Matera: Murgia Timone Sunset Walk & Belvedere Transfer

Matera’s wild edge, ancient caves and sunset over the Sassi

You’ll cross Matera’s wild canyons on foot with a local guide, step inside ancient rock churches carved into Murgia Timone, and catch sunset views over the Sassi from Belvedere. With transfers included and entry tickets sorted for you, it’s an easy way to see Matera’s untamed side, and feel part of its story for an evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided walking tour of Murgia Timone

• Meet group in Matera city center
• Board minivan to Rupestrian Churches Park
• Enter Murgia Timone archaeological area
• Explore ancient Neolithic village remains
• Visit Crypt of San Falcione church
• Visit Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte
• Cross Golgota hill filming location
• Enjoy sunset at Belvedere viewpoint
• Return to Matera city center by minivan

The experience

“Wait, that’s really a church?” I remember blurting out when our guide, Giulia, waved us into what looked like just another cave in Murgia Timone. She grinned: apparently this happens a lot. The inside smelled faintly of earth and old candle wax, and there were these faded frescoes on the wall that she said were Byzantine. I tried to imagine monks living here centuries ago, tucked away above the Gravina canyon. The air was cooler inside. Outside you could hear cicadas going at it nonstop. I kept thinking how close Matera was (you can see the Sassi right across the gorge), but it felt like another world entirely.

The transfer from Matera’s center only took about fifteen minutes, but by the time we stepped onto the stony trails of Murgia Timone, it felt like we’d left city life behind. Our group was small: a couple from Bari, two hikers from Germany, and me trying to keep up with Giulia’s stories about Neolithic people carving homes out of rock. She pointed out old cisterns and what used to be grain storage (I wouldn’t have guessed). At one point we stopped for water near Golgota hill: yes, the same one from “The Passion of the Christ.” Someone tried quoting Mel Gibson but forgot half the line. Everyone cracked up. The sun started dipping lower then, turning everything gold except for these stubborn blue shadows in the caves.

I still think about that view from Belvedere. There’s this moment when all of Matera lights up in that soft orange glow, not flashy or anything, just quietly beautiful. People went quiet for a bit (even the talkative guy from Bari). It wasn’t cold yet but you could feel evening coming on your skin. Afterward we piled back into the minivan for the ride back to town: dusty shoes and all. If you’re even slightly curious about Matera’s wild side or want to see those famous Sassi from a new angle, this day trip is worth it. Just don’t try pronouncing “Madonna delle Tre Porte” too fast if you’re not Italian… trust me.

What’s included

Your day includes shared pickup and return transfers from Matera city center, entry tickets for both Murgia Timone protected area and its rupestrian churches (like San Falcione and Madonna delle Tre Porte), plus guidance throughout by a certified local expert. You’ll also get a discount coupon for drinks or snacks at MòVado Food & Drink bar after returning to town.

Options for this experience

6 options

Join-in Tour Italian15:00

English Private Tour15:00Off-season pricing

Spanish Private Tour15:00Off-season pricing

See 3 more options

Join-in Tour EnglishAvailable from 1 Apr 2027

Join-in Tour SpanishAvailable from 1 Apr 2027

Private tour English/SpanishAvailable from 1 Apr 2027Tour with a dedicated guide

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Infant (4 to 14 years): free · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Martulli Viaggi

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (4 to 14 years): free. Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Matera Murgia Timone sunset tour last?

The tour timing varies depending on sunset but generally takes several hours including transfers.

Is transfer from Matera city center included?

Yes, round-trip shared transfer from Matera city center is included in the experience.

Are entry tickets to Murgia Timone and churches included?

Yes, entry tickets to Murgia Timone area and rupestrian churches are included.

What will I see on this day trip to Murgia Timone?

You’ll visit ancient Neolithic village remains, San Falcione crypt, Madonna delle Tre Porte church with frescoes, Golgota hill, and Belvedere viewpoint.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a certified local guide leads the entire walking tour.

Does this include any food or drinks?

No meals are included but you get a 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo.