Free walking tours in Matera and what to see

Must-sees

Matera, in Basilicata, is famous for the Sassi, districts carved into the rock of a ravine that were lived in for centuries and are now a World Heritage Site. There are two, the Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso, separated by the Civita hill, crowned by the Romanesque cathedral. Among steps and alleys you will see cave dwellings, rock churches such as Santa Maria de Idris, carved into a crag, and viewpoints over the ravine.

To understand how people lived, go inside a cave house furnished in the traditional way. Beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto you can visit the Palombaro Lungo, a huge cistern that collected rainwater. Across the ravine stretches the Murgia Materana park, with dozens of rock churches and viewpoints facing the city. Outside Matera, the Crypt of Original Sin preserves medieval wall paintings.

Free tours and guided visits

Matera has no regular free walking tours, but there are plenty of guided tours of the Sassi and the city, in groups or private, and tuk-tuk tours for those who would rather not climb so many steps. There are also trips to the park of rock churches across the ravine and visits to the Crypt of Original Sin combined with an aperitivo.

How long to spend

In a day you can cover both Sassi, the Civita and the Palombaro Lungo, although your legs will feel it. Two days is ideal: one for the city and another for the Murgia park and the Crypt of Original Sin. Stay at least one night to see the Sassi lit up as evening falls.

Where to stay

The most special experience is sleeping in the Sassi, in hotels and guesthouses set in restored caves. Bear in mind that cars cannot get in and there are lots of steps, so travel light. If you prefer convenience, the upper town around Piazza Vittorio Veneto has hotels and apartments with car access a few minutes from the viewpoints.