Sassi Walking Tour: between history and culture
5
Sassi Walking Tour: between history and culture
By Matera Tour Guide
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About
Our guide will accompany you to discover the oldest and most fascinating area of the city of Matera: the historic Rioni Sassi. Along this pleasant walk, which winds through the alleys and panoramic views of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, there are many stops for historical, architectural and cultural insights. In particular, it will be possible to visit a 12th century rock church from the inside, one of the most representative carved into the rock, both for its still recognizable architectural structure and for the excellent state of conservation of the period wall paintings medieval.
Ages 0-100, max of 16 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Guided tour
- Radio guide
- Map
What's not included- entry to sites (usually 1 site). Cost: €2.50
- Entry/Admission - Chiesa rupestre di Santa Lucia alle Malve
- Start:
- Seekers Viaggi, Via Lucana, 106, 75100 Matera MT, ItalyAt the headquarters of the SEEKERS agency
End:- Palazzo Lanfranchi, Piazzetta Pascoli, 1, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 137227P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 137227P1
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Via Lucana, 106, 75100 Matera MT, ItalyAt the headquarters of the SEEKERS agency
- 1A site among those listed. One of the most representative rock churches of the medieval phenomenon of monasticism widespread in the Matera area. Very well preserved both in the architectural structure and in the decorative apparatus, it offers the possibility of spacing on topics of various types.
- Piazzetta Pascoli, 1, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- W5886KXpaolab0 contributionsUnforgettable experienceI visited Matera in December with my friends. Antonio took us through an amazing visit of Matera. He explained all about history, architecture, art with passion and competence. Don’t miss this experience.Written December 14, 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
356 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
6
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Mike K
Lexington, MA18 contributions
Jun 2022
One of the best days of our cruise. Antonio is an exceptional guide. He is a life long resident of Matera and could not only tell us about the fascinating history and construction of the city, but also his personal and family experiences made it all the more real. He was very accommodating to the needs of four seniors on a very hot sunny day with lots of steps to negotiate. He took inside two extraordinary churches and spoke knowledgeably and interestingly about the history and art. He also arranged for a driver to/from our cruise ship in Bari - the driver was prompt and flexible to our needs.
An exceptional day with a uniquely qualified guide. Strongly recommended
An exceptional day with a uniquely qualified guide. Strongly recommended
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anel K
1 contribution
Jun 2023
Our guide Antonio possessed an undeniable enthusiasm for the subject matter, evident in every word and gesture. He effortlessly blended historical facts, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes, turning what could have been a mere tour into an engaging narrative. It was as if we were strolling through time, stepping into the shoes of the people who shaped the destinations we visited.
Written June 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally Taher
Jakarta, Indonesia39 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The tour was wonderful, and both my husband and I enjoyed it very much. The tour guide provided a very thorough and in-depth explanation of the history of Sassi Matera, including the architectural design of the homes and churches. We had plenty of time to look about the city while also taking in the scenery and listening to the guide's commentary. This trip comes highly recommended by us since it enlightens us on the history of the city and explains how it came to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover260329
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
A guided tour is a must-do when visiting Matera and we really enjoyed this walking tour which took about 3 hours. Our guide, Antonio, was a local and had extensive knowledge of the fascinating history of Matera. He was also very enthusiastic about sharing this visitors and gave us the option to visit one of the unique water cisterns, a furnished cave house and a chapel built into the caves. Matera is stunningly beautiful place, full of great restaurants, cafes and exclusive hotels. However, as a visitor it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the history of this special city. Highly recommend
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scottishmags
Stockport, UK36 contributions
May 2022
We really enjoyed the walking tour of Matera with Sara. It was a very hot day and the water we took with us was definitely needed! However there are various stops to enter caves and small museums where you have the chance for some shade.
Sara's English was excellent and she explained the history of the region very well and the way attitudes to living in Matera have changed over time. Havong been regarded as "The shame of Italy" in the 50s it's now a desirable and quite expensive place to live.
