Parco della Murgia Materana
Parco della Murgia Materana
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- himalheidi1Skipton, United Kingdom153 contributionsWell worth the effortAfter passing through the barriers that might be meant to block access…. A steep path zigzags down to the river (sturdy footwear needed - this is not a path for sandals), across the “Tibetan Bridge” and back up again on the other side to the rock church and view points across to Matera, past some old cave dwellings. There are various paths options snaking up, with the most trodden one the signposted 406. Take plenty of water!Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 8, 2023
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia17,664 contributionsAmazing views of Matera valleyWhile the Sassi Matera village is the main star, the valley around the town is not to be missed. Across the gorge one can see hundreds of cave dwelling scattered all over the hills. These are the oldest ones dating back to BC. They remind on Cappadocia on a smaller scale. You can take a hiking guided tour or admire them from Sassi viewpoints.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
- Anuj_MithaniMumbai, India3,894 contributionsTerrific hikeWe enjoyed this half day hike across the ravine to get to the top of the hill at the belvedere offering the most stunning view of Matera. It's important to have proper fottwear, the initial descent from Matera itself into the ravine is tricky with uneven surfaces and loose rock - our host even recommended walking sticks which proved helpful. After you cross the bridge, the ascent is relatively easy till you get to the top. Ensure you carry caps and water/snacks - the bright sun with little or no tree cover all the way can be harsh. You take the same route back - and budget at least 3 hours for the whole trek (incl return), preferably starting early to avoid crowds..Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 3, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Richard Wong
Hong Kong, China50 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
The view of Matera was stunning and rewarding once you get to the top. There were rock churches and sites, and explanatory signs in Italian and English.
Tip: in summer days, avoid hiking from 12am to 4:30pm, the hottest period.
Tip: in summer days, avoid hiking from 12am to 4:30pm, the hottest period.
Written July 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.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,664 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
While the Sassi Matera village is the main star, the valley around the town is not to be missed. Across the gorge one can see hundreds of cave dwelling scattered all over the hills. These are the oldest ones dating back to BC. They remind on Cappadocia on a smaller scale.
You can take a hiking guided tour or admire them from Sassi viewpoints.
You can take a hiking guided tour or admire them from Sassi viewpoints.
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.
viking682018
York, UK4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Channel your inner mountain goat, take the exhilarating but risky path from via Madonna.The view is worth it.No wonder cinema directors have used this as a stand in for the Holy Land. I would have respected 007 more if he had attempted the climb to the top of the gorge. If you can’t face the walk back there’s a Miccolis bus back to the bus station.
Written April 24, 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.
himalheidi1
Skipton, UK153 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
After passing through the barriers that might be meant to block access….
A steep path zigzags down to the river (sturdy footwear needed - this is not a path for sandals), across the “Tibetan Bridge” and back up again on the other side to the rock church and view points across to Matera, past some old cave dwellings. There are various paths options snaking up, with the most trodden one the signposted 406.
Take plenty of water!
A steep path zigzags down to the river (sturdy footwear needed - this is not a path for sandals), across the “Tibetan Bridge” and back up again on the other side to the rock church and view points across to Matera, past some old cave dwellings. There are various paths options snaking up, with the most trodden one the signposted 406.
Take plenty of water!
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.
Ellen664
Toronto, Canada63 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Phenomenal afternoon enjoying the hike across. Breathtaking views to be enjoyed along the way and once on the other side and at the top of course as well.
Did some reading beforehand and went well prepared, brought lunch, water and wearing good solid shoes made this hike a memorable one in the good sense. Saw several people slip and even fall..the very few first steps onto the path give you a good idea of what's ahead.
Did some reading beforehand and went well prepared, brought lunch, water and wearing good solid shoes made this hike a memorable one in the good sense. Saw several people slip and even fall..the very few first steps onto the path give you a good idea of what's ahead.
Written March 12, 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.
daymoLiverpool
Liverpool, UK913 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
I got the special bus which is located right by the train station in Matera - the special bus goes every half hour and costs 1.50 Euros each way so 3 Euros return. The journey takes about 15 mins on the bus and it’s quite a nice ride. The bus leaves each way every half hour.
