Matera: Sassi Walking Tour, Film Sites & Local Stories

Summary

Walk Matera’s ancient alleys, hear Sassi stories and film tales

You’ll walk through Matera’s ancient Sassi with a local guide who knows every alley and story. Hear about movie sets, meet locals along the way, and touch stone walls older than most cities. This isn’t a checklist tour — it’s more like wandering with someone who loves their city deeply.

What’s the experience like?

We started right in the heart of Matera, no big intro — just our guide Renato waving us over with this easy grin. The stones underfoot were still cool from the night, and I could smell coffee drifting out from somewhere (I never did find which window). Renato led us into the Sasso Caveoso first — he called it “the soul of Matera” — and honestly, it felt like stepping into someone else’s memory. He kept pointing out tiny details: old cave doors, faded laundry lines, even how the walls change color as the sun moves. At one point he stopped mid-sentence to greet an older woman passing by; they chatted in dialect for a minute before he turned back to us laughing, “She says we’re blocking her shortcut.” I liked that.

I didn’t expect to talk so much about movies on a day trip to Matera from Bari — but apparently these winding alleys have seen James Bond chase scenes and biblical epics. Renato showed us where they filmed 007 and The Passion (he even had a photo on his phone of the set). It’s strange seeing places you half-recognize from films but then realizing real families lived here not so long ago. There was this moment in Sasso Barisano when he told us about Matera being called “the Shame of Italy” — his voice dropped a bit, and you could feel that history sitting heavy in the air. Not dramatic or anything, just honest.

We didn’t do churches or museums; instead we ducked down little side streets where you could run your hand along stone that’s older than Rome. Sometimes Renato would pause to let us catch up or just listen — you could hear birds echoing off the cliffs and kids shouting somewhere above. It wasn’t rushed at all. Radios helped when we spread out (the group was maybe 12 people), but mostly it felt like walking with someone who knew every story behind every chipped doorstep. I still think about that view looking back over the rooftops — light catching on all those uneven tiles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ancient Matera's historic districts

• Walk through Sasso Caveoso
• Explore part of Sasso Barisano
• Discover history of Matera
• Learn about life in the Sassi
• Hear stories of past residents
• Study art, anthropology, architecture
• Understand Matera's transformation
• Pass by film locations

Top questions

How long is the Matera walking tour?

The tour covers key areas of Sasso Caveoso and part of Sasso Barisano; exact duration isn’t specified but expect a relaxed pace with plenty of stops.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the information provided.

Are entrance fees included in the tour?

Yes, entrance to the Diver is included in your booking.

Will we visit churches or museums?

No, this tour focuses on exploring Matera’s alleys and stories rather than visiting churches or museums.

How many people are in each group?

The group can have up to 18 people; radios are provided if needed for larger groups.

Does the tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Who leads the tours in Matera?

Tours are led by licensed guides such as Renato, Sara, Domenico, or Gaetano—all locals passionate about Matera.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Diver and guiding throughout Matera’s Sassi districts—Sasso Caveoso and part of Sasso Barisano—with radios provided for larger groups so you don’t miss any local stories or film locations along the way.