Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 68 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour worth booking?
Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour is a 2-hour experience in Matera, Italy, from $14 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 68 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (68)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $14 per person
This is an exciting tour. Through the stories of his family, Brunella manages to make you enter the past and make alive the History of the Stones, a story of sacrifice especially of redemption, just think that DA "Shame of Italy" in 2014 was proclaimed "European Capital of Culture 2019". They say about me: Hi I'm Clelia DA Bergamo. This visit was recommended DA a friend but I confirm.... DA do ....Our Guide Brunella managed to make me understand what I was seeing ... the reality of a life in those places that today are beautiful and unique to us but there is a whole why is a percome tell DA. Brunella was a fantastic Guide, who was able to give a familiar and personal touch to the history of the place and the people. Hearing stories of how his father and family had lived provided valuable context for the places we visited.
What you get
About this experience
This is an exciting tour. Through the stories of his family, Brunella manages to make you enter the past and make alive the History of the Stones, a story of sacrifice especially of redemption, just think that DA "Shame of Italy" in 2014 was proclaimed "European Capital of Culture 2019". They say about me: Hi I'm Clelia DA Bergamo. This visit was recommended DA a friend but I confirm.... DA do ....Our Guide Brunella managed to make me understand what I was seeing ... the reality of a life in those places that today are beautiful and unique to us but there is a whole why is a percome tell DA. Brunella was a fantastic Guide, who was able to give a familiar and personal touch to the history of the place and the people. Hearing stories of how his father and family had lived provided valuable context for the places we visited.
What's included
Included
- Authorized Guide
- entrance to cave house typically furnished
- entrance to the rock church
What you'll see and do
Sasso Barisano
From the Murgia departure by Vespa to enter the Sasso Barisano, overlooking the famous E. COLOMBO belvedere
15 minutes here · Admission included
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
Continue on your Vespa until you reach the beautiful Piazza di San Pietro Caveoso located inside the Sasso Caveoso, a historic and ancient part of the city in front of the caves of prehistory
Pass by without stopping
The Sasso Caveoso, which looks south towards Montescaglioso, recalls the shape of a theatre cavea, with the houses arranged in steps. Inside there are various neighborhoods, districts and districts
Pass by without stopping
Chiesa S. Francesco d'Assisi
The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi is a Baroque Catholic place of worship in Matera, located in the central Piazza San Francesco.
Pass by without stopping
Cathedral Basilica of Matera
The Cathedral of Matera, which has the official name of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bruna and St. Eustace, is the main place of Catholic worship in Matera, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina. The cathedral was built in Apulian Romanesque style in the 13th century on the highest spur of the Civita that divides the two Sassi.
Pass by without stopping
Chiesa Rupestre di San Giuliano o Madonna Delle Grazie
It is a beautiful frescoed Rock Church. The church of Madonna delle Grazie is located in the Via del Sasso Caveoso in Matera. The church was formerly named after St. Eustace. The entrance includes a terracotta bas-relief representing the Madonna and Child. The interior of the rock church has an imposing Baroque altar placed at the original iconostasis. Behind the altar we find a rock wall with several openings that lead to the sacristy; once there was the chancel. In the ceiling there are two carved domes and visible apse arches. On the right wall there is a Crucifixion, now ruined, under which there is a faded fresco. The figure of Christ is accompanied DA two angels and at the foot of it are: the Mother and John. On another wall is represented St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata. The corresponding wall, however, shows a painting of Saint Lucia.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Casa grotta del Casalnuovo
The Casa Grotta is the typical house of the Sassi built partially by digging into the rock and partially built. In the Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo you can experience a real house of the Sassi through its original furniture and the tools of daily use that the family that lived there used in everyday life until 1958. It is a real ethnographic collection, a small museum with objects of common use and work from the times when the Sassi were inhabited, before the depopulation that occurred in the fifties. Inside, the original rooms and furnishings of the house are reconstructed before the ancient districts were depopulated in the late 1950s.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Piazza del Sedile
The current Piazza del Sedile was called Piazza Maggiore until the 14th century, and there was space especially for commercial activity, with the headquarters of the Point of Sale. In 1550, according to some sources, the Saracen Bishop decided to build a palace intended to host the meetings of the city government. Around the Palazzo del Sedile a new form was given to the square itself, building (or modifying) some buildings, with the intention of hosting some functions of government of the city itself. Among others, the prisons were located in the Square, the seat of the Governor and the garrison. The Palazzo del Sedile and the Piazza underwent heavy alterations in 1779 that substantially gave the current shape to the square and the buildings that surround it. After the Unification of Italy and until 1944 the Palazzo del Sedile housed the seat of the Municipality. Later the palace was destined to a secondary seat of the Conservatory of Bari, then destined to become the Duni Conservatory of Matera.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Matera
Meet 5 minutes before at the Church of San Francesco D'Assisi, on the steps of the Church.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VIAGGI KARMA MATERA
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 68 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.
Traveler reviews
68 verified traveler reviews for Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful tour of Matera city
We really enjoyed the tour of Matera city. Our guide, Brunella, was excellent. Spoke very good English and gave us the wonderful history of the town, including her own personal link which was an amazing insight. Was mindful of everyone in the group and made sure everyone was comfortable. Pick up was easy and clear too. Would definitely recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Unmissable way to see Matera
Brunella told the story of Matera in a way that brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that we took the tour - it was a fascinating, incredible and emotional story of what we discovered is the third oldest city in the world!!
via Tripadvisor
Worth taking a guided tour
Pisanie I usually prefer exploring places on my own, but I had a feeling that Matera hides many stories and details that are easy to miss, so I decided to join a guided tour. It turned out to be a great decision. Brunella was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the history of the city easy to follow and genuinely interesting. She pointed out many details I would never have noticed on my own and was happy to answer all our questions. I would definitely recommend a tour with Brunella to anyone visiting Matera.
via Tripadvisor
Personal history
Brunella gave us a personal insight into the lives of people in Matera both past and present. And helped us to appreciate the history of the city
via Tripadvisor
Authentic and thorough tour of Sassi
Brunella was a lovely guide. It started off in the historic center and then she took us deeeeepp into the Sassi. We saw the most beautiful views, entered authentic caves/houses, and learned so much about the history of the landmark. Brunella was chill, has original ties to the area, and was super informative. 10/10, high recommend.
via Tripadvisor
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 24
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by VIAGGI KARMA MATERA, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 80.1.
See everything VIAGGI KARMA MATERA runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Matera.
How much does Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour cost?
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Prices start at $14 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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour 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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 68 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Matera, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour?
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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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour 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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour?
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Around 24 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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour 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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour?
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Included: Authorized Guide; entrance to cave house typically furnished; and entrance to the rock church. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour?
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Meet 5 minutes before at the Church of San Francesco D'Assisi, on the steps of the Church. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour offered in?
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It runs in Italian. 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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour?
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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 Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Matera. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Visit the Sassi of Matera with Brunella-exciting Sassi Tour?
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Across 68 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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