Matera Free Walking Tour – Ancient Sassi, Cave Houses & the Stone City
Free walking tour
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Departure point
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Destination
Matera, Italy
Matera
1N (Participation Duration)
Walking (Transportation)
English, Italian, Spanish (Language)
Number of participants 0/25
0 booked
Tour description
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, an extraordinary city of cave dwellings and rock-cut churches known as the Sassi, carved into a rugged ravine in southern Italy. Once considered a shame due to its extreme poverty, it has now become a UNESCO World Heritage gem. On this walking tour, a local guide will unveil the city's extraordinary story.
You will descend into the ancient Sassi, explore alleys and rock-hewn churches, and hear about the lives of the cave dwellers, the city's past shame, and its renaissance. Along the way, you will take in unforgettable panoramic views of the stone city. Ancient and breathtaking, Matera is a wonderful city to explore on foot.
You will descend into the ancient Sassi, explore alleys and rock-hewn churches, and hear about the lives of the cave dwellers, the city's past shame, and its renaissance. Along the way, you will take in unforgettable panoramic views of the stone city. Ancient and breathtaking, Matera is a wonderful city to explore on foot.
Meeting point:
View on map
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera
Look for your guide holding a yellow "FREE WALKING TOUR" sign. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. No deposit required.
Detailed itinerary
Stop 1 – Piazza Vittorio Veneto: We meet in the main square above the Sassi district.
Stop 2 – Sasso Barisano: The first ancient cave district.
Stop 3 – Alleys carved into the rock: Winding streets carved into the rock.
Stop 4 – Rock-hewn church: One of the ancient churches carved into the rock.
Stop 5 – Sasso Caveoso: The most impressive of the cave districts.
Stop 6 – A cave dwelling: The story of life in the Sassi.
Stop 7 – Canyon viewpoint: We end the tour with panoramic views of the stone city and canyon.
Stop 2 – Sasso Barisano: The first ancient cave district.
Stop 3 – Alleys carved into the rock: Winding streets carved into the rock.
Stop 4 – Rock-hewn church: One of the ancient churches carved into the rock.
Stop 5 – Sasso Caveoso: The most impressive of the cave districts.
Stop 6 – A cave dwelling: The story of life in the Sassi.
Stop 7 – Canyon viewpoint: We end the tour with panoramic views of the stone city and canyon.
Tour price includes
• Professional local guide (language as listed above, depending on availability)
• Guided walking tour lasting about 3 hours
• Commentary on history, local culture, and interesting hidden spots
• Tips from locals on food, coffee shops, and next attractions
• Small group, with many photo stops
• Guided walking tour lasting about 3 hours
• Commentary on history, local culture, and interesting hidden spots
• Tips from locals on food, coffee shops, and next attractions
• Small group, with many photo stops
Tour price excludes
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Public transportation and entrance fees to attractions or museums
• Gratuities / tips for the guide (this is a tip-based tour)
• Personal expenses
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Public transportation and entrance fees to attractions or museums
• Gratuities / tips for the guide (this is a tip-based tour)
• Personal expenses
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation anytime — this is a tip-based free walking tour, so there is never a cancellation fee. Please message your guide in advance if your plans change. The tour runs rain or shine; in bad weather, the guide may adjust the route for greater comfort.
Other notes
Daily departures with multiple start times. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather. Suitable for all ages.
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Month01,2027
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Month02,2027
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Month03,2027
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Month04,2027
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