Matera Sassi: Private Walking Tour with Cave Houses & Churches

Summary

Wander Matera’s stone labyrinths from piazzas to cave homes

You’ll trace Matera’s winding alleys from grand piazzas to shadowy cave churches with an expert guide who knows every corner. Touch rough tuff walls in Casa Cava, step inside a real cave house in Sasso Caveoso, and pause for sweeping views over ancient rooftops. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s feeling how old stones hold memory.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out into a place and the stones almost hum under your feet? That was Matera for me, right from Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Our guide, Lucia, waved us over — she had this easy way of weaving stories as we walked, pointing out little details I’d never have noticed (like the way old men nod at each other by the newsstand). The air smelled faintly of coffee and dust. We ducked into the Church of San Giovanni Battista first — I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Romanesque arches so battered yet proud. Lucia said “Apulian Romanesque is stubborn,” and I sort of got it.

Casa Cava was next, down a set of steps that felt cool after the sun. It used to be a quarry, but now it’s this echoey underground hall where you can almost hear picks against stone if you close your eyes. I touched the wall — rough tuff, gritty under my fingers. In Sasso Barisano, we stepped into Sant’Antonio Abate, one of those rock churches carved straight into the cliff. There was a moment when Lucia paused in silence before explaining its history — honestly, I liked that she didn’t rush. You could smell candle wax and something earthy inside.

The main keyword here is Sassi di Matera, but it’s really about wandering these winding lanes between old cave houses (the Casa Grotta was set up just like someone still lived there — even had an old iron bed). Via Madonna delle Virtù runs along this edge where city drops away into canyon; you get these wild views at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso that made me stop talking for once. There’s always some local passing by with a dog or groceries balanced on one hip — life goes on around all this history.

I probably butchered the name when I tried to thank Lucia in dialect at the end (she laughed), but I still think about how Matera felt both ancient and lived-in at every turn. If you’re up for three hours on foot with plenty of steps and stories, well… just bring good shoes and maybe leave space for silence now and then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private walking tour of Matera highlights

• Meet guide at Piazza Vittorio Veneto
• Visit Church of San Giovanni Battista
• Explore underground Casa Cava
• Visit Church of Sant'Antonio Abate in Sasso Barisano
• Admire troglodyte dwellings in Sasso Barisano
• Walk in Rione Sasso Caveoso
• Tour traditional Casa Grotta
• Stroll along Via Madonna delle Virtù
• Stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for views
• Visit Church of Madonna delle Grazie
• View Church of San Francesco d’Assisi exterior
• Explore historic Piazza del Sedile
• Admire Matera Cathedral exterior and views

Top questions

How long does the private Sassi di Matera tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours on foot through Matera’s historic districts.

Are entrance tickets included for Casa Cava and cave houses?

Yes, entry fees for Casa Cava and a traditional Casa Grotta are included in the tour price.

Where does the walking tour start in Matera?

The tour begins at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a central meeting point in Matera.

Is lunch or food included during the excursion?

No lunch is provided, but you receive a 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink in Piazza Duomo.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet their guide directly at Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Is this private tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour involves steps and uneven terrain; it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will we visit both Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso districts?

Yes, the guided walk covers both major Sassi districts including key sites in each area.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available near the meeting point in central Matera.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets to Casa Cava and a furnished cave house (Casa Grotta), guided walks through both Sassi districts with an expert local guide, entrance to two historic rock-hewn churches plus an extra stop at Madonna delle Grazie church — and there’s even a 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food & Drink waiting for you at Piazza Duomo.