The huge water cisterns were amazing and the reconstruction of a cave dwelling very interesting. Definitely recommended.
Just a tip - access by car on a Sunday is restricted so allow plenty of time to find a parking spot and walk.
Sara's English was excellent and she explained the history of the region very well and the way attitudes to living in Matera have changed over time. Havong been regarded as "The shame of Italy" in the 50s it's now a desirable and quite expensive place to live.
The huge water cisterns were amazing and the reconstruction of a cave dwelling very interesting. Definitely recommended.
Just a tip - access by car on a Sunday is restricted so allow plenty of time to find a parking spot and walk.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avaleriote
Guelph, Canada3 contributions
I will rate this walking tour 10/10! Our tour guide was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. This tour made our stay in Matera much better because of the vast history we learned on the tour, it helped us appreciate our stay much more.
There was never a dull moment on the tour. I was with 5 members of our family and everyone enjoyed it.
Our tour guide grew up in the area, and we appreciated the pride he had in his town.
I would recommend this tour to anyone staying in Matera, there is so much history you will not know unless you do a tour like this.
There was never a dull moment on the tour. I was with 5 members of our family and everyone enjoyed it.
Our tour guide grew up in the area, and we appreciated the pride he had in his town.
I would recommend this tour to anyone staying in Matera, there is so much history you will not know unless you do a tour like this.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbcolson
Milan, Italy58 contributions
Jun 2022
We really enjoyed visiting Matera with Antonio!
He is a very professional guide: he knows how to make the visit both very interesting and fun.
I usually find guided tours a bit boring, but with Antonio the time passed quickly and pleasantly (even though the day was incredibly hot, with 40 degrees in the shade ...!) because he is very good at engaging customers.
Last but not least, his English is excellent!
He is a very professional guide: he knows how to make the visit both very interesting and fun.
I usually find guided tours a bit boring, but with Antonio the time passed quickly and pleasantly (even though the day was incredibly hot, with 40 degrees in the shade ...!) because he is very good at engaging customers.
Last but not least, his English is excellent!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet
Santa Cruz, CA9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We don’t normally do tour groups but decided that it would be fun to do to truly learn about the amazing old city of Matera, also known as Sassi. We are so glad we did. Our guide Antonio was from this area and his knowledge of the history was so intricate and interesting. He took us to many areas that we had not yet seen. We learned so much and it deepened our understanding of the long history of this area. We highly recommend this walking tour!
Written October 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sparkymarky2015
Reading, UK8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Matera is jaw-dropping with awesome views. The great benefit of having Antonio to guide us round was his phenomenal knowledge and the fact that he grew up in Matera and knows the Sassi and the caves intimately. He also has a brilliant sense of humour and brought the city alive for us with stories and anecdotes. Undoubtedly one of the best guides we have ever had on a city tour. Thanks Antonio!
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryce W
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Our walking tour was perfect! The weather in October was delightful and there weren't crowds of people. The host of our tour was informative and interesting, especially since he had grown up in Matera and had seen the evolution of the town. Without the tour, we may not have been able to see special finds, like the inside of a cistern. Matera is beautiful and I would recommend this tour to understand just how much history and wonder the town contains.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am reserving two spots on the tour of Matera, but just wanted to make sure the tour is in English. Parlo solo un po' di Italiano. :)
Written August 20, 2022
Yes: Antonio speaks a very good and fluent English
Written April 29, 2024
I am having trouble getting a response from this company but am keen to book a tour with them. Is it best to book through TA? I have emailed them twice with no response. Should I send a message via Whatsapp?
Anyone else having this trouble and how did you overcome it? Thank you!
Written May 5, 2019
I would like to know whether the tours begin in the city of Matera, near where the bus lets people off from Bari, or whether it is necessary to get to the Sassi to begin the tour. If it is necessary to get to the Sassi for the tour do buses run regularly from Matera to the Sassi?
Written April 21, 2019
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