You've never seen anything like Matera. Nicknamed the 'subterranean city' for its rock-hewn buildings, this small city in the Basilicata region of southern Italy will leave you speechless. The biggest draw is the 'Sassi,' a fascinating multi-level network of cavern houses, but the city is filled with surprises, so let a local guide design a Matera private tour to explore Italy's most surreal destination.

The Sassi was long considered a slum, the residents of its crumbling houses diseased and impoverished. But the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation sparked regeneration, and today restaurants and guest houses have moved in, capitalizing on the underground ambiance. Follow your guide to cavern dwellings you would have missed, gape at ancient Rupestrian churches, then dine in a troglodyte trattoria.

Basilicata cuisine emphasizes local ingredients, so try hand-made Orrechiette pasta or braised rabbit. Access to Matera is easy - disembark at Bari and your guide will be waiting dockside

Matera

Sassi di Matera, Italy - Walking Tour with Local Guide

This private tour of Matera is really something you would never forget, a once in a lifetime experience! An exciting but also intimate and professionally guided tour that will give you the chance to experience not only the highlights of Matera, but also its more hidden sides and non-touristic gems.

I was born in this wonderful city and was raised by a Matera family that has been here for generations: local history, traditions and culture are part of my DNA. My ancestors are part of the stories I will tell you!

I will guide you through the ancient alleys and narrow streets which, in addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also the places where I played as a child. After taking this tour, you will know the fascinating history of Matera, you will have explored surprising corners and seen breathtaking views. But you will also get in touch with the soul of the city. Be completely sure that you will be able to look at Matera as the locals actually look at it. Find out how!

Customizable itinerary:

Friends from USA - March 2023 - Sasso Caveoso as background

Friends from Australia on a summer afternoon 2022

Friends from the Philippines on a sunny spring morning

A small group of Italians in 2019, the year of Matera as the European Capital of Culture

With my beloved bottle of water so my throat never dries up

Discover Matera's most authentic side like a true local!

Walking Tour of Matera (and an ancient bakery in Altamura)

Matera and its "Sassi". . . a breathtaking experience!

I'm Gianluca, experienced and passionate tour leader, born and raised in this lovely part of the world. Join me and you will visit Matera with a local and live it as a local too!
"In the Sassi caves is concealed the capital of the peasants, its heart hidden in their ancient civilization. Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty"
Its districts of ancient cave dwellings, "Sassi", were declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1993 and are now one of the main italian attraction. People have been settling here for a long time: Matera is often cited as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
Last but not least, the visit of an ancient bakery in Altamura (XV cent. ) to give your experience a "delicious" touch (15 min away, known as "the city of bread")
Look forward to meeting you!

Half-day walking tour

Half Day Tour in Matera: The UNESCO magic town of stone

The two old districts called Sassi (which means stones) were declared in 1993, UNESCO world heritage site because they represent "the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem".

During the walking tour we will enjoy this amazing, unique town carved in the stone. Several film directors has been astonished by its beauty and they decided to shot their movies here (Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", the remake of Ben Hur and Wonder Woman, Marie Magdalene, James Bond 25 "No time to die", Terrence Malick's "The Way of the Wind").

Even for me, working in tourism for more than 20 years and visiting Matera so many times, the emotions that this place can give are unique! Join me and let me show you everything about it!

byzantine style fresco in a ruperstrian church

piazza vittorio veneto andUnderground Matera entrance

santa maria de idris and san giovanni in monterone rupestrian church

Walking tour in this amazing city carved in the rock

Matera Half Day Walking Tour - European Capital of Culture 2019 (UNESCO)

"We had no idea that any of this could exist". This is what my guests usually say at the end of the tour of Matera Sassi.

In recent years, Matera has become quite touristy. However, not many travelers get to know the most authentic and true part of this wonderful site protected by Unesco.

My tour is an experience that combines history, culture, politics and amusing anecdotes. Between not beaten paths and unforgettable photographic glimpses, I will tell you what made this place the "European capital of culture 2019", despite being declared "national shame" in 1952 by the Prime Minister and why you will return home keeping a wonderful memory in your heart!

An unforgettable experience in the unique atmosphere of the Sassi.

