4 Matera Cave Tours That Repay the Climb Down

1.Sassi Tour with Cave House and Rupestrian Church

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6,618 reviews · 2 hours · from $31Our pick

Walk Matera’s Sassi with a licensed guide, entering a traditional cave house and the rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Guides such as Maria, Lorenzo, Paola, and Giuseppe bring the old quarters to life with local stories, history, and humor. The route includes panoramic viewpoints, Sasso Caveoso, and Sasso Barisano.

“Excellent informative, interesting tour with a fabulous guide, Maria was superb, thank you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Guided Tour, Historic Center Sassi Rock Churches and Cave House

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $26Best value

Walk Matera’s historic center and both Sassi districts with a local English-speaking guide. See the Sasso Barisano viewpoint, enter Santa Maria de Idris and visit a furnished cave house that shows how families lived until the 1950s. Expect steps, cobbles, photo stops and about two hours on foot.

“Matera was a magical place and our guide Patrizzia was very knowledgeable, she explain all the history and was very patient answering all questions. 100% recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sassi di Matera: Guided Walking Tour with Cave House/Church

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 343 reviews · from $34

Walk Matera’s ancient Sassi with local guides such as Gaetano, Giuseppe, Cosimo, and Maria Teresa. Hear how families lived in cave homes, see a furnished dwelling and frescoed rock church, and learn about Matera’s films, UNESCO status, and revival. The tour runs in English or Italian for groups of 2 to 25.

“Our guide (Gaietano) was fantastic. So knowledgable but also entertaining and kind! His English was excellent. The tour was wonderful. Highly recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Caves and Rock Churches Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $28

Meet local guide Gaetano Campanile in Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso for a 2.5-hour English walk through Matera’s Sassi. Enter old cave homes, see St. Mary of Idris, learn how rainwater was collected, and follow Matera’s change from Italy’s shame to UNESCO-listed cultural treasure.

“Gaetano is an exceptional guide. His knowlegde and passion about Matera is amazing. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review