Matera Sassi: Cave House, Cathedral & Rock Churches Tour

Summary

Walk Matera’s winding Sassi streets, step inside a cave home, hear stories of lost traditions and see the city’s ancient rock churches

You’ll wander Matera’s labyrinthine Sassi with a local guide, step inside an ancient cave house and feel its history under your feet, visit both the cathedral and one of Matera’s iconic rock churches (entry included), and catch glimpses of everyday life past and present in these winding stone streets.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually live inside stone walls? That was my first thought as we ducked into the Sassi of Matera, following our guide Paolo — who seemed to know everyone in town. The air had that cool, chalky smell you get in old cellars. Kids zipped past us playing soccer on uneven cobbles. Paolo pointed out faded handprints on a doorway and said they were good luck charms from decades ago. I liked that — made the place feel lived-in, not just old.

The cathedral surprised me. Outside it looks almost stern, but inside there’s this hush that settles over you. Sunlight slipped through high windows and caught bits of dust swirling above the pews. Paolo explained how every July the whole city celebrates the Madonna della Bruna — he mimed the parade with his hands and grinned when I tried (and failed) to repeat “Bruna” with the right accent. After that, we wandered through narrow alleys to a cave house. It was smaller than I expected; rough stone underfoot, patched blankets on a wooden bed, tools hanging by the door. Standing there, I tried to picture living here with goats and kids running around — honestly can’t imagine doing it myself.

We visited one of Matera’s famous rock churches next — Madonna di Idris if you’re lucky with access (sometimes they switch it up). The walls are cool to touch, painted with faded saints staring back at you. There was this moment when everyone fell silent for no reason at all; maybe just trying to listen for something left behind in the stones. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Walking back through Sasso Caveoso, Paolo stopped by five bronze statues — young couples frozen mid-flirtation from another era. He told us how people here used to court each other with shy glances and tiny gifts instead of texts or emojis (Li laughed at that). By then my shoes were dusty and my head full of odd details: bread ovens carved into walls, cats darting between alleyways… Not everything made sense right away but that felt sort of right for Matera.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Matera's historic sites

• Walk through Sasso Caveoso streets
• See five bronze statues of young lovers
• Visit the Cathedral of Matera
• Enter a cave house and neviera
• Visit rock church of Madonna di Idris

Top questions

How long does the Sassi di Matera tour last?

The tour typically lasts several hours as you visit multiple sites within Matera's historic center.

Is entrance to the Cathedral included?

Yes, your ticket includes entrance to Matera's Cathedral.

Are headphones provided for large groups?

If your group has more than 10 people, headphones are provided so everyone can hear the guide clearly.

Which rock church is visited during the tour?

The tour aims for Madonna di Idris; if it's inaccessible, another significant rock church like Santa Lucia alle Malve or Holy Spirit is substituted.

Is this tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and allows infants or small children in strollers.

Are entry tickets included in the price?

Yes, entry tickets for both rock churches and the historic cave house are included.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour starts in Matera.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through Matera’s Sassi districts with all entry fees covered: you’ll get access to both main rock churches (like Madonna di Idris), entrance into a traditional cave house on Vico Solitario, plus admission to the Cathedral. If your group is larger than ten people you’ll also have headphones so you don’t miss any stories along those echoing stone streets.