Top Matera Art & Culture - page 3

Leave Matera with private pick-up from your accommodation and explore two remarkable sites in the Basilicata countryside. Visit the Crypt of Original Sin, a rock-hewn church known for its rare 8th–9th-century frescoes, with an audio guide that explains the biblical scenes and their meaning. As you explore the painted story of Genesis, you will also discover an intriguing detail: the forbidden fruit is not shown as an apple, revealing a different and more surprising interpretation of the original scene. Continue to Masseria Dragone for a tasting that includes a charcuterie board with local cold cuts, traditional bread, crunchy taralli, and a glass of local wine. After this flavorful break, stop at the San Giuliano Dam to enjoy a scenic view before reaching Miglionico. Walk through the medieval village with a licensed guide and visit Malconsiglio Castle, linked to the historic Conspiracy of the Barons. Wrap up the tour and return comfortably to your accommodation in Matera.

Discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on an exclusive journey through Castel del Monte and the Sassi of Matera. This private tour blends history, architecture, and culture for an authentic taste of Southern Italy. Travel in comfort with a local guide who reveals the stories and mysteries behind each site. Explore Castel del Monte, Emperor Frederick II’s 13th-century masterpiece, famed for its octagonal symmetry and timeless aura. Continue to Matera, one of the world’s oldest cities, where stone-carved homes and cave churches narrate centuries of human life. Enjoy flexible pacing, stunning photo stops, and personal storytelling throughout your day. Visit two UNESCO sites in one day Expert local guide and private driver Comfortable transport and custom itinerary Experience the real soul of Southern Italy

Matera has a lot going for it – it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, European Capital of Culture 2019 and a cave city dating back over 5,000 years. Tour its historic centre and ancient cave dwellings, try local Basilicata food and wine, then choose to visit the cave house museum or a rupestrian church. Considered one of the most outstanding and intact troglodyte settlements, Matera's ancient cave dwellings, or ‘sassi', are the city's big draw. Beginning in the historic centre, we'll check out the baroque quarter, known as ‘Il Piano', where churches and palaces are built on top of the caves. Venture into the neighbourhoods of ‘Sasso Barisano' and ‘Sasso Caveoso' to see ancient ‘sassi' carved into the Gravina canyon and you'll pause for thought in the old quarter of ‘Civita'. You'll also get to try typical food and wine at Panecotto Restaurant, before choosing between an optional visit to the cave house museum or a rupestrian church, cut into the rock.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former European Capital of Culture, Matera is full of history that isn’t always apparent to independent travelers. On this small-group walking tour, explore the city with a guide sharing insights into local history and culture. Start from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and explore much of the historic center in a few hours of walking, seeing stone houses, churches, and famous cave dwellings along the way.

24 audio guides to discover the most suggestive places of Montescaglioso. Explore the heart of Basilicata with the i-Tourist app and let your smartphone guide you through history, art and breathtaking views. Visit the majestic Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, an authentic Benedictine jewel and symbol of the city, and admire the view that opens towards the Lucanian badlands and nearby Matera. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, discover the rock churches and be surprised by the panoramic squares that tell centuries of culture and tradition. An immersive experience that combines art, nature and spirituality, designed for all ages. A flexible and engaging tour, ideal for experiencing Montescaglioso in complete freedom, following your pace and passions.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Join us for a three-hour walking tour to explore the enchanting city of Matera. Visit Casa Cava, a unique space where history and modernity blend, and marvel at the beautiful frescoes of Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Take in the stunning views of Piazza Vittorio Veneto and delve into the fascinating history of Chiesa del Purgatorio. Discover the fascinating Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera, and explore the charming Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve. Finally, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Admire the elegant and majestic Cathedral of Matera and get to see its belltower that dominates the city’s skyline. Stroll in the fairy-tale districts of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso where you will see a network of structures built from rock. Also, get to see the eye-catching Church of Saint Mary of Idris perching on Monterrone cliff. Finally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the enchanting city from a famous viewpoint known as Casa Grotta.

Discover Matera in a convenient, exclusive, and engaging way with our one-hour minicar tour, perfect for exploring the famous Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, without long walks. Aboard a SIGHTSEEING CART with a local driver and multilingual audio guide, you will visit the city’s most iconic sites, enjoying clear explanations, breathtaking views, and stops at the most scenic points. The route passes through the Sasso Barisano, it continues into Sasso Caveoso, the oldest, where the cave houses seem to merge with the rock, creating one of the world’s most extraordinary urban landscapes. The tour includes external visits to two important churches: the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, situated in a panoramic location.

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.

Discover Venosa with an immersive wine tour that leads you into one of Basilicata’s most historic wineries. Explore the production areas, from the barrel room to the atmospheric underground cellar, and learn the secrets of wine aging directly from local experts. Wrap up your experience with a guided tasting of local wines paired with crunchy taralli—an authentic sensory journey that highlights the history, tradition, and true character of the territory. A perfect moment to experience Venosa through its most distinctive aromas and flavors.

