Guided Tour of Murgia Park & Rupestrian Churches
Guided Tour of Murgia Park & Rupestrian Churches
Duration: 2.3 hours
2.3 hours
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Expert local tour guide
Expert local tour guide
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Discover ancient cave dwellings and Byzantine art as you walk along Neolithic paths on this guided group tour of Murgia Park.
Hike through Murgia Park’s vast rock formations with your expert guide, and even enjoy a return shuttle transfer back to Matera.
Visit the famed Rupestrian churches to see frescoes from the Byzantine era adorn the walls as well as the remains of a primitive burial site.
At the revered crypt of San Falcione, observe a fresco of Jesus at the temple, and take in the stunning sunset from the Golgotha viewpoint.
Choose to explore this fascinating historic region with a guide speaking either English or Italian.
Fun Fact: Murgia Park is home to the largest colony of lesser kestrels in Italy, with over 200 breeding pairs living in the park's rocky cliffs and caves.
2-hr 15-min tour of Murgia Park
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Free return transfer from Murgia Park to Matera (courtesy shuttle)
Entry to Rupestrian churches
City map
Rugged landscape of Murgia Park with ancient rupestrian churches and caves, Matera, Italy.
Discover Nature and Historic Art at Murgia
With an English or Italian-speaking guide, explore the rugged terrain of Matera! Admire stunning rock formations including the famous 'Gravina di Matera' canyon, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The canyon is over 50 meters deep and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, foxes, and wild boars. As you hike through the park, you'll come across numerous cave dwellings and settlements, some of which date back over 9,000 years. These caves were once home to prehistoric people who carved out homes and places of worship.
Visit the Rupestrian Churches
Established in the 9th century during the Byzantine period, the Rupestrian churches are entirely carved out of soft rock! Marvel at intricate frescoes and carvings that adorn the ancient caves. The dimly-lit interiors of the caves, combined with the hauntingly beautiful artwork, create a calm and spiritual atmosphere. End your tour with glowing sunset views over Matera.
Matera's ancient stone cityscape with historic churches in Murgia Park.
Sunset view of Matera from Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana cave.
Rugged landscape of Murgia Park with ancient rupestrian churches and caves, Matera, Italy.
Matera's ancient stone cityscape with historic churches in Murgia Park.
Sunset view of Matera from Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana cave.
Rupestrian church frescoes in Murgia Park, Italy.
Important Information
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It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy boots or trainers as a fair amount of walking is involved.
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Your experience may be subject to change due to adverse weather conditions.
Restrictions
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This tour is not suitable for wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
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The following is not allowed on this tour: pets and other animals.
Ancient cityscape of Matera with rocky cliffs in Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana.
Rupestrian church frescoes in Murgia Park, Italy.
Ancient cityscape of Matera with rocky cliffs in Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana.
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