THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A gentle one‑hour horse ride across the limestone Murgia gives first‑time riders a close look at the Sassi di Matera and rupestrian landscapes. Expect a calm pace, expert instruction, and sweeping views of this UNESCO region.
A gentle one‑hour horse ride across the limestone Murgia gives first‑time riders a close look at the Sassi di Matera and rupestrian landscapes. Expect a calm pace, expert instruction, and sweeping views of this UNESCO region.
Hooves stir dust on the limestone plateau as the trail bends and the Sassi di Matera comes into view—stone houses stacked like pages of local history. Riders move at a calm walk, the horse’s rhythm matching the slow reveal of caves, dry-stone walls and wide vistas across Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Martulli Viaggi · Matera, Basilicata
Hooves stir dust on the limestone plateau as the trail bends and the Sassi di Matera comes into view—stone houses stacked like pages of local history. Riders move at a calm walk, the horse’s rhythm matching the slow reveal of caves, dry-stone walls and wide vistas across Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana.
The Murgia is a karst landscape carved from soft limestone and dotted with rupestrian settlements that date back millennia; people have hollowed homes and chapels into these rocks since prehistoric times. On this one‑hour introductory ride, the instructor guides beginners along rolling paths that skim ancient terraces and olive groves, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the UNESCO‑listed Sassi and the surrounding gullies.
Culturally this area is raw and lived‑in: shepherding and smallholder agriculture shaped the terrain, and today equestrian outings link visitors to that rural tradition. Geologically, you’ll notice dolines and shallow caves formed by slow dissolution of the limestone—features that make the landscape striking from horseback.
Practical details: the pace is leisurely (expect roughly 4–5 km covered in about an hour), helmets and basic tack are provided, and the instructor handles horse selection and basic safety training before departure. The route has minimal elevation change but uneven footing—sturdy closed‑toe shoes and a light layer are recommended. Morning and late afternoon rides give the best light and cooler temperatures; avoid midday in summer.
This tour is ideal for first‑time riders seeking a grounded way to see Matera’s geology and history. Respect fences and marked trails—these fragile stone fields recover slowly from trampling—and let the horse set the rhythm as the past unfolds around you.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for people in average physical condition; no prior riding experience required but basic balance helps.
No; the tour is designed for beginners with a guided intro to safety and basic riding before the trail.
The tour is one hour long; at a walking pace you’ll cover roughly 4–5 km over gentle, uneven terrain.
It starts and ends at Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica San Nicola near Matera; check your booking for exact meeting details and arrival time.
Yes—helmets, saddles and basic riding equipment are included; bring your own footwear and sun protection.
The Sassi and Murgia are formed of soft limestone in which people carved homes and churches across millennia; Matera’s Sassi gained UNESCO status for continuous human occupation and cultural value.
The karst terrain is fragile—stay on designated tracks and avoid disturbing dry‑stone walls and rock shelters; responsible riding supports local rural economies and conservation when managed sensibly.
Martulli Viaggi operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Hooves stir dust on the limestone plateau as the trail bends and the Sassi di Matera comes into view—stone houses stacked like pages of local history. Riders move at a calm walk, the horse’s rhythm matching the slow reveal of caves, dry-stone walls and wide vistas across Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana.
Hooves stir dust on the limestone plateau as the trail bends and the Sassi di Matera comes into view—stone houses stacked like pages of local history. Riders move at a calm walk, the horse’s rhythm matching the slow reveal of caves, dry-stone walls and wide vistas across Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana.
The Murgia is a karst landscape carved from soft limestone and dotted with rupestrian settlements that date back millennia; people have hollowed homes and chapels into these rocks since prehistoric times. On this one‑hour introductory ride, the instructor guides beginners along rolling paths that skim ancient terraces and olive groves, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the UNESCO‑listed Sassi and the surrounding gullies.
Culturally this area is raw and lived‑in: shepherding and smallholder agriculture shaped the terrain, and today equestrian outings link visitors to that rural tradition. Geologically, you’ll notice dolines and shallow caves formed by slow dissolution of the limestone—features that make the landscape striking from horseback.
Practical details: the pace is leisurely (expect roughly 4–5 km covered in about an hour), helmets and basic tack are provided, and the instructor handles horse selection and basic safety training before departure. The route has minimal elevation change but uneven footing—sturdy closed‑toe shoes and a light layer are recommended. Morning and late afternoon rides give the best light and cooler temperatures; avoid midday in summer.
This tour is ideal for first‑time riders seeking a grounded way to see Matera’s geology and history. Respect fences and marked trails—these fragile stone fields recover slowly from trampling—and let the horse set the rhythm as the past unfolds around you.