Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
An immersive experience to discover everything that makes Matera unique by discovering motherhood and trying to enter, even in the philosophy of life of this strange and unique city.
Along with me, Renato, or Gaetano, all licensed guides with a visceral passion and love for the city.
The city of Matera, with its ancient districts, is considered among the oldest in the world. An authentic open-air museum that describes with spectacular continuity the life of man from the Stone Age to the present day.
Tour not really tourist, step by step you will discover the history of the city, the stories and vicissitudes of those who lived in the Sassi in addition to art, architecture. a 360° analysis of Matera “Shame of Italy” and “World Heritage”.
You will also pass through some locations of the films 007; The Passion, W.Woman. the Group could have a maximum of 18 people. If necessary radios will be given to facilitate the tour
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
The tour develops through the most suggestive places and glimpses of ancient Matera passing through the: Sasso Caveoso and part of the Sasso Barisano. During this tour, visiting not really tourist spots, you will discover the history of the city step by step, for what reason until the beginning of the XXI century we didn't hear about Matera. Walking in the alleys you will enter the philosophy of the Matera listening also to the stories and the vicissitudes of those who lived in the Sassi of Matera besides art, anthropology, architecture and through a 360 ° analysis you will discover how Matera managed to go from the "Shame of Italy" to "World Heritage". It is not the classic tour where churches are visited, but the city is discovered through its own meanders. Besides me, Renato, you could be accompanied by: Sara, Domenico, Gaetano, guides who love Matera and the territory of the Sassi
Options
English tour
Starting point: Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Tour in Italian
What‘s Included
Entrance to the Diver
Visit to cave house
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,868 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An authentic tour with the expert
AlisonRowe,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour and authentic felt like I leant a lot from our expert guide was such a hot day so being in the caves was a relief
Great visit to Matera
amberblair27,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was such a highlight of our trip. Renato was the best. He has so much love and passion for Matera and it shows in his tour! I learned so much about the history of Matera. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Matera.
Renato was an excellent...
Laura W,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Renato was an excellent tour guide - friendly, fun and knowledgable. His family being from Matera gave him great insight to the human history of Matera.
If you visit Matera choose this guide.
Roland V,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour guide. Grandpa still lived in the caves. Beautiful stories. Matera comes alive because of him. Excellent to understand. He still speaks as loudly as his grandmother who communicated across the rooftops with the neighbors across the street, as it was at the time.
Fantastic to hear Renatos...
Helen G,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic to hear Renatos story about his family and Matera - highly recommend this tour very insightful
Marvellous tour. Highly recommended.
Julia B,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guitano was a fantastic guide. His wit and knowledge kept the small group enthralled. His explantion of the geography and history of the location of the Matera caves and valley were excellent. The jovial and kind nature of Guitano made the heat of the day pass by without feeling like we were in an oven. The variety of locations, stories and explanationa of life in the past was clearly shown throughtout the valley. I found the cave house fascinating and the Palombaro Lungo (undergeound water system) was really cool to see. The winding streets and maze of cave buildings, and amazing views across all angles gave a sense of wonder. There are plenty of instagram worthy views around each corner and at various squares. The church atop the rocky outcrop was very beautiful and dramatic. We suggest you wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat to help keep cool. We bought a locally made cuckoo whistle and limestone fridge magnet. The locally made foccacia from a small bakery was delicous. 10/10 tour as you would not know as many details without the excellent guidance of Guitano.
A must do in Matera, Renato brings Matera history to life
rob h,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Renato created a great tour of Matera. Great history information and stories. Highly recommend!!
Walking tour of Matera
Feliks S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00They should know that Viator was too cheap to get a proper flag for the guide where it clearly says VIATOR instead the flag had nothing related to VIATOR which caused us walking back and forth around piazza looking for our guide
Fantastic tour!
Laura D,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was so awesome. Very personable, spoke clearly, took us to many different and interesting locations and even showed us the home where his family used to live. Note: it can be very hot without much shade so bring a water bottle.
Awesome Tour!!!
MARIAREGINA R,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I LOVED the tour. Gaetano is a wonderful guide: knowledgeable, funny, gentle and easy going. I do recommend this tour as you learn about the history behind the wonderful Matera. Thanks Gaetano for your tour! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔝🔝🔝
Related Experiences
Operated by Renato Favilli - Guida Turistica Matera