Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 569 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock worth booking?
Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock is a 2-hour experience in Matera, Italy, from $23 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 569 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (569)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $23 per person
With an authorized guide you will visit the beauties of the historic center of Matera reaching, with a pleasant walk, places and breathtaking views.
What you get
About this experience
With an authorized guide you will visit the beauties of the historic center of Matera reaching, with a pleasant walk, places and breathtaking views.
What's included
Included
- Entrance House cave
- Entrance Church of Santa Maria De Idris San Giovanni in Monterrone
Not included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Meeting point Central Office in Via Don Minzoni, 13
Pass by without stopping
Start your journey in the heart of Matera from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the main squares of the city, meeting point of social and cultural life. From here, the walk through the old town allows you to admire historic buildings, churches and picturesque views that tell centuries of history. Each alley and square houses stories of everyday life, art and tradition, while the architecture and facades of the buildings show the evolution of the city over time. The local Guide will accompany you through alleys, squares and monuments, revealing curiosities, anecdotes and details that often escape those who visit the city unaccompanied. Walking through the portals, squares and cobbled streets, you can immerse yourself in the magic of the historic center of Matera, understanding the balance between daily life and artistic heritage. This experience allows you to experience the city with new eyes, discovering the authentic and timeless charm of Matera.
Pass by without stopping
Sasso Barisano
Experience Matera from a unique perspective with a guided tour of the Sasso Barisano viewpoint. From this elevated position you can admire the entire neighborhood with its fascinating interweaving of cave houses, cave churches and picturesque alleys. The Guide will tell you about the history, architecture and daily life of the people who inhabited this extraordinary context, revealing curiosities and details often hidden from visitors. Observing the Sasso Barisano from above allows you to understand its structure and charm without having to walk the narrow alleys, optimizing the time of the walk. The panoramic view offers perfect scenery for memorable photographs and prepares the way for a more in-depth visit of the caveous rock
10 minutes here
Church of Santa Maria de Idris
There will be a visit inside one of the most beautiful rock churches, the Church of Santa Maria di Idris.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Discover the authentic heart of Matera with a guided tour of the Sasso Caveoso, the most iconic part of the Sassi. Walking through the neighborhoods, ancient neighborhoods where families shared courtyards and common areas, the Guide will tell stories and curiosities that will immerse you in the daily life of the past. You will visit the underground oil mills, testimonies of peasant ingenuity and oil production, and the barbarian cemetery, a rare archaeological site that preserves memories and ancient tales. Every alley, courtyard and corner tells centuries of history, work and devotion, offering an authentic and engaging experience. Between panoramic views and hidden details, you can experience the true essence of the Sassi, understand the culture of Matera and bring with you unique memories of a place without equal.
Pass by without stopping
Antica Matera Casa Grotta
Visit the typical Casa Grotta di Matera and immerse yourself in the daily life of its inhabitants until the 1950s. This fascinating cave environment, furnished with original objects and traditional tools, tells how families lived in the narrow caves carved into the rock. Walking through rooms, kitchens and inner courtyards, you will discover the secrets of domestic life, survival strategies and habits that have characterized centuries of Matera history. The Guide will reveal stories, anecdotes and curiosities that make each corner unique and suggestive, allowing you to fully understand the culture and traditions of the Sassi. The visit to the Casa Grotta offers an authentic, emotionally engaging experience, and a unique opportunity to relive the city’s past firsthand, among genuine environments, original details and an atmosphere that still retains the charm of a time long gone.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Matera
Agency Passi nei Sassi
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Guided Tour in Italian
Entrances Museums: House Cave of rural civilization Rock Church of Santa Maria de Idris San Giovanni al Monterrone
Tour in Spanish
Museum entrances: Neighborhood cave house Rock Church Santa Maria de Idris San Giovanni al Monterrone
German language tour
Tours in German Museum entrances: Entrance to the Rock Church of Santa Maria de Idris and San giovanni al Monterrone Entrance House cave museum of civilization
Tour in english
Entrances Museums: House Cave of rural civilization Rock Church of Santa Maria de Idris San Giovanni al Monterrone
Tour in French Language
Museum entrances: House cave of peasant civilization Rock Church of Santa Maria de idris San Giovanni al Monterrone
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Passi nei Sassi
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 566 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
566 verified traveler reviews for Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exceptional Tour of the 2 Sassi’s in Matera
Great tour of the 2 Sassi. With Google Maps not being very easy to navigate through the city, it is a must to have a knowledgeable guide. We were able to visit both Sassis in Marera and understand the history, living conditions, culture, and find our way around. Must do!
via Viator
Must do in Matera
We had an intimate private tour as my husband and I were the only ones on the tour. We had less than 24 hours in Matera and wanted to get the most of it. Our ( nice middle age lady) she is a local, her folks have lived in Matera forever Great to hear the history of this mystical village, pictures and words do not do it right justice. Our guide was very informative, and patient. Excellent English made it easy to understand.
Response from the operator: Dear Norma, thank you for choosing Passi nei Sassi during your visit to Matera! We are delighted that your guide’s local knowledge, clear English and patient approach helped you and your husband make the most of your time and discover the history of the Sassi. Thank you for recommending the experience. We hope to welcome you back for a longer stay! Warm regards, Passi nei Sassi
via Viator
Matera tour with Lorrenza
Amazing tour of Matera. Our guide Lorrenza was very knowledgeable and helpful and answered all our queries. Good pace and length of tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing tour with Lorenza and that her knowledge, pace, and willingness to answer all your questions made the experience so enjoyable. Sharing the wonders of Matera at just the right pace is always our goal. We hope to welcome you back again on your next visit to Basilicata! Warmest regards, **Passi nei Sassi**
via Tripadvisor
If you are looking for a great walking tour, this is a great choice.
A very nice, informative, well paced walking tour through Matera and its history. Well worth the time.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your great review! We are delighted to hear that you found the tour well-paced, informative, and worth your time. Helping our guests discover the rich history and beauty of Matera in an enjoyable way is always our top priority. We hope to welcome you back again on your next visit to Basilicata! Warmest regards, Passi nei Sassi
via Tripadvisor
Great insights with Lorenza
Our tour with Lorenza was excellent. She took us to some interesting spots around Matera that we would not have discovered by ourselves and not known the significance of as well. Very knowledgeable and able to answer a variety of questions. Challenged our group with questions and which led to more interesting insights of the area. Local knowledge of area for post tour activities also very helpful. Would book with again.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this amazing review! We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed exploring Matera with Lorenza. It is wonderful to know that her interactive approach, rich knowledge, and local recommendations made your visit so insightful and memorable. Helping you discover those hidden gems and their true significance is exactly what we strive for! We look forward to welcoming you back again on your next trip to Basilicata. Warmest regards, Passi nei Sassi
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $23 to $35
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 199
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Passi nei Sassi, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.0.
See everything Passi nei Sassi runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Matera.
How much does Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock cost?
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Prices start at $23 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Matera usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Matera is not rushed.
Is Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 569 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Matera, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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Around 199 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Matera can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Matera and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Matera within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Matera?
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On Outty we rank every Matera experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour, Tour in the Sassi of Matera with Casa Grotta and Rock Church, Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - PREMIUM GUIDES. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Matera?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Matera?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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Included: Entrance House cave; and Entrance Church of Santa Maria De Idris San Giovanni in Monterrone. Not included: Bottled water; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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Agency Passi nei Sassi Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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Across 569 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Guided Tour in Italian, Tour in Spanish, German language tour, Tour in english. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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