Matera Sassi & Murgia Trek: Tibetan Bridge & Canyon Trail

Walk the suspended Tibetan Bridge between canyon walls, then climb to wild Murgia plateau

A guided trek through Matera starting in the Sassi's stone maze, descending into the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches via Trail 406, crossing the Tibetan Bridge suspended above the canyon, and climbing to the Murgia plateau to see rock-hewn sites and ancient carvings before returning by shuttle. The 2.5-hour route combines history, canyon landscape, and a single adrenaline moment on the bridge itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike through Matera and Murgia landscapes

• Start at the agency and gear up
• Explore Matera’s Sassi with guide
• Follow Trail 406 through canyon
• Cross the Tibetan Bridge
• Discover Murgia plateau flora and fauna
• Admire ancient rock-hewn sites
• Enjoy panoramic sunset view
• Return to Matera by shuttle

The experience

The trek begins inside Matera's Sassi (the ancient stone city carved into the hillside), where your guide leads you through its narrow passages until you reach Trail 406 at the canyon entrance. From there, the path descends into the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches, a landscape of rock formations, caves, and carved stone that opens up as you move deeper into the canyon. The views shift constantly: tight stone walls give way to wider vistas, and the silence of the place settles in as you walk.

The Tibetan Bridge is the single moment that breaks the rhythm. It's a suspended walkway strung between rock faces above the stream below: narrow enough that you feel the exposure, long enough that crossing it takes focus. On the far side, the Murgia plateau rises ahead, and the trek becomes a climb through untouched terrain where the flora and fauna are distinct from the lower canyon. Along the way, you'll stop at rock-hewn sites and pause to look at ancient carvings and paintings left by people who lived in these caves centuries ago. The guide points out what the stone tells you about who was here and how they lived.

The return happens at sunset, when the Sassi lights up across the valley: a moment to take in the scale of what you've walked through. A shuttle brings you back to the city center, and you leave with a 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food & Drink bar near the Cathedral if you want to eat after.

What’s included

• Certified guide in your chosen language.
• admission to the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches and access to the Tibetan Bridge.
• entry to Madonna delle Tre Porti and San Falcione rock churches.
• return shuttle transport to Matera city center.
• 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink bar.

Options for this experience

3 options

Italian-language shared tour14:30 and 16:00

English shared tour14:30 and 16:00

Spanish-language shared tour14:30 and 16:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:30 and 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Martulli Viaggi

Is this one for you?You need moderate to good fitness and trekking shoes, and you should arrive 15 minutes early to meet the guide at the office. The shared format means you'll trek with other guests, and the route is not suitable if you have vertigo, recent injuries, or cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

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.

What is the Tibetan Bridge like to cross?

The Tibetan Bridge is a suspended walkway strung between rock faces above the stream, narrow and exposed enough that crossing requires focus, but it is a single moment within the larger trek rather than a prolonged exposure.

How much climbing is involved in this trek?

The trek descends into the canyon first via Trail 406, then climbs up to the Murgia plateau on the far side of the bridge. It is described as a light trek, though the climb to the plateau is a real ascent after the bridge crossing.

What rock churches are included in the entry?

Admission to Madonna delle Tre Porti and San Falcione is included. Both are rock-hewn churches within the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches that you encounter along the route.

Do I need to bring my own water and snacks?

Yes, you should bring your own water and snacks. The trek does not include food or drinks, though you receive a 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food & Drink bar in Matera afterward if you want to eat in the city.

How long does the trek actually take?

The trek is scheduled for 2.5 hours, though the actual duration may vary depending on the sunset time, since the return to Matera is timed to coincide with dusk.