You should bring supplies with you water and nibbles as there was no shop up there and no real place for shade. It had some great places to go exploring and take amazing panoramic views over the Sassi side. I loved being up it was very quiet and so a nice place to get the views over Matera. There is some gorgeous wildflowers growing and nice places to go searching.
You should bring supplies with you water and nibbles as there was no shop up there and no real place for shade. It had some great places to go exploring and take amazing panoramic views over the Sassi side. I loved being up it was very quiet and so a nice place to get the views over Matera. There is some gorgeous wildflowers growing and nice places to go searching.
Written May 2, 2018
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.
Persephone1977
Oxford, UK16 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I had realised, the day I arrived in Matera, that this walk should be undertaken during the cooler parts of the day. However, it was still incredibly hot (for a Brit, at least) at 7am, when I chose to descend into the valley. There was a lovely breeze - especially lower down - however, so things weren't so bad. I question my wisdom in going when there were so few people around (I'd have been in trouble if I'd had an accident) but I really wanted to get on with it.
Getting down was harder work than getting back up and I ended up doing some of it on my behind because it was pretty precarious. I saw some people in skirts and dresses trying to get down to the stream but I think you need some bits of proper walking gear if you want to do this walk completely safely. You really do need a good pair of trainers, at least, and if I did it again, I'd be sure to have walking boots. The terrain is uneven and slippery, in places, so although my trainers didn't let me down, I'd have been better off with more solid footwear. There is also quite a lot of broken glass on the route, sadly, so you need protection from that.
I made it up to some of the caves and enjoyed the solitude there, which was why I'd chosen to visit early. I won't attempt to describe how it feels to look across to Matera, whilst sitting there. It was simply a unique experience. The valley is filled with sounds from building works going on in the city but that, somehow, adds poignancy to the place, despite the discordant noises.
The flora and fauna made this a very pleasant experience. There was a huge number of beautiful dragonflies and lots of lizards to keep me company. Wild thyme grows along the route, too.
This was hard work (I'm not a seasoned walker) but worth it. My legs certainly got a good workout. I imagine it would be almost impossible to do if you have knee or hip joint problems.
Safety / convenience things to look out for:
1. Go during the cooler parts of the day.
2. Take plenty of water.
3. Wear full-length trousers if you want to avoid scratches and scrapes to your legs. I didn't and I'm covered in marks.
4. Some kind of fingerless gloves will make the journey easier. There is broken glass and there are some scratchy plants but you may need to support yourself, at times, by putting your hands to the ground.
5. You may have to have a manicure afterwards. This was hard on my nails!
6. The bridge is perfectly robust but it wobbles a lot! I didn't like it and took two attempts to make the first crossing. I had to be very self-encouraging to get across and probably looked ridiculous talking myself from one side to the other. It doesn't look like a big deal to most people but if you have a little vertigo, you may need to steel yourself for this.
7. Be prepared to take your time. If this was in the UK, there would be all sorts of rails, fences, signs and supports around but one of the charms of this place is that it's been left as natural as possible and this comes with a few potential dangers. Prevention will possibly mean saying goodbye to your dignity for a while if you want to complete the walk as safely as possible.
8. I would be concerned about taking a small child.
Getting down was harder work than getting back up and I ended up doing some of it on my behind because it was pretty precarious. I saw some people in skirts and dresses trying to get down to the stream but I think you need some bits of proper walking gear if you want to do this walk completely safely. You really do need a good pair of trainers, at least, and if I did it again, I'd be sure to have walking boots. The terrain is uneven and slippery, in places, so although my trainers didn't let me down, I'd have been better off with more solid footwear. There is also quite a lot of broken glass on the route, sadly, so you need protection from that.
I made it up to some of the caves and enjoyed the solitude there, which was why I'd chosen to visit early. I won't attempt to describe how it feels to look across to Matera, whilst sitting there. It was simply a unique experience. The valley is filled with sounds from building works going on in the city but that, somehow, adds poignancy to the place, despite the discordant noises.
The flora and fauna made this a very pleasant experience. There was a huge number of beautiful dragonflies and lots of lizards to keep me company. Wild thyme grows along the route, too.
This was hard work (I'm not a seasoned walker) but worth it. My legs certainly got a good workout. I imagine it would be almost impossible to do if you have knee or hip joint problems.
