Sassi of Matera Adventure with Bologna Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for those comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and stairs at a gentle pace.
Overview
Step into the ancient Sassi of Matera with Bologna Tour’s private 2-hour experience. Walk through millennia-old cave dwellings and end atop the city’s cathedral, overlooking a rugged limestone landscape.
Matera: Private Tour of Sassi
2h | A private tour to discover the uniqueness of Matera
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2-hour guided tour through the ancient Sassi of Matera, where history comes alive in rock-carved homes and churches. Experience breathtaking views of Murgia Materana Park and explore one of Europe’s oldest cities, culminating in a visit to the stunning cathedral at the highest point of the Sassi.
This guided tour will let you discover the most evocative places of the Sassi of Matera, a place where it is still possible to document the long human existence from the Paleolithic to the present day.
Duration
2 hours
Description
Discover the story of a town which was carved into rocks and was inhabited until the 20th century. Matera is a unique place, and makes for a great experience to experience. You will walk through the 2 main districts dug into the rocks, an area where you will discover cave-houses and rupestrian churches.
During this tour, you can admire the panoramic view over the Murgia Materana Park from the balconies whilst you discover the Matera origins, one of the oldest European cities. Afterwards, you will reach one of the highest points of the Sassi where you will visit the cathedral.
Inclusions Certified tour guide
Not included Tips
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
The Sassi’s uneven stone paths and stairs demand secure footing for safe navigation.
Stay hydrated
Carry water, especially in summer when temperatures soar on exposed rocky terrain.
Ask about accessibility
Steep stairs and narrow alleys may limit mobility; check with the guide ahead of time.
Bring a camera
The interplay of light and stone creates stunning photo opportunities throughout the Sassi.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- European robin frequenting garden courtyards
- Mediterranean geckos basking on sunlit rocks
History
Matera’s Sassi have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, evolving through Byzantine and medieval times as a stone-carved city unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Conservation
Ongoing preservation efforts balance tourism with protecting fragile cave structures and maintaining the park’s natural erosion processes.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bari
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating irregular stone steps and uneven alleyways safely.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial during warmer months under the open sky.
summer specific
Light jacket or layers
Weather can shift quickly in cooler seasons, so preparedness keeps you comfortable.
fall|spring|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the striking rock formations and historic sites that define Matera’s unique character.