Book City Tours in Matera - Guided Tours, Bus Tours, Audio Guided Tours & More
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Visit the Matera's Paleolithic Cave Dwellings
Imagine sleeping inside a cave that had been inhabited by someone over 9000 years ago. What would that be like? You're about to find out at Matera, a city of interconnected excavated caves that date back to the Paleolithic age. Discover rock churches, grottoed hotels, and restaurants, as cave dwellings embedded in this unique city. Hike along the gorges of the Murgia plateau and visit Byzantine caves with frescoes centuries-old. Choose from a variety of guided tours, walking tours, and bike tours to explore the caves of Matera.
Why Go on a Matera Caves Tour?
Visit Ancient Cave Dwellings: Cities from Mesopotamia might have been older, but none have stood the test of time like the cave dwellings of Matera that originated in the Paleolithic age.
Live the Troglodyte Life: Know what it's like to inhabit a cave carved into the rocky slopes of Basilicata. Visit the famous Casa Grotta Cave House and interact with locals learning about their unique houses and lifestyles.
Explore Ruprestrian Caves: Visit several of Matera's rupestrian caves that are carved out of the mountains and
Cave Attractions: Attend exhibitions related to the caves of Matera, explore the water system cisterns and the even the Crypt of Original Sin in your Matera Caves tour.
Your Matera Caves Tour Options Explained
Guided Tours
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Discover the caves of Matera with an expert local guide in a guided tour available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French.
Explore Matera's cave houses and learn about the astounding architecture of the interconnected caves.
Gain entry to the rock-hewn churches and the Cave House.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel these tickets 48 hours before your experience and get a full refund.
Recommended Tours
Guided Tour of Sassi of Matera
Murgia Park & Rupestrian Churches Guided Tour with Transfer
Tours with Audio Guide
Duration: 45 mins - 1 hour 15 minutes
Explore the City of Matera and get entry to cave attractions.
Get a multilingual audio guide available in English and Italian.
Depending on the ticket, take the tour on a tuk-tuk or bus.
Cancelation Policy: Cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Recommended Tours
45-min Tour of Sassi of Matera with Porter & Audio Guide
Bus Tour of Matera with Audio Guide & Access to Casa Grotta
Bus Tours
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Sit back in an open-air bus as you cruise through Matera visiting its top attractions.
Get access to a comprehensive audio guide in the language of your choice to make your tour an informative and meaningful one.
Visit the cave dwellings of Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera, occupied by people several centuries ago, and even an exhibition at Cava Paradiso.
Cancelation Policy: Cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Recommended Tours
Bus Tour of Matera with Audio Guide & Access to Casa Grotta
E-bike Tours
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Zip between the ancient buildings of Matera on an iconic Vespa in 2.5 hours and get access to several cave attractions.
Get the freedom and flexibility to explore the culture and history of the site at your own pace.
Allow an English or Italian tour guide will take you to the best spots in town and share local insights.
Cancelation Policy: Cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Recommended Tours
2.5-Hour E-Vespa Tour of Sassi di Matera
Why Buy Matera Caves Tours Online?
Tours of Matera Caves in Basilicata are best booked online. There are several benefits to booking tours online.
Advanced booking: Be assured of a tour when you arrive. Booking online also helps you plan your travel and accommodation in advance knowing the appointed date and timing of your tour.
Convenience: Avoid the hassle of arranging a tour guide or searching for tour services while you're there. You’ll also get 24/7 customer service for your experience by phone, email, or chat.
Variety of experiences: Explore Matera the way you'd like to. Peruse a variety of tours such as guided tours, bus tours, and bike tours, and choose based on your preference.
Which Matera Caves Tour Should You Choose?
1. Looking for Transfers?
Opt for bus tours and audio guide tours if you are looking for a hassle-free and convenient way of touring Matera and its caves. Your audio-guided journey in a bus or tuk-tuk will be informative without you having to worry about logistics.
2. Looking to Gain Insights?
If you are hoping to learn about the fascinating origin and architecture of Matera's cave settlements and structures, then a guided tour is the way to go. Your multilingual guide will direct you to the most interesting cave attractions of the UNESCO Heritage Site and give you an expert perspective on them.
3. Looking to Explore Matera?
Matera is best explored on foot. In our walking guided tours you will get the time and space to truly take in the sights and appreciate the archaeological value of Matera.
Explore the Matera
Enter the ancient realm of Matera and witness one of the oldest cities in the world. From rupestrian churches and cave lodgings to excavations in the hills, the city of Matera is a world apart from what you're normally used to.
Rupestrian Churches
The rock churches of Matera are holy spaces that were carved straight from large rocks. However, it is easy to mistake these structures for large amorphous boulders. They are said to be the work of Byzantine monks from the 15th century. Inside them, you will find rupestrian frescoes that delight the eyes as the soft light pours into the cavernous interiors.
The Duomo of Matera
At the highest point of the ridge that separates the two Sassi in Matera stands the towering, pale yellow structure of the Matera Cathedral. Dedicated to the protector of the city Saint Eustace, the church was constructed in the 13 century. In the center of its simple yet elegant facade is a rose window and behind it, a large 170 ft. bell tower. Inside you will find delightful interiors, Byzantine frescoes, and gold-gilded stucco moldings.
