Top Matera Culture in 2026

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.

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.

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!

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.

There's so much to see and do in Matera, but if you'd rather explore without following a large tour group, then this self-guided experience is ideal. Using a digital guide on your smartphone, discover the city's fascinating history through audio commentary as well as written tips. Having a route planned out ensures an easy way to check off highlights such as the Sassi di Matera and Matera Cathedral, with insider recommendations along the way.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the historic charm of Matera on this guided walking tour, which starts from the picturesque Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Admire the panoramic views of Civita and Sasso Barisano as you walk through the ancient alleys of the old town. Visit the amazing Rock Church and a traditional cave house to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the region. This 2-hour tour, with a maximum of 15 participants, offers an intimate glimpse into Matera's fascinating past and beautiful landscapes, making it ideal for culture and history enthusiasts. Duration: about 2 hours Minimum 2 adults; maximum 15 participants Daily departures at 11:30 or 15:30 Visit significant sites, including the ancient cave house and rock church.

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 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.

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.

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.

Make the most of your time in Matera and see the main tourist attractions in just a few hours with this guided tour. Stroll through the most historic districts of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, to learn about the unique evolution of this 'city of cave houses' over the millennia. Explore cave churches and dwellings, admire Baroque and Romanesque architecture, and views of the urban landscape and surrounding countryside.

Unique panoramic tour on board the historic Piaggio Ape Calessino, it will give you an indelible memory of the splendid Matera. Customizable for your every need.

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.

Explore one of the most evocative underground environments of the Sassi di Matera: about 400 m² carved into the rock, including cisterns, cellars, and ancient rupestrian spaces, with a multilingual audio guide included.

The panoramic tour "Private Tour in Ape Calessino" - the Sassi in Ape "will allow you to have an exclusive experience to visit the city of Matera comfortably aboard the vintage and iconic ape calessino. The tour winds through the most beautiful alleys and squares, between Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. During the tour you will make some panoramic stops in the central squares and you will be able to admire the main attractions of the city. An excellent opportunity to learn about the stories and curiosities of this heritage of humanity.

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!

Our private walking tour through the historic Sassi district of Matera lasts approximately 2 hours and is led by a local guide. Together you will explore the narrow streets and panoramic viewpoints of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, immersing yourself in the rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage of the city.

This is part of one of the world’s largest digital travel guide platforms, used by millions. Travelers can create custom itineraries or let AI build them instantly, based on location, time, and interests. Explore Matera’s lesser-known soul: winding Sassi cave dwellings, hidden Rupestrian churches, secret stone courtyards, symbols carved in ancient rock, and food traditions passed down for generations. Ideal for curious minds and independent travelers.

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.

Start your experience in Matera with a private door-to-door transfer from your hotel. Travel comfortably through the Basilicata countryside to Mantenera, an organic farm in Tricarico surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and peaceful rural landscapes. Once there, discover the authentic taste of Basilicata with a guided olive oil experience. Walk through the ancient olive grove, learn about Mantenera’s story and find out how organic extra virgin olive oil is produced with care, tradition and respect for the land. Enjoy a guided tasting of local olive oils and learn how to recognize aromas, intensity and distinctive qualities. You can choose the standard olive oil experience or upgrade with a hearty aperitif featuring locally sourced products, cured meats, cheeses, water, wine, and dessert. At the end of the visit, you may purchase local olive oil directly at the farm as an authentic souvenir or gift. After the experience, return comfortably to Matera with your private transfer.