Matera Sassi: Open-Bus Tour with Cave House Entry & Views

Summary

Matera’s ancient Sassi by open-bus, cave dwellings and canyon views

You’ll ride an open-bus through Matera’s Sassi with an English-speaking guide, get entry to a traditional cave house, and enjoy free time in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso overlooking Gravina canyon. Expect ancient streets, local stories, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you finally sit down on the open bus and realize you’re about to roll through the Sassi of Matera? That happened fast for us — barely had time to check the map before our guide, Luca, started pointing out the old fortress up on the hill. He told us about Count Tramontano (who, apparently, wasn’t very popular — “not a nice guy,” Luca joked). The bus windows were wide open so you could smell stone dust and wild herbs drifting in from somewhere. I kept craning my neck because every corner looked older than the last.

The route twisted through narrow streets that felt too tight for a bus (but somehow we made it). We passed this big tuff sculpture called The Great Mother — I still remember how the sunlight hit her face, all soft and yellow. There was a quick stop at a church overlooking Sasso Barisano; bells echoing off the rock walls. And then suddenly we were right above the Gravina canyon — honestly, I didn’t expect that view to hit so hard. You see caves everywhere across the gorge. It’s quiet except for some distant voices bouncing around.

Piazza San Pietro Caveoso was our 40-minute stop. Everyone spilled out and wandered in different directions; I ended up just sitting on a low wall watching locals chat in bursts of dialect I couldn’t catch. There’s this sense of time stretching out here — maybe it was just me being tired or maybe it’s something about Matera itself. Our ticket included entry to a real cave house nearby (the floor felt cool under my shoes), with these old cisterns carved right into the rock. The guide inside explained how families lived here not so long ago; she laughed when someone asked about Wi-Fi.

By the end, I found myself thinking about all those layers underfoot — centuries of footsteps, rainwater trickling down into hidden tanks. The tour wrapped up but my mind kept wandering back to that first moment above the canyon, air sharp with sage and limestone dust. Hard to shake that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Panoramic tour of Matera's Sassi

• Hear story of Giovanni Carlo Tramontano
• Pass by Aragonese fortress
• Pass by The Great Mother sculpture
• Pass by historic place of worship
• Drive panoramic road in Sassi di Matera
• Stop 40 minutes at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
• Visit traditional cave house

Top questions

How long does the panoramic bus tour of Matera take?

The tour includes stops and lasts approximately 1 hour with a 40-minute break in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso.

Is there an English-speaking guide on the Sassi of Matera tour?

Yes, explanations are provided in both Italian and English by a tour leader on board.

Does the tour include entrance to a cave house?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to a typical cave house in Matera’s Sassi district.

Where does the main stop happen during the tour?

The main stop is in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for about 40 minutes, with around 25 minutes of free time.

Are animals allowed on this Matera bus tour?

Service animals are allowed; other animals require prior authorization and must have a muzzle if needed.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to the starting location.

Is this panoramic tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels as most travel is by open-bus with short walks.

Are toilets available at the agency or departure point?

No, there are no toilets at the agency—plan ahead before arriving for your tour departure.

What’s included

Your day covers an open-bus ride through Matera’s Sassi with commentary from an Italian and English-speaking guide, entry ticket to a traditional cave house dwelling (with its original cisterns), a map of Sassi for orientation, discounts at their agency shop on souvenirs or local products if you want them—and about 40 minutes’ stop in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso where you can wander or just soak up views before heading back.