Private tour in the magical scenery of the Sassi of Matera illuminated during the night The drivers Antonio and Francesco will be happy to accompany you to discover this unique show in the world: The Sassi of Matera at night. Make your stay in Matera unique with the scenarios of Barisano and Caveoso illuminated by the lights of the houses of the Sassi, a delight for the eyes of young and old.

Explore the Gravina Bridge and Orsini Dukes on a guided tour from Matera. Discover the rock church "Madonna della Sella," ancient caves, and the hidden soul of the Gravina, where James Bond was filmed.

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.

Are you fascinated by Ghost Towns? Depart from Matera in a comfortable minivan and embark on a captivating journey to discover Craco. Today known as the "town suspended in time," Craco Vecchia retains the intact charm of a place where the clock of history has stopped. Once the beating heart of Basilicata, the village experienced centuries of community life, contributing to the economic and social dynamics of the region. This evocative setting has captured the imagination of filmmakers, becoming the natural set for masterpieces such as Christ Stopped at Eboli by Francesco Rosi and The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. After this immersion in history, the journey continues to Essenza – Museo dell'Amaro Lucano, an emotional journey through five thematic areas that tell the story of the bond between the territory and the iconic liqueur. The tour concludes with the return to Matera.

Embark on a private, fully customizable walking tour through the UNESCO-listed city of Matera. Tailor your route with a dedicated local guide to explore the ancient Sassi districts at your own pace. You decide which stops to include, how long to spend at each landmark, and what aspects of Matera's deep history to explore. Tour Highlights: Choose your route: Focus on Sasso Barisano, Sasso Caveoso, or Civita Hill based on your personal interest. Select your stops: Pick between authentic cave houses, ancient subterranean cisterns, or artisan stone workshops. Pick your sites: Decide which historic rock churches to enter to view preserved medieval Byzantine frescoes. Whether you want an in-depth dive into subterranean history or a scenic stroll to cliffside viewpoints over the Gravina Ravine, your guide adapts the entire tour to your preferences. Please note: Final itinerary variations depend on traveler selection and duration chosen.

Discover three of Puglia’s most iconic destinations on a private day trip from Matera, with two ways to enjoy the experience. Choose the Guided Tour option for a fully guided itinerary with licensed local guides in Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Bari. Learn the stories behind Alberobello’s UNESCO-listed trulli, admire the sea views and historic lanes of Polignano a Mare, and end the day exploring the highlights of Bari Vecchia. Choose the Private Transfer & Free Time option if you prefer to explore independently. Travel comfortably by private vehicle, enjoy free time in each destination, and discover the towns at your own pace without a guide. Both options include private round-trip transport from Matera, flexible logistics, and assistance throughout the day.

Matera is one of Italy's most singular cities, where cave dwellings and Baroque cathedrals share the same ancient rock. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll trace the city's full arc, from medieval origins and desperate poverty to its reinvention as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting at the Chiesa di San Francesco, you'll climb to the refined Piano quarter before descending into the Sasso Caveoso, where families once shared single rooms with their livestock. Along the way, discover Matera's extraordinary underground water system, including a cistern holding 5 million litres, and the story of the vicinato — communal cave neighbourhoods that sustained social life from prehistory through the 1950s. The tour ends at the cliff-carved monastery of Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci, where Byzantine frescoes document the shift from rigid, solemn saints to more expressive, human figures.

This is not a simple audio tour in the Sassi of Matera, but an immersive experience that combines history, mystery and spirituality. Unlike traditional guides, it accompanies you to discover the most authentic Matera: cave churches, quiet alleys and hidden places, far from the crowds. Each stage combines historical stories, mysterious curiosities and holistic readings, with an engaging and narrative style. In some stages you will also find short guided meditations, to live a deeper and more personal experience. ✔ Self-contained tour, at your own pace ✔ Secret and less touristy places ✔ Perfect for those seeking excitement and authenticity A trip designed not only to see Matera... but to really feel it.

The tour begins at Piazza del Ferrarese, near the Teatro Margherita, where you'll start an engaging walking tour through the heart of Bari Vecchia, the medieval district home to 29 historic churches and countless legends. You'll explore the lively Piazza Mercantile and visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a symbol of unity among Christian denominations. Next, you'll visit the Cathedral of San Sabino and the imposing Swabian Castle, a symbol of the city. On Strada Arco Basso, you'll have the chance to observe local women preparing traditional orecchiette by hand, a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in Bari's culture. Finish the tour with a delicious focaccia barese or artisanal gelato, before returning to Matera. A complete experience of history, culture, and cuisine in an authentic and unique atmosphere.

Let yourself be enveloped by the warmth of the thermal waters, treat yourself to a relaxing day in one of the most suggestive places of the Island of Ischia!