Person photographing Sassi of Matera with a basket of flowers in the foreground.
Sassi of Matera ancient stone buildings and church under blue sky.
Interior of a historic church in Matera with ornate arches and altar, part of Sassi guided tour.
Exhibit room in Sassi of Matera tour with informational panels and video display.
Sassi of Matera illuminated at dusk, showcasing ancient stone buildings and winding streets.
Facade of historic building in Sassi of Matera during guided tour.
Ancient stone buildings in Sassi of Matera with laundry hanging above.

Guided Tour of Sassi of Matera

Matera
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

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Explore Matera's Sassi with this guided tour, offering an intimate look at its unique rock-cut architecture. Meet your guide in the city center and begin your journey through winding alleys lined with centuries-old houses carved from stone. This UNESCO-listed complex showcases dwellings and worship spaces that reflect layers of lived history.

On this guided tour, explore the UNESCO-listed districts of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso within Matera's historic Sassi.

Discover ancient cave houses dating back over 9000 years in Sassi while visiting churches dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot and Antonio Abate.

At Porta Pistoia, observe where the neighborhoods of Barisano and Caveosa converge during your visit.

Opt for a tour conducted in one of five languages: English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian to suit your preference.

In 2019, Matera was honored with the ‘European Capital of Culture’ title by the European Commission.

Access to Sassi of Matera tour across Barisano and Caveoso districts

Certified guide speaking English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian (as per option selected)

Admission to Church of Saint Anthony Abbot

Entry to cave house 'C’era una volta'

City map provided

Discount coupon for food/drinks

Food and Drinks

Transportation Services

Individual Shopping Expenses

Tipping

Person photographing Sassi of Matera with a basket of flowers in the foreground.

Person photographing Sassi of Matera with a basket of flowers in the foreground.

Your experience in Matera's Sassi

The 'Sassi of Matera' is renowned for its distinctive rock-cut architecture, locally known as 'sassi,' which means stones. This guided tour brings you through the narrow alleys and ancient streets filled with centuries-old houses.

Getting started on your journey

Gather at Via Alessandro Volta 3/5 in Matera's city center, where your guide will confirm your booking before providing a brief safety briefing for navigating uneven paths.

Exploring the Sassi of Matera

The tour includes visits to UNESCO-listed dwellings and worship spaces carved into rock formations that narrate stories of historical habitation and community life.

  • Sasso Barisano: Discover how homes and facades were sculpted from the landscape, with your guide explaining urban growth influenced by natural terrain and cultural practices.
  • Sasso Caveoso: Learn about daily living in a ravine environment through examples of residential spaces and local customs.
  • Church of Saint Anthony Abbot: Experience the historic significance of this place of worship, highlighting its role in anchoring community life within Sassi.
  • Cave house 'C’era una volta': Observe how early inhabitants lived by exploring a furnished cave home that illustrates traditional architectural forms and domestic routines.

Tour details

Guides offer multilingual support, allowing you to select your preferred language for the tour. This ensures clear communication throughout your exploration of Matera's Sassi.

Sassi of Matera ancient stone buildings and church under blue sky.

Sassi of Matera ancient stone buildings and church under blue sky.

Interior of a historic church in Matera with ornate arches and altar, part of Sassi guided tour.

Interior of a historic church in Matera with ornate arches and altar, part of Sassi guided tour.

Exhibit room in Sassi of Matera tour with informational panels and video display.

Exhibit room in Sassi of Matera tour with informational panels and video display.

What to bring

    We suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes since there's quite a bit of walking involved in this tour.

    Accessibility

      This guided experience may not be suitable for individuals with mobility difficulties.

      Additional information

      • Pets and guide dogs are welcome on the tour.

      You're allowed to take photos during this experience.

      Sassi of Matera illuminated at dusk, showcasing ancient stone buildings and winding streets.

      Sassi of Matera illuminated at dusk, showcasing ancient stone buildings and winding streets.

      Facade of historic building in Sassi of Matera during guided tour.

      Facade of historic building in Sassi of Matera during guided tour.

      Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a fair amount of walking during this tour.

      If you have mobility challenges, please note that this tour is not recommended for individuals with such difficulties.

      Bring your pets or guide dogs along on the experience since they are allowed to join.

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