Top Matera Walking Tours

Discover Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi district without the hassle of navigating its winding streets or missing key viewpoints on your own. This guided walking tour takes you through the city’s ancient rock-carved neighborhoods, iconic churches, and scenic overlooks with a knowledgeable guide who brings the history and culture to life. With expert direction throughout, you can focus on experiencing one of Italy’s most unique historic landscapes with ease.

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.

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.

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 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. During the walking tour will visit the Rock Church with wonderful frescoes inside.

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.

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.

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!

Delve into the history and mystery of UNESCO-listed Matera, home to the Sassi cave city that traces its history back to prehistoric times. Explore one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with a guide, stopping to visit rupestrian churches and homes and learn about the evolution of this singular cliffside town. Stroll through the Sasso Barisano and pause to snap photos of the town and surrounding valley.

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.

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 the old mountainside city of Matera on a 2-hour private walking tour. Visit the city’s key landmarks like Palazzo Lanfranchi, the church of San Pietro Caveoso, the Sasso Caveoso, and visit a typical cave house from the region. Learn about the history of this centuries-old city from your informative guide and even walk the streets where Mel Gibson filmed scenes from ‘The Passion of the Christ.’

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.

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!

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.

Beneath Matera's main piazza lies a sealed underground city — Roman cisterns, a ninth-century church, and a tank that held five million litres of rainwater. This self-guided audio tour of the Sassi di Matera, delivered through an app, takes you past what most visitors never notice. You'll learn why families paid for better skull placement on a church door, how an assassinated count sparked a city motto about patient revenge, and why Hollywood chose these cave streets over the actual Holy Land. Your guide covers both Sasso districts, the cathedral, and cave homes where families of eleven lived alongside their animals. Start anytime, pause for photos, go at your pace — no group to follow, no fixed schedule. Works offline in the narrow streets. Over 20,000 travellers trust our self-guided tours, and every booking comes with a full refund guarantee. If you want to understand Matera rather than just photograph it, this Matera walking tour is built for exactly that.

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.

Trekking Through the Sassi and the Murgia: History, Nature, and Adventure Explore Matera on a breathtaking hike through stunning landscapes and ancient history! Start from the heart of the Sassi, guided by an expert guide, and follow the itinerary n. 406, leading you deep into the canyon of the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches. Cross the thrilling Tibetan Bridge, suspended between sky, stream, and rock, and climb up to reach the Murgia plateau, where wild nature meets the charm of rock-hewn sites, and ancient testimonies carved into the stone. After an unforgettable journey through canyons, caves, and breathtaking views, a shuttle will take you back to Matera, leaving you with lasting memories of this incredible experience in the heart of Basilicata. A light trek, but full of emotions! Are you ready to go?

Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous secret agent on this thrilling walking tour through the cinematic streets of Matera. Discover the iconic locations from No Time To Die as your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating insights. Stroll along Via delle Beccherie, linking Via Duomo to the majestic 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral. Then, descend through narrow alleys and stairways into Sasso Barisano, where action-packed scenes came to life among ancient stone architecture. Continue along Via Madonna delle Virtù, overlooking the Gravina ravine—Bond’s high-speed chase route in the legendary Aston Martin. Then head to Via Muro, Matera’s most cinematic street, chosen by Cary Fukunaga for its striking visual power. Take in the stunning views from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, featured in the film’s most intense moments, and finish in Piazza Pascoli, home to the iconic Hotel Balcony—Bond’s Matera hideout. More than just a tour, it’s a journey into the world of James Bond, surrounded by history, cinema, and breathtaking scenery.

Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world whose territory preserves evidence of human settlements starting from the Paleolithic and without interruptions up to the present day. It represents an extraordinary page written by man through the millennia of this very long history. World Heritage Site since 1993 and European Capital of Culture in 2019. With the classic and typical Ape Calessino (tuk tuk), an Italian myth, much appreciated by families, especially with children in wheelchairs, we will cross the Old Town and the Sassi, as they are very tiring on foot, especially in the summer, whizzing through the streets and characteristic alleys, making small stops for photos and videos and to visit churches in the squares and characteristic Case Grotte (Case Museo).

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.

Discover the timeless charm of Matera and Alberobello on a private full-day tour from Polignano a Mare. Explore Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and rock churches, then wander through Alberobello’s iconic trulli houses. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes—book your private experience today!

Serious hiking options in southern Italy are limited—many renowned trails, such as the Path of the Gods, are far from Basilicata. The Path of the Seven Stones is the region's standout: a 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) route connecting Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa with significant elevation changes and seven sculpture installations based on local witch folklore. Hike the route with a AIGAE-certified environmental guide, and skip any navigation hassle or planning headaches.

Experience something truly unique with a half-day tour to Ginosa, departing comfortably from Matera with a private transfer. Sit back and relax as our van takes you through stunning landscapes to one of the most beautiful wine regions in Puglia. During the tour, you’ll explore ancient vineyards and olive groves, immersing yourself in the region’s rich tradition and natural beauty. You’ll learn the secrets of Puglian winemaking from local experts, and the tour will end with a tasting of fine wines, paired with delicious local products, giving you a true taste of Puglia’s culinary heritage. An unforgettable journey that will leave you with lasting memories and new flavors to bring back with you to Matera.