Matera & Gravina - Half Day Private Tour in Italy

On this tour you'll have the chance to visit 2 unique cities in the world: One is Matera, City of the Sassi and a UNESCO heritage since 1993. The other is Gravina in Puglia, another admirable example of rock architecture in Southern Italy.

Matera is a must for any visitor traveling to Southern Italy, known for its famous Sassi, neighborhoods partly built and partly carved into the rock. A magical place that you absolutely must visit with a guided tour!

Discover the incredible and fascinating history of one of the oldest settlements in the world, learning how this incredibly ancient city was born in perfect balance with nature: you'll find out about the so-called rock-cut architecture and the water collection system.

Gravina in Puglia, on the other hand, is a little gem waiting to be discovered: a town with a beautiful historic center and a spectacular bridge on which scenes from the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, were filmed!

Discover the city of the Sassi & the wonderful Gravina in Puglia with private transportation!

Matera, like nowhere else on Earth...and an ancient bakery in Altamura

Rely on a real local. . . visit and experience Matera with an experienced and passionate tour leader, grew up in this wonderful bit of world!

The "Sassi". . . a breathtaking experience!

Matera'a districts of ancient cave dwellings, "Sassi", were declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1993 and are now one of the main Italian attractions.
People have been settling here for a long time: Matera is often listed as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
"In the Sassi caves is concealed the capital of the peasants, its heart hidden in their ancient civilization. Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty"

The tour, as a whole or partially, can be customized at you needs and interest (feel free to contact me for further info)

Look forward to meeting you!

Full-day private tour including transportation

Matera, like nowhere else on Earth...and an ancient bakery in Altamura (from/to Bari and surroundings)

Matera's Archaeological Murgia Park - Easy Trekking Tour in Italy

The Archaeological Historic Natural Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera is one of the secrets of Matera's beauty.

It is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Italy, an unspoiled area, beyond a canyon that makes the view of Matera a breathtaking spectacle. What man has created blends with the natural wonders, so you will be entranced by this walk.

Nature, silence, light, colours and perfumes, as well as human art, and very ancient rock churches and chapels carved into the rock, some of which are rich in medieval frescoes whose history will leave you amazed. Shepherds, monks, pilgrims, farmers, wayfarers, artists and art thieves have frequented this magical place for millennia, leaving behind traces, stories and amazing tales.

Learn about the amazing geology of the area and learn how man has adapted to this area since prehistoric times by taking advantage of the local rock.

The following itinerary can be customized upon request:

An old underground ''roof'' cistern, surrounded by Ferulas, a wild fennel

A tour in the natural park of the Murgia Materana

We will walk along easy but very scenic trails

From the Murgia we will enjoy the most beautiful view of the Sassi of Matera

Friends you meet in the Murgia Materana Park

Campanula Versicolor grows spontaneously in the rock

The Sassi at sunset, seen from the Murgia Materana

Thymbra capitata, the scent of the Murgia

A wild pear tree in the park of the Murgia Materana

Walk in a natural protected area full of art & history with spectacular views of the Sassi!

Full day tour in Matera: UNESCO Sassi, stunning Crypt with frescoes and bread experience

With a full day guided visit it's possible to discover all the treasures of Matera (also the hidden ones in the surroundings) with the different colours of the daylight, to taste its wine, cheese, bread and focaccia.

A walk in the Sassi (that means stones), declared Unesco world heritage site because they represent "the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem" and also the other area of the city center (the medieval, the Baroque one, etc).

We will enjoy this magic, unique town of stone that has been chosen as as natural set for several movies such as Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", the remake of Ben Hur and Wonder Woman, Marie Magdalene, James Bond 25 "No time to die", Terrence Malick's "The Way of the Wind".

This itinerary is designed to enjoy slowly the evolution of Matera during the time, breathtaking views, unique flavors, local experiences and unforgettable memories.

Matera tours

Explore with 9 tours and 4 guides.

Vito R.

$ 285 (USD)

Gianluca G.

$ 389 (USD)

Alessandro P.

$ 349 (USD)

Giorgio I.

$ 256 (USD)

Vito R.

$ 690 (USD)

Gianluca G.

$ 593 (USD)

Vito R.

$ 453 (USD)

Alessandro P.

$ 581 (USD)

Gianluca G.

$ 709 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Matera

Customize your tour

Matera tours

Things to do in Matera