Top Matera Cultural Tours

The UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera is both captivating and mysterious. With this guided tour, take a deep dive into the history of this unique rupestrian city, named a 2019 European Capital of Culture. Explore its hidden dwellings and churches carved directly into the cliff, the setting for a number of films, including Ben Hur.

With an authorized guide you will visit the beauties of the historic center of Matera reaching, with a pleasant walk, places and breathtaking views.

If you're looking for a fun and curious way to visit Matera, you've come to the right place! With this digital guide created with the support of a local guide, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You'll get to know the stories and curiosities of Matera! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian Aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more!

Visit Matera on board a bee, a comfortable and fun experience. A tour of the three districts of the Sassi of Matera and the historic center with panoramic stops and curiosities about the recent history of the city of Matera: from a national shame to a city known and appreciated worldwide. It will also be possible to visit a typical "casa cave" house The route lasts just over an hour, accompanied by a local person to discover the secrets of this millennial city. In special requests enter your preferred departure time!

Discover the historical "Sassi" neighbourhoods with a high profile guide. Our guides are all very fluent in English. Starting from the upper part of the city centre, you will get to know the most alive part of the town, where the locals live. Moving towards the Sassi area, you will have the chance to better understand how this complex city developed over the centuries. Passing first by the Sasso Barisano which we will admire from a panoramic terrace, the tour keeps going on through the internal alleys of the Sasso Caveoso with several stops to dig into the depths of Matera’s historical, architectural and cultural background. Our choice on what to include in the tour has been made, taking into careful consideration which sites are most worthy of the presence of a guide. We decided to include a rock-hewn church: Santa Lucia alle Malve. At the end of the tour the guide will share with you infos on which other places it’s worth of visiting on your own.

Explore Matera at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your phone. You get a clear map of all 10 stops, simple directions through Google Maps, and short audio stories you can play when you reach each location. The route covers the historic heart and the Sassi districts, from Piazza Vittorio Veneto to the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, passing sites like the Matera Cathedral, the panoramic Piazzetta Pascoli, and the iconic Santa Maria di Idris. Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore freely. No groups, no schedules. Audio and text available in 7 languages.

Discover the magic of Matera with the panoramic bus tour! A comfortable and engaging experience that will take you to discover the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while crossing streets rich in history and charm. During the tour you will admire the ancient houses carved into the rock and enjoy beautiful views of the Murgia Park. The tour also includes the entrance to a typical cave house, to get to know the lifestyle of the Sassi inhabitants up close, and a 40-minute stop in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, one of the most suggestive of the city. On board, an experienced tour leader will accompany you with explanations in Italian and English, to make your trip even more interesting and complete.

Private panoramic tour of the historic districts of the city, aboard the historic Ape Calessino Piaggio. You will not share the tour with other guests.

Unveil the secrets of the ancient “cave city” of Matera with this in-depth walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Sassi. Delve into the history of this unique city dug into the cliffside and visit a cave house and rupestrian churches in its two oldest districts. Learn about how residents once lived, marvel at the cathedral set at the town’s upper square, and take in sweeping views over the Murgia Materana Park.

This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for travelers looking to experience the Sassi of Matera in a deeper and more complete way, beyond the usual panoramic routes. The itinerary explores both historic districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, and includes visits to two of the city’s most important rock churches. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn how Matera evolved from a “built” city into one carved directly into stone, as you pass through historic squares, scenic viewpoints, and rock-hewn spaces that reveal centuries of everyday life and spiritual tradition. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the rock churches, from Sant’Antonio Abate to the striking Madonna de Idris. Here, you’ll admire frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th century and explore the ancient crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone. The experience ends with a tasting of traditional Lucanian specialties. The tour runs in small groups, allowing for a more engaging pace and better interaction.

