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Matera Private Tour: Discover the Sassi and rock-hewn wonders

12 Reviews 4.33 out of 5 stars Based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Matera, Italy
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from $367.37 per group (up to 15)

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian
Instant confirmation

Overview

The guided tour in Matera is dedicated to discovering its Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest rock-hewn centres in the world. The tour begins in Piazza Vittorio Veneto with views over the Sasso Caveoso and the Murgia plateau, then continues past the Palazzo Lanfranchi and the nearby Church of the Carmine, an elegant example of Baroque architecture.

The route continues into the heart of the Sasso Caveoso to the Church of St.Pietro Caveoso, perched above the ravine and remarkable rock churches such as the Church of St.Lucia delle Malve and the Church of St.Maria de Idris, carved into the rock and rich in history.

You then walk through the characteristic narrow streets of the Sassi, among cave dwellings and panoramic views over the spectacular Gravina of Matera which makes the landscape unique.

tour ends with a visit to the Cathedral of St.Maria della Bruna and St.Eustachio, featuring an impressive Apulian-Romanesque façade and decorated sacred interiors

What's Included

  • Discover stories about the films that were shot in the Sassi of Matera
  • Discover the Sasso Caveoso and the Church of Saint Pietro Caveoso
  • Be captivated by the panoramic viewpoints and the spectacular view over the Gravina of Matera
    See 5 moreSee 3 more

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Piazza Vittorio Veneto
    75100 Matera MT, Italy

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    Sassi di Matera

    The Sassi of Matera are one of the oldest and most evocative urban landscapes in the world, made up of homes, churches, and spaces carved directly into limestone rock. This extraordinary settlement, inhabited since prehistoric times, is a unique example of human adaptation to the natural environment. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a fascinating blend of history, culture, and rock-hewn architecture.
    Read more

    50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Chiesa Di San Pietro Caveoso

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    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Church of Santa Maria de Idris

    The rock churches of Matera are fascinating sites carved directly into the stone, reflecting the deep spirituality that has characterized the Sassi of Matera over the centuries. Among the most significant, the Church of Saint Lucia delle Malve preserves important medieval frescoes and spaces linked to monastic life, while the Church of Saint Maria de Idris, perched on a rocky spur, stands out for its panoramic position and interiors carved into the rock, decorated with evocative sacred paintings.
    Read more

    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Cattedrale Di Maria Santissima Della Bruna E Sant'eustachio

    The Cathedral of Saint Maria della Bruna and Saint Eustachio is the main place of worship in Matera, located on the highest point of the Civita between the Sassi of Matera. Built in the 13th century in Apulian-Romanesque style, it stands out for its imposing stone façade and large central rose window. Inside, it houses frescoes, Baroque decorations, and sacred artworks, while also offering a stunning panoramic view over the Sassi and the Gravina of Matera.
    Read more

    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 3 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matera Private Tour: Discover the Sassi and rock-hewn wonders?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-32810P13

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.33
    12 reviews

    Average 4.33 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    8
    4 stars
    2
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    2
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matera Private Tour: Discover the Sassi and rock-hewn wonders?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Discover stories about the films that were shot in the Sassi of Matera.
    • Discover the Sasso Caveoso and the Church of Saint Pietro Caveoso.
    • Be captivated by the panoramic viewpoints and the spectacular view over the Gravina of Matera.
    • Visit the Cathedral of Saint Maria della Bruna and Saint Eustachio.
    • Walk through the charming narrow streets of the Sassi of Matera.
    • Admire the rock churches of St. Lucia delle Malve and St. Maria de Idris with medieval frescoes.
    • Enjoy the charm of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Private walking tour of Matera with licensed tour guide.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Matera Private Tour: Discover the Sassi and rock-hewn wonders is as follows:

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Matera Private Tour: Discover the Sassi and rock-hewn wonders will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Discover stories about the films that were shot in the Sassi of Matera
    • Discover the Sasso Caveoso and the Church of Saint Pietro Caveoso
    • Be captivated by the panoramic viewpoints and the spectacular view over the Gravina of Matera
    • Visit the Cathedral of Saint Maria della Bruna and Saint Eustachio
    • Walk through the charming narrow streets of the Sassi of Matera
    • Admire the rock churches of St. Lucia delle Malve and St. Maria de Idris with medieval frescoes
    • Enjoy the charm of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Private walking tour of Matera with licensed tour guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name