Sassi Tour, Rock Church Entry

Sassi Tour, Rock Church Entry, rated 4.7 across 1,557 traveller reviews.

Overview

You meet at Via Don Minzoni 13, walk a short way to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and set off from there through the historic center with a licensed regional guide.

The route passes through the Civita, the old medieval core, where you look out over the Sasso Barisano and its rock-hewn churches and alleys. From there the tour drops into the Sasso Caveoso, the district most people picture when they think of Matera. Stops include the vicinati, extraordinary examples of communal living, and the barbarian cemetery, an unusual archaeological site the guide explains in context.

The biggest draw for most visitors is the Monterrone rock, which holds the churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone, both carved directly into the stone and included in the price. The walk ends at the Museum of Peasant Civilization and a furnished Casa Grotta, showing how families actually lived in these caves until the Sassi were abandoned in the 1950s. Reviews describe the tour as informative and enjoyable, with guides who explain the city's history in an understandable way.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointMeet at the Central Office, Via Don Minzoni 13. Pickup is not included; the exact starting arrangement can vary by the option selected, so check the current terms before you book.
2. Walk to Piazza Vittorio VenetoA short walk from the office brings the group to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where the official tour begins.
3. Historic center guided tourThe guided tour runs 2 hours total, starting with churches, noble palaces and corners of the historic center, then the Civita with its panoramic view over the Sasso Barisano.
4. Sasso CaveosoThe route continues into the Sasso Caveoso, passing the vicinati, the communal living quarters, and the barbarian cemetery.
5. Casa Grotta visitA 15-minute guided visit to a typical cave house of the vicinato, furnished with original objects. The Museum of Peasant Civilization is also part of the route.
6. Rock churchesA 15-minute guided visit to the Church of Saint Mary of Idris, carved into the Monterrone rock alongside San Giovanni in Monterrone, with entry tickets to both included.
7. FinishThe tour ends at a location that depends on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this walk.

• Footwear and fitness. Comfortable shoes are advised, and one reviewer described narrow streets, staircases and viewpoints over a tour that ran slightly past two hours, adding that you need to be in fairly good shape. Strollers and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.
• Pace of the walk. One reviewer said their guide kept an easy pace on the stairs, which eased worries about the climbing. Reviews generally describe the tour as interesting and enjoyable.
• Guide quality. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the context they provide for understanding the Sassi. Several reviews single out guides who explained things clearly, answered questions and shared local anecdotes and tips.
• Food and drink. Nothing to eat or drink is provided, and tips are not included. Plan accordingly for the two-hour walk.
• Weather. The tour runs in light rain. Some of the route is outdoors, so a light layer or cover is sensible if the forecast looks unsettled.
• Photos. The scenery is a draw for photography, and the tour passes vantage points over the Sassi. The panorama from the Civita and the view from the Monterrone rock are the natural picture stops.

Common issues. The route involves stairs and narrow lanes, so anyone with limited mobility or small children in strollers will struggle, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted. One reviewer reported the tour running over two hours and fifteen minutes, longer than the stated duration. Some travellers found audio and delivery harder to follow in larger groups, and one felt the German-language version was priced higher than the Italian or English options. No food, drink or tips are included.

Common Questions