Safety / convenience things to look out for:
1. Go during the cooler parts of the day.
2. Take plenty of water.
3. Wear full-length trousers if you want to avoid scratches and scrapes to your legs. I didn't and I'm covered in marks.
4. Some kind of fingerless gloves will make the journey easier. There is broken glass and there are some scratchy plants but you may need to support yourself, at times, by putting your hands to the ground.
5. You may have to have a manicure afterwards. This was hard on my nails!
6. The bridge is perfectly robust but it wobbles a lot! I didn't like it and took two attempts to make the first crossing. I had to be very self-encouraging to get across and probably looked ridiculous talking myself from one side to the other. It doesn't look like a big deal to most people but if you have a little vertigo, you may need to steel yourself for this.
7. Be prepared to take your time. If this was in the UK, there would be all sorts of rails, fences, signs and supports around but one of the charms of this place is that it's been left as natural as possible and this comes with a few potential dangers. Prevention will possibly mean saying goodbye to your dignity for a while if you want to complete the walk as safely as possible.
8. I would be concerned about taking a small child.
Written August 2, 2016
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.
sidder
West Chester, PA647 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We had a lovely morning hike in the Parco. Here are a few thoughts:
1. Entry along stairs gives an idea of the grade.
2. The suspension bridge at the bottom of the valley is an easier destination and provides interesting view of the old town
3. After crossing the bridge, follow the hike to the top of the other side of the ravine. Follow pathway toward Sassi, and then down again so that you can see the carved out caves, follow path down to bridge.
4. Budget about 2 hours to walk the loop
1. Entry along stairs gives an idea of the grade.
2. The suspension bridge at the bottom of the valley is an easier destination and provides interesting view of the old town
3. After crossing the bridge, follow the hike to the top of the other side of the ravine. Follow pathway toward Sassi, and then down again so that you can see the carved out caves, follow path down to bridge.
4. Budget about 2 hours to walk the loop
Written June 30, 2016
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.
Titus D
Sri Lanka6,910 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
This is really something to do when visiting Matera and it is an extraordinary place. The nature around is beautiful and it's a fine experience to walk there to visit the remains but also to enjoy the view of beautiful Matera from the other side. We loved it.
This area and Matera itself is a photographers paradise, there are so many spectacular views, not to mention the ancient cave houses that pepper the limestone surroundings.A walk down into the ravine is a must for any visitor to Matera.
Along the way, check out the ancient caves, then look back to the incredible views of the Sassi. It is quite an easy walk with a small amount of climbing at the finish. Pull into the restaurant at the top of the path for a refreshment and recovery break.
From the city, walking out into the park looks complicated and strenuous. While it's definitely more than a stroll, the park is actually quite easy to navigate and it's not very hard to get to a magnificent view very quickly.
There is a bridge of rocks that takes you easily across the water. From there, there are paths that crisscross the hills and take you wherever you want to go.
Getting lost is not a worry because you can see everything around. I went up to the rocks across from the Sasso Barisano as there is no road that can take you to this spot by car.
At the top there was a cave church and a cave that were very neat to see. Mostly though, the view of Matera is spectacular.
I found directions in my lonely planet guide book telling me to take the stairs from a certain monastery that I could not find in google maps. Altereno Cafe is in the same spot (maybe in the building of the old Monastary.
You take the path down the near rim of the ravine. When you hit the floor you can go left or right, if you want to go up to the rim closer to Sasso Caveosa where you can see a lot of caves / grottoes up at the rim, go right and find a place to cross the river (there are no bridges, but there are places where the rocks make it easy to cross) you can then take one of two switchback paths up the far rim of the ravine.
To get to the rim closer to Sassp Barisano, take a left when you hit the floor of the ravine and follow the trail around the curve of the river. It is well worth a visit. You can then walk anywhere you fancy. Take care as there are some very steep drops.
This area and Matera itself is a photographers paradise, there are so many spectacular views, not to mention the ancient cave houses that pepper the limestone surroundings.A walk down into the ravine is a must for any visitor to Matera.
Along the way, check out the ancient caves, then look back to the incredible views of the Sassi. It is quite an easy walk with a small amount of climbing at the finish. Pull into the restaurant at the top of the path for a refreshment and recovery break.
From the city, walking out into the park looks complicated and strenuous. While it's definitely more than a stroll, the park is actually quite easy to navigate and it's not very hard to get to a magnificent view very quickly.
There is a bridge of rocks that takes you easily across the water. From there, there are paths that crisscross the hills and take you wherever you want to go.
Getting lost is not a worry because you can see everything around. I went up to the rocks across from the Sasso Barisano as there is no road that can take you to this spot by car.
At the top there was a cave church and a cave that were very neat to see. Mostly though, the view of Matera is spectacular.
I found directions in my lonely planet guide book telling me to take the stairs from a certain monastery that I could not find in google maps. Altereno Cafe is in the same spot (maybe in the building of the old Monastary.
You take the path down the near rim of the ravine. When you hit the floor you can go left or right, if you want to go up to the rim closer to Sasso Caveosa where you can see a lot of caves / grottoes up at the rim, go right and find a place to cross the river (there are no bridges, but there are places where the rocks make it easy to cross) you can then take one of two switchback paths up the far rim of the ravine.
To get to the rim closer to Sassp Barisano, take a left when you hit the floor of the ravine and follow the trail around the curve of the river. It is well worth a visit. You can then walk anywhere you fancy. Take care as there are some very steep drops.
Written February 7, 2018
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.
Me_n_my_rucksack
Yorkshire, UK6,100 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Having been attracted to come to Matera not only by its fascinating history, but also by the chance to get some atmospheric photos of the place I was dissapointed by the fact that arriving by car there were no views of the gorgeous old town.
Did a bit of reasearch and found that this park is the place to go. You can hike down from the old town and cross a small footbridge or get to some excellent viewpoints by car (Leave Matera on the SS& heading for Taranto and a few Km out of town theres a small turning to the right to Belvedere Church or Belvedere point or something with Belvedere in it..... Anyway follow that small road upwards and eventually theres a free car park and voila - views !
We spent ages here admiring the old town and gettinp photographs - its very rocky and as its a steep sided valley there are very dangerous precipices so i would be fairly carefull when pottering about.
Our abiding memory of Matera.
Did a bit of reasearch and found that this park is the place to go. You can hike down from the old town and cross a small footbridge or get to some excellent viewpoints by car (Leave Matera on the SS& heading for Taranto and a few Km out of town theres a small turning to the right to Belvedere Church or Belvedere point or something with Belvedere in it..... Anyway follow that small road upwards and eventually theres a free car park and voila - views !
We spent ages here admiring the old town and gettinp photographs - its very rocky and as its a steep sided valley there are very dangerous precipices so i would be fairly carefull when pottering about.
Our abiding memory of Matera.
Written June 26, 2016
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.
se sono visitabili le chiese di san falcione , di madonna delle tre porte e di sa vito
FatAl84
Guidonia Montecelio, Italy14,807 contributions
no, chiuse
Valentina T
6 contributions
Visiterò matera vorrei dei consigli su dove portare i bambini e se mi aiutate ad avere un itinerario visto che ci starò solo due giorni
Osvaldo M
San Mauro Torinese, Italy373 contributions
Consiglio per due giorni di soggiorno a Matera. Utilizzare una delle Agenzie Viaggi (noi abbiamo utilizzato Altieri Viaggi) con visita guidata a piedi per vedere il Sasso Barisano e il Sasso Caveoso; durata 2 o 3 ore ma veramente ben spese con spiegazioni e ingressi nelle chiese rupestri e case grotta. Il resto della giornata passeggiare per la città alla scoperta di vicoli e punti panoramici come la Piazza del Duomo oppure il Parco del Castello di Tramontano dove i bambini si possono divertire e gli adulti osservare un panorama diverso di Matera.
Il giorno successivo visita al Parco della Murgia Materana, sempre con guida, per ammirare lo spettacolare panorama di Matera dal "Golgota" di Mel Gibson e visita alla chiese rupestri affrescate. Ci si và in autobus e la visita è anche quì di circa due ore.
Giorgia g
2 contributions
Salve è indispensabile andare con una guida o ci si può organizzare da soli ? Ci devo andare fra poco ma non ho molti giorni a disposizione. Ho già la guida per il tour di Matera ma mi faceva piacere una passeggiata nella Murgia per il panorama .
gianni_rang1
Udine, Italy1,034 contributions
Potenzialmente si può andare da soli, ma il terreno impervio e la mancanza di sentieri messi su carta rende difficoltosa la gita. Meglio agire in sicurezza girando con una guida. Al buio poi è anche difficile orientarsi e si può finire in qualche buco...
In ogni caso bella gita...
Divertitevi!!!
Come posso arrivare a piedi al Parco della Murgia dal centro di Matera (lato Sassi)?
È previsto un biglietto di ingressograzie.
donatella lussi
Brescia, Italy22 contributions
Non è previsto un biglietto,sul posto c'è qualcuno disponibile a fare da guida e a cui si dà una pancetta volentieri,per arrivarci è necessario àndare in auto facendosi aiutare dal navigatore
Margaret S
Napier, New Zealand554 contributions
A trip advisor post said that you can catch a bus from the Matera railway station across the ravine for E1.5 or E3 return. Has anyone recently done this? We've only a couple of hours and dont want a private driver at E100 and it seems that the walking track there is closed. Any updates before Sept 2019 would be appreciated
Fleur A
Sheffield, UK57 contributions
Yes we did this on Saturday 11 May. The bus only runs on Saturday and Sunday, it costs €1.50 each way and you can buy tickets on the bus. It leaves from the bus station and runs every 30 mins from 9am. It states “Belvedere” as destination. Well worth it!
MinervaRoma
Buenos Aires, Argentina379 contributions
Hola.
Voy con auto y llevo el equipaje en el baùl. Es seguro el parking?
JanexLamar
Blacksburg, VA57 contributions
daymoLiverpool, Thanks so much for this post! We are in Matera without a car, and want to do some walking in the Parco della Murgia Materana, but are frustrated because the path to the bridge is closed. There are dozens of "tourist information" places in town who would like to sell us a (quite expensive) tour there, many of which only spend 30 minutes in the park. We just want a ride over there, walk around, and a ride back! No "tourist information" place here has told us of this bus you mention.
If we go to Matera Centrale train station, can we find this bus? Can you tell me any more about what the bus is called, and when the last ride back to Matera Sassi Barisano might be?
If it had not been for your post, we would have missed one of the main things we have come to Matera for! Thanks again.
JanexLamar
Blacksburg, VA57 contributions
We eventually hired a guide for 100 euro to spend two hours, but his narrative was terrific, and he gave us access to three locked stone churches that have fantastic frescoes. He pointed out a bus to us as we were leaving the park- "That's the public bus you could have taken." It's possible he was not right about that- there was nothing we could do to find it.
Matthijs
The Hague, The Netherlands37 contributions
Next month I'll spend a couple of days in Matera. I've read that both the Ponte Tibetano and the path down the ravine (from Via Madonna delle virtù) are still closed.. I don't have a car and would like to visit Parco della Murgia Materana. Preferably without a guide so I can take all the time I want. Is there any way to reach the other side of the ravine on foot, or should I call a taxi?
Tiziana
Rome, Italy99 contributions
i apologize to you, but i read only today your question! It's too late for answer, in any case you can go to the murgia by feet, you can climb the mountain. In this way you can visit a lot of churches "chiese rupestri" located over the mountain.
j hope you loved Matera!!!
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Claim your listingParco della Murgia Materana - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Parco della Murgia Materana
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Parco della Murgia Materana:
- Guided Tour of Parco Murgia (From $27.42)
- Murgia Materana Park Tour (From $32.90)
- Sassi and Murgia walk by electric bike (From $28.13)
- Food and Wine Tour between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples (From $46.05)
- Photographic tour by minivan, the Sassi of Matera and the park of the Murgia of Matera. (From $27.42)
- Hotels near Parco della Murgia Materana:
- (0.01 mi) Vrbo Property
- (0.02 mi) Il Giardino di Eleonora Luxury Rooms
- (0.02 mi) Residence Sassi San Gennaro
- (0.02 mi) Casa Vetere
- (0.02 mi) Due Forni Rooms and Suites
- Restaurants near Parco della Murgia Materana:
- (0.01 mi) La Talpa
- (0.01 mi) Trattoria Braceria Bellavista di Fedele Manicone
- (0.02 mi) Pietra Viva
- (0.02 mi) Happy Hour O'llammord
- (0.03 mi) MeatLovers
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