Matera Free Walking Tour – The Ancient Sassi, Cave Dwellings & City of Stone
Free walking tour
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Culture & History
City Tour
Departure point
→
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 churches, the Sassi, carved into a dramatic ravine in southern Italy. Once shamed as a place of poverty, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage jewel. On this walking tour a local guide reveals its remarkable story.\n\nYou will descend into the ancient Sassi, explore rock-cut lanes and churches, and hear about the cave-dwellers, the shame and the rebirth of the city. Along the way you will take in unforgettable views over the stone city. Ancient and dramatic, 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 on the main square above the Sassi.
Stop 2 – The Sasso Barisano: The first of the ancient cave districts.
Stop 3 – The rock-cut lanes: The winding streets carved into the stone.
Stop 4 – A rupestrian church: One of the ancient rock-cut churches.
Stop 5 – The Sasso Caveoso: The most dramatic of the cave districts.
Stop 6 – A cave dwelling: The story of life in the Sassi.
Stop 7 – Ravine viewpoint: We finish with sweeping views over the stone city and gorge.
Stop 2 – The Sasso Barisano: The first of the ancient cave districts.
Stop 3 – The rock-cut lanes: The winding streets carved into the stone.
Stop 4 – A rupestrian church: One of the ancient rock-cut churches.
Stop 5 – The Sasso Caveoso: The most dramatic of the cave districts.
Stop 6 – A cave dwelling: The story of life in the Sassi.
Stop 7 – Ravine viewpoint: We finish with sweeping views over the stone city and gorge.
Tour price includes
• Professional local guide (languages as listed above, subject to availability)\n• Guided walking tour of about 3 hours\n• Local history, culture and hidden-gem commentary\n• Insider tips on food, cafés and what to see next\n• Small, friendly group with plenty of photo stops
Tour price excludes
• Food and drinks\n• Hotel pick-up and drop-off\n• Public transport and entrance fees to monuments or museums\n• Gratuities / tips for the guide (this is a tip-based tour)\n• Personal expenses
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation at any time — this is a free, tip-based walking tour, so there is never a cancellation charge. Please message your guide in advance if your plans change. Tours run rain or shine; in bad weather the guide may adjust the route for comfort.
Other notes
Departs daily with several start times. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and weather-appropriate clothing. Suitable for all ages.
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