera aboard a picturesque tuk tuk "Ape Calessino" and embark on a unique and captivating adventure. This tour will lead you through the charming streets of the city, allowing you to admire the famous Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book your Ape Calessino tour now and discover Matera in an exclusive way!  On top: • Cultural tour • Ape Calessino • Scenic tour with stops to take photos

English Guided tour in the Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano and City Center During our guided tour we are going to see the amazing old city of Matera. We are going to visit Matera Underground. It is an underground complex in the historical center of Matera, dug into the rock. An underground tour, through different trade activities from the Middle Ages. The last part of the tour includes the entrance in the original cave house that will show you how the poor people lived in the past in the Sassi of Matera with original furniture of that time.

The Smart Card offers visitors the opportunity to visit unique and suggestive places within the Città dei Sassi: • Madonna delle Grazie Rock Church • Casa Grotta Narrante • Rock Church of Sant’Antonio Abate • Casa Cava • Stone Tales Museum • Immersive Museum of the Bruna

Embark on an exclusive private walking tour through Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Your adventure begins in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where your expert guide will greet you and introduce you to the unique charm of this historic city. Start by visiting the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Then, head underground to explore Casa Cava, a former tuff quarry that has been transformed into an impressive cultural center. Next, in the Sasso Barisano district, visit the rock-hewn Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, an ancient place of worship carved into the stone, before discovering a traditional Casa Grotta in the Sasso Caveoso. Take a scenic stroll along Via Madonna delle Virtù and stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. The tour continues with a visit to the Church of Purgatory and wraps up at the iconic Matera Cathedral, a true symbol of the city.

A unique experience, the data speak for themselves in the last 5 years the city of Matera has recorded a tourist increase of 400%. Thus standing at the top of the most visited cities in the world for its international tourism. Matera with its ten thousand years of history for culture, tradition and hospitality stands at an increasingly important growth. Matera is included in the top ten of the most beautiful Italian cities, "to be visited absolutely at least once in a lifetime". Seeing is believing!

You will love Matera at the first sight. At first glance, Matera looks like any small Italian town, but in few steps from Baroque Churches and boutiques, you will discover a very special place called Sassi, where the people lived from the Neolithic Period until the 50th of the last century, and it is today the World Heritage Site and the stage for many films.

We will visit a beautiful UNESCO site like the Sassi of Matera: SASSI represents an extraordinary urban ecosystem able to perpetuate the most distant prehistoric ways of the past to live in caves up to modernity. Known as "the Underground City", Matera is famous for being one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. On October 17, 2014, Matera was declared the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Our private walking tour in the historic Sassi district of Matera will last approximately 2 hours and will be hosted by a local guide with whom you will discover the alleys and panoramic views of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, and immerse yourself in the rich history, architecture and cultural heritage of the city. During the tour, our expert guides will offer a comprehensive analysis of the historical and social drivers that have influenced the socio-economic trajectory of the region. You will discover the fascinating transformations and stratifications that have shaped the unique urban landscape of Matera over the centuries. During the route you will be able to experience firsthand the gradual evolution of the Sassi area, from its ancient origins to its modern revival. Immerse yourself in the past and discover the present of Matera on this private walking tour, where each step reveals a new aspect of the UNESCO Heritage Site of Sassi di Matera.

Discover the "Sassi" of Matera, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the architecture of the characteristic town walking through its streets. See location sites from the Mel Gibson movie The Passion of the Christ and Wonder Woman  Enjoy a spectacular view of the canyon and walk through the historic center Admire the Casa Grotta, furnished from the 1700s Walking in the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. See location sites from the Mel Gibson movie The Passion of Christ and Wonder Woman

Join this fascinating 2-hour private tour of the Matera Sassi. Meet your expert guide in Piazzetta Pascoli, a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama over the stones of Matera. Make your way down narrow stairways into the heart of Sasso Caveoso, one of the two Civita' districts, towards the baroque style church, San Pietro Caveoso. Venture inside a rupestrian church (carved into the rock), visit Santa Maria di Idris, set into a large, limestone rock and the ancient monastery, Santa Lucia alle Malve that has remarkable 1000 year old frescoes. Head up a stairway to see a cave house and get an understanding how people once lived. In the Sasso Barisano district you can admire the churches of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare and the stunning Romanesque Cathedral. Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site and chosen location for numerous Hollywood movies. Together with your guide you'll discover the magic, history, architecture and stories of the exquisite Matera.

Organize with us your Private Tour in the Sassi and Murgia Materana. On board a comfortable Mercedes van 8 seats you can discover comfortably, all there is to see in the city. From Sasso Caveoso to Sasso Barisano, we will cross the Old Town until we reach the Belvedere with its breathtaking view! Bottles of water will be available to our Guests. We offer customers a “private tour” service that allows you to visit the length and breadth of Matera Everything is set up to allow you as much as possible to enjoy every single moment of your trip, and all in value for money! During the Van Tour an audio guide service will be provided in Italian/English/Spanish. Entrance to all listed sites is included during the Tour. We are open to all changes to make the customer feel comfortable. In short, only with US you can visit EVERYTHING!

Discover the history of a city carved into the rock and inhabited until the 20th century. Matera is a unique place, to be visited at least once in a lifetime. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go to the 2 main districts carved into the rock, where you will discover cave houses and cave churches. During the tour, admire the view from one of the balconies overlooking the Murgia Materana Park. Discover the history and origins of Matera, one of the oldest cities in all of Europe. Finally, reach one of the highest points of the Sassi and visit the cathedral.

Discover Matera with an exclusive private walking tour that will guide you through the magic of its Sassi. Begin your journey on the lively Via Alessandro Volta, then admire the majestic Church of Purgatory with its baroque façade. Continue towards Piazza San Francesco, the beating heart of the city, and stroll through Piazza del Sedile, where history comes to life. Visit the Cathedral, with its spectacular view over the valley, and then head to Sasso Barisano, where ancient stone houses will tell you stories from millennia past. Explore the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in history by visiting a typical furnished cave house. Finally, reach Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, with its captivating atmosphere, and visit the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, a perfect example of rock-hewn architecture. A unique experience to discover the timeless beauty of Matera!

Experience the magic of Matera with this exclusive package! Enjoy a one-night stay for two in a charming B&B nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Sassi district. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner featuring traditional local dishes, giving you a true taste of Lucanian cuisine. Then, embark on a 2-hour group walking tour through the iconic Sassi neighborhoods, Caveoso and Barisano. Explore a historic rock-hewn church and step inside a typical cave house to discover what life was like in this fascinating ancient city. This is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and unique atmosphere of Matera.

Matera is famous for its Sassi dug into the rock nine thousand years ago, a unique heritage in the world, which is why it is included among the monumental World Heritage sites by UNESCO. For the same reason, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture in the year 2019. We will discover how the inhabitants of Matera were able to live for millennia in those narrow tuff tunnels. Yes, for millennia, until the mid-1950s. We will visit the rock churches of San Pietro Barisano and Santa Lucia alle Malve, both built inside rock caves and decorated with medieval frescoes. We will then go along the city ramparts for an invigorating panoramic walk. From the bastions of Matera, we will observe both the Sassi and the surrounding countryside and we will launch into our best photographic shots to capture this magical atmosphere. Our local guides will involve you like never before, with mysteries and details of a still authentic city. A tour worth trying: you will be left breathless by Matera!