Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 542 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 $26 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 542 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (542)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $26 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 english
Entrances Museums: House Cave of rural civilization Rock Church of 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 French Language
Museum entrances: House cave of peasant 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
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 542 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
542 verified traveler reviews for Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quide had no...
Quide had no personality.. I think they forget that this is our vacation and trying to experience it the best way we can in the heat.. She made it very uncomfortable experience
via Viator
Matera at sunset
We’ve taken dozens of day tours but our Matera English speaking guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge made this one of the best ever. I wish I remembered his name but he wore a turban. Great guide and very friendly.
via Viator
Thorough and very informative!
My husband and I did this tour at 5:30pm to avoid the intense August heat in Matera. Patrizia was our guide and she was excellent! Her knowledge of the city was incredible and we never felt rushed at any of the stops. We really felt like she wanted to share her passion and knowledge of beautiful, ancient Matera. Just be aware there are lots of steps. Patrizia was very careful and warned us before every potential hazard to ensure we didn’t rush or slip. Overall an excellent, thorough and beautiful tour. Grazie mille, Patrizia!
via Viator
Lovely Sassi Walk
Such an interesting and fun experience! Lorenza was so kind & informative. Highly recommend to anyone traveling to Matera!
via Viator
Matera walking tour;
Really , very little to see, went at a breakneck pace, and language was less then desirable. I have been on many Viator tours and usually are great. This one not so much.
Response from the operator: Good morning, we’re very sorry to read what you’ve written. You certainly did not choose one of our services. We have no record of a reservation under your name. Best regards, Saverio 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
- $26 to $35
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 190
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
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 $26 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 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 542 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 190 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 Tour in the Sassi of Matera with Casa Grotta and Rock Church, Sassi di Matera guided tour with Giulio, Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour. 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.
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