Cavernous Neighbourhoods
Stroll the narrow and winding streets of the ancient city of Matera until you reach the hermetic buildings in the center of Sasso Caveso. The houses here are small and layered onto top of each other against the hillside giving them a Post-classical appearance. The caverns here are so visually stunning that they have been used as locations for filming as in 'The Passion of Christ' by Mel Gibson and 'OO7: No Time to Die'. You may also find various grottoed shops and restaurants in this area.
Cave Houses
Visit one of Matera's traditional cave houses that are said to have been dwellings of troglodytes for millennia. Cave houses such as the Casa Grotta Cera Una Volta and the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario are limestone cave dwellings that have been refurbished for public exhibitions. They lend unique insight into the lives of the former inhabitants of Matera. You will see how they conducted domestic life and arranged their household items and even cattle in their cavernous homes!
Crypt of the Original Sin
If you follow the ravine that cuts through the Murgia Plateau, you will find several natural caves that look like gaping black holes on the mountainside. There is one, however, that is of great archaeological and artistic interest - The Crypt of Original Sin. Discovered in 1963, this cave was said to be inhabited by monks in the 8th century who left beautiful frescoes. The themes of the Creator, Light and Darkness, and Adam and Eve are rendered on the rough walls of the cave.
Plan Your Visit to the Matera Caves
Matera enjoys a Mediterranean climate that sees hot summers and moderate winters. The winter months between December and March are tolerable but can get a little cold. The warmest months are between June and August. Matera's caves are difficult to explore especially while moving between several locations due to soaring temperatures. The spring months of April, May, and June and the autumn months of September, October, and November are the best times to take a cave tour in terms of weather.
Address: The caves of Matera are located in Matera city in the region of Basilicata, Italy. It lies about 65 km from the city of Bari. [Find on Maps]
Getting There
By Walk: The Sassi area of the city (where most of the attractions are found) is a relatively small area that can be covered on foot.
By Bus: Frequent buses (15 urban lines and 2 circular lines) circulate within Matera between 7 AM and 10 PM that can reach you to your destination. The Sassi Line is a special bus that reaches the UNESCO Heritage site.
By Taxi: It is easy to hail or book a cab in Matera through the Matera Taxi Consortium which has pre-established rates.
By Car: Cars are good for circulating within the city but keep in mind that cars are not allowed in the Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs) of the Sassi.
Despite its history and old-world charm, attractions in Matera have all the modern facilities one could wish for including closely situated toilets.
Most of Matera is wheelchair accessible. With well-paved roads and ramps to buildings, wheelchair users can easily navigate their way through the city. However, entrances to some rock caves and other cave attractions, especially those on elevated platforms are not wheelchair accessible.
La Focagna: Try the crapiata in Taverna La Focagna, a grottoed restaurant, and wash it down with a beer or a local wine.
Morgan: Located inside a cavernous hall, this restaurant serves gourmet-style dishes with a peperoni cruschi to die for.
l Fiore del Latte: If you are looking for a homely ambiance and food crafted with love, head on over to Il Fiore del Latte for their Tagliolini and an array of cheeses.
Pizzeria I Due Sassi: Enjoy sizzling pizzas at this restaurant which has a patio-style table arrangement and the best views of Matera's rustic surroundings.
Mosto Osteria Della Birra: At this resto-bar, you can help yourself to gourmet burgers and an amazing variety of beer.
As the Rupestrian Churches are carved into the rock and can be quite dimly lit, it's recommended to bring a flashlight to better appreciate the details of the artwork.
Cars are restricted within the main sassi area. Therefore it is recommended that you park your vehicle in one of the surrounding parking lots.
Matera is best explored by foot. Therefore ensure that you have comfortable walking shoes.
Matera is known for hot days and chilly nights so it is best to bring appropriate clothing for both extremes.
Photography for personal use is allowed in most cave tours. However, make sure to avoid using flash and tripods.
Musma: Visit Musma or the Matera Museum of Contemporary Sculpture to view amazing sculptures in a beautiful 16th-century cave palace in the Sasso Caveoso district.
Murgia Materana Park: Hike along the gorges of the Murgia plateau and appreciate the arid landscape of Basilicata. You may also discover vacant caves along the hillsides.
Dolomiti Lucane: Located 80 km away, Dolomiti Lucan is a stunning mountain range in the region of Basilicata that was formed 15 million years ago and is a great place to visit.
Pisticci: Located 51km from Matera is the quaint town of Pisticci, known for its Amaro Lucano, one of Italy's most famous liqueurs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matera Caves Tours
You can purchase Matera caves tours online. Do this in order to get advance booking in a convenient way.
Yes, you get Matera caves tours online. In doing so you can choose from a variety of tours and attractions as well as avail of discounts and offers.
A guided tour of the Matera caves will cost you approximately €15.
At present, you can avail yourself of guided tours, bus tours, tours with audio guides and and e-bike tours. Book now for the best prices.