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 the magic of the Sassi di Matera with an exclusive private guided tour, designed just for you and your group. No crowds, no strangers – you will have an authentic experience with an expert Guide dedicated only to you. You will walk through picturesque alleys, houses carved into the rock and breathtaking views, entering a typical Casa Grotta, furnished as it used to be, to understand the peasant life in the Sassi. You will also visit an evocative Rock Church, carved into the rock and embellished with ancient frescoes, testimony of the millennial spirituality of Matera. The tour is completely customizable in time and rhythm, ideal for couples, families or small groups who want to experience Matera in an intimate and unhurried way. Book your private tour now and be guided into the authentic heart of the Sassi : an exclusive, deep and unforgettable experience.

Cover more ground and explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera cave churches and dwellings in less than an hour with this Ape Calessino tour. Buzz through the steep, narrow lanes to see highlights in the Barisano and Caveoso districts plus Civita, the town's historic center. Learn about the history of this unique cliffside town from your driver and guide and pause to admire the top sights and snap photos.

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.

Exploring the Sassi with Vito Rondinone, an official guide from Matera, offers you an exclusive and personalized experience to truly connect with this magical place. As a private tour, you’ll have the full attention of a highly qualified local guide, dedicated solely to you, ensuring that every moment is tailored to your interests. You’ll not only visit the must-see spots but also uncover hidden, non-touristy gems that only a local expert can reveal. The journey begins at a breathtaking viewpoint, setting the stage for an immersive exploration through the ancient alleys of Sasso Caveoso, where I’ll share captivating stories of Matera’s rich history and vibrant culture. We’ll visit a traditional cave house museum, offering a firsthand look into the unique living conditions of the past. Throughout the tour, you’ll encounter stunning vistas, discover Matera’s culinary traditions, and gain a deep understanding of the city’s evolution, making this private tour an unforgettable experience.

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.

On this in-depth guided tour of Parco della Murgia, explore the UNESCO-listed Rupestrian churches that Matera is famous for. With a guide, walk along scenic footpaths to visit two must-see churches: the fresco-filled San Falcion and 17th-century Madonna delle Tre Porte. Admission fees to the park and a discount coupon for lunch are also included.

Try something new with this Crypt of Original Sin excursion with hassle-free transportation included. Tucked away in a cave on the stunning Mugia plateau near Matera, this hidden gem—often called the "Sistine Chapel of the south"—is truly one of a kind. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll explore its fascinating frescoes and uncover the rich history of Basilicata with ease.

Skip the pre-set itinerary and script of a professional guide and enjoy an informal, behind-the-scenes Matera visit with a local host. Learn about daily life in the ancient “cave city” and create a customized route to suit your interests and passions, from landmark churches to little-known eateries. This “Lokafy” experience is aimed at connecting with a Matera native who can offer a uniquely authentic perspective on the city and its people.

Organize with us your Private Tour in the Sassi and Murgia Materana. Aboard a comfortable 8-seater Mercedes van you can discover everything 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 Tour in Van an audio guide service will be provided You can choose the following languages: Italian/English/Spanish/French/German/Portuguese/Bulgarian/ Czechoslovak/Danish/Chinese/Estonian/Polish/Russian/Hungarian Entrance to all listed sites is included during the Tour. In short, only with US you can visit EVERYTHING!

Discover the magic of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guided tuk tuk tour, a comfortable, original and suggestive way to explore one of the oldest cities in the world. Accompanied by an expert Guide, you will cross the famous Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, admiring rock churches, ancient houses carved into the rock and breathtaking views of Gravina. The tuk tuk allows you to reach even the most characteristic and panoramic points, making the experience pleasant and accessible to everyone. Along the way, the Guide will tell you about the history, curiosities and traditions of Matera, from its prehistoric origins to the cultural revival that made it the European Capital of Culture. Photographic stops are planned at the most iconic points to capture unique views. An ideal experience for those who want to get to know Matera in a relaxed, authentic and fun way, without sacrificing the charm and depth of the historical story.

Experience the top attractions of Matera—named the European “capital of culture” in 2019—on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide, explore sites like the Cathedral of Matera, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Learn about the city’s history and culture, and enjoy scenic views of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso.

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.