Matera caves tours come with a free cancellation policy which means that you can cancel your tickets before the date of your experience and get a full refund.
No, you are not required to book your Matera caves tours in advance but it is recommended. With advance booking, you can go for a Matera tour hassle free without looking for a tour service in the city.
Yes, guided tours of the caves of Matera are available. A guided tour will include a multilingual local guide and a visit to a range of cave attractions within the city.
Matera or the Sassi di Matera is a paleolithic city in the Basilicata region of Italy known for its cave dwellings and rupestrian churches.
A Matera cave tour takes to multiple attractions in the city of Matera. Therefore a tour may take anywhere between an hour or two hours.
Avoid visiting Matera during the summer season. The spring months of April, May, and June and the autumn months of September, October, and November are the best times to visit in terms of weather.
Matera for the most part is wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchair users will not be able to go on hikes outside Matera or climb elevated structures that are frequently found within the city.
Explore ancient rock formations & cave dwellings that date 9,000 years on this expert-led walking tour.
Day out to Matera’s Sassi districts with entries to key attractions led by a local expert.
You'll get a guided 2-hour walk that takes you across two key Matera districts, church and cave-house entry, and a city map.
Rupestrian Cave of San Antonio: Gain entry to this abbot that's dug into a cave featuring frescoes and Byzantine-era art.
Cave House: This structure was inhabited until as early as 50 years ago. It offers excellent insights into how the inhabitants once lived.
Other attractions: Francesco church. Porta Pistoia, Church of San Pietro.
Inclusions
#
Tour of Sassi of Matera across the Barisano and Caveoso districts
Certified guide in English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian (as per option selected)
Entry to Church of Saint Anthony Abbot
Entry to the cave house 'C’era una volta'
Map of the city
Discount coupon for food/drinks
Exclusions
#
Meals
Transfers
Personal purchases
Gratuities
Piazza San Francesco
Civita
Via dei Fiorentini
Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
Traditional Cave House
Via Madonna delle Virtù and Porta Pistoia
San Pietro Caveoso
Piazzetta Pascoli
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the experience involves a fair amount of walking.
Accessibility
This tour is not recommended for people with mobility challenges.
Additional information
Pets and guide dogs are allowed on the experience.
Photography is permitted during the experience.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tip: As the Rupestrian Churches are carved into the rock and can be quite dimly lit, it's recommended to bring a flashlight to better appreciate the details of the artwork.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
The following is not allowed on this tour: pets and other animals.
Your experience may be subject to change due to adverse weather conditions.
Inclusions
#
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
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Vittorio Veneto Square
Church of Purgatory
Matera Cathedral
St. John's Church
Panoramic views of Sasso Barisano
Panoramic views of Sasso Caveoso
Inclusions
#
Tuk-tuk tour of Sassi of Matera
English or Italian-speaking porter guide
Digital audio guide (Android/iOS)
Entry to Cave House
Informative city map
Exclusions
#
Transfers
Meals
Personal purchases
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
A fully charged smartphone and headphones for the audio guide (Android/iOS)
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Pram/stroller accessible
Additional information
The experience may be canceled in case of adverse weather conditions.
Entry to the Cave House is included.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking architecture of Matera with a local guide well-versed in Italian and English.
Visit the fascinating cave homes in Sasso di Matera, where a neighborhood has been carved out of the rock face.
This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site is full of surprises, from its striking rock and flora to its rich cultural heritage, history, ancient ruins, and exquisite sunset vistas.
Inclusions
#
Guided walking tour
Entry to a rock church and 12th-century hypogeum
Support in English and Italian
Tip: The best time to enjoy outdoor activities is in the fall (September through November) when temperatures average 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, the leaves are changing colors, and there are fewer people around.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Trips
Guided Tour of Sassi of Matera
Explore ancient rock formations & cave dwellings that date 9,000 years on this expert-led walking tour.
Day out to Matera’s Sassi districts with entries to key attractions led by a local expert.
You'll get a guided 2-hour walk that takes you across two key Matera districts, church and cave-house entry, and a city map.
Rupestrian Cave of San Antonio: Gain entry to this abbot that's dug into a cave featuring frescoes and Byzantine-era art.
Cave House: This structure was inhabited until as early as 50 years ago. It offers excellent insights into how the inhabitants once lived.
Other attractions: Francesco church. Porta Pistoia, Church of San Pietro.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
2 hr. 15 min.
Guided tour
Guided Tours
Guided Tour of Murgia Park & Rupestrian Churches
Tip: As the Rupestrian Churches are carved into the rock and can be quite dimly lit, it's recommended to bring a flashlight to better appreciate the details of the artwork.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
The following is not allowed on this tour: pets and other animals.
Your experience may be subject to change due to adverse weather conditions.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
45 min.
Audio guide
Guided Tours
2-Hour Guided Tour of Matera
Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking architecture of Matera with a local guide well-versed in Italian and English.
Visit the fascinating cave homes in Sasso di Matera, where a neighborhood has been carved out of the rock face.
This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site is full of surprises, from its striking rock and flora to its rich cultural heritage, history, ancient ruins, and exquisite sunset vistas.
