How to Plan Your Matera Private Walking Tour

Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, is a historic city known for its ancient cave dwellings, stunning views, and rock churches. If you’re planning a visit to Matera, a private walking tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s cultural and historical highlights. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own Matera private walking tour.

Experience

During your Matera private walking tour, you’ll enjoy a unique and immersive experience of this historic city. You’ll visit ancient cave dwellings, rock churches, and other cultural landmarks. Your expert tour guide will take you through the winding streets of the city’s two main districts, where you’ll explore the Sassi, the ancient cave dwellings that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll also take in stunning views of the Murgia Materana Park from various vantage points throughout the city.

Highlights

Some of the top highlights of the Matera private walking tour include: – Visiting a cave-house recently opened to the public – Accessing ancient rupestrian churches – Exploring the winding streets of the Sassi – Admiring panoramic views over the Murgia Materana Park – Visiting Matera Cathedral

Full Description

The Matera private walking tour is designed to take you on a journey through the city’s fascinating history and culture. Your tour will start in the city center, where you’ll meet your local, expert tour guide. From there, you’ll explore the two main districts of the city: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. In Sasso Caveoso, you’ll discover the cave-dwellings that date back thousands of years. Your guide will take you inside some of these dwellings, where you’ll learn about the daily life of the people who lived there. You’ll also visit an ancient rock church, which boasts stunning frescoes and other works of art. Next, you’ll wander through the streets of Sasso Barisano, where you’ll see more cave dwellings, as well as some of the city’s more modern architecture. Throughout the tour, your guide will regale you with fascinating facts and stories about the city’s history and culture. After exploring the winding streets of the Sassi, you’ll head to one of Matera’s highest points, where you can take in sweeping views of the Murgia Materana Park. From there, you’ll make your way to Matera Cathedral, a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.

How to Book the Tour

To book your Matera private walking tour, head to the following link: book the tour here. You can choose between different time slots and group sizes, depending on your needs and preferences.

Book Your Tour Now

A private walking tour of Matera is a must-do for anyone visiting this fascinating city. With an expert guide to lead the way, you’ll get an immersive and educational glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. Book your Matera private walking tour today to start your journey through this unique and beautiful city.

FAQ: Matera City

Matera City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in southern Italy. It is a city that has been revitalized and regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. If you are planning your visit to Matera, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

1. What is the best time to visit Matera?

Matera can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the city is between April and October when the temperature is warm and the skies are clear. The city is also busy with festivals and events during this period which makes it more lively.

2. What are the things to do in Matera?

Matera is steeped in history, and there are plenty of things to do for tourists. Some of the things to do in Matera include:

• Visiting the Sassi di Matera – the ancient cave dwellings that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Exploring the Matera Cathedral which epitomizes Romanesque architecture.
• Touring Hollywood-like studios and soundstages where movies such as “The Passion of the Christ” were made.
• Enjoying the regional cuisine which is a fusion of Greek, Roman and Italian influences in any of the local restaurants.

3. How do I get to Matera?

You can fly from any international airport to Bari, which is just an hour and a half’s drive from Matera. Another option is to take the train from Rome or Naples to Matera.

4. Is Matera safe for tourists?

Matera City is safe for tourists. The area is monitored by CCTV and police stations are equipped to handle any emergency situations. Crime rates in Matera are among the lowest in Italy but vigilance, especially in crowded areas, is always advisable for tourists.

5. What are the accommodations available in Matera?

Matera offers numerous accommodations to suit different budgets. Visitors can choose from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments for rent.

6. Can I take pictures in Matera?

Yes, visitors can take pictures of the cave dwellings and the Basilica Di San Pietro Caveoso. However, there are some areas that are prohibited. Visitors should check with the guides or the ticket sellers for details.

7. Is it possible to explore Matera on foot?

Matera City is a walking town. Visitors can explore the town on foot with occasional help from the city bus, which has stops around the town. However, visitors with mobility problems could face difficulties due to the many staircases.

8. Are there any festivals or events in Matera?

Yes, there are plenty of festivals and events in Matera. The most popular is the Matera Ballooning Festival, which is held every year in September. The city also hosts an annual Christmas Festival, the Festa di San Giovanni Battista, and the Sagra della Braciola – a food festival.

9. What is the weather like in Matera?

Matera has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer months ranges from 30°C to 35°C while the winter temperature usually drops to between 10°C to 15°C.

10. What should I know about Matera’s culture?

Matera has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the Greek, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Norman empires. Today, the city remains culturally unique, and many of its traditions and customs are centered around the family, music, and food.

Book Your Tour Now

Matera is a city with a lot of history and culture for visitors to explore. Visiting this city is not only enjoyable but also educational. As a tourist, you can visit museums, explore ancient dwellings or take part in any of the many festivals and events. Plan your trip today to Matera to experience its uniqueness firsthand.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Matera

Matera is a charming city located in the southern region of Italy’s Basilicata. It’s known for its historic center, the Sassi di Matera, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera is a great place to visit if you want to experience Italian culture in a unique way. Here’s how to spend your time as a tourist in Matera.

1. Visit the Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera is a complex of cave dwellings carved into the rock that date back to prehistoric times. The Sassi was home to thousands of people until the 1950s when the Italian government decided to evacuate the area due to the high levels of poverty and disease. Today, you can visit the Sassi and see how people used to live. Start your visit with a stop at the Casa Noha, a multimedia center that provides an overview of Matera’s history. Then, wander through the Sassi’s narrow streets and take in the unique architecture.

2. Explore the Rupestrian Churches

Matera is home to a number of rock-hewn churches, most of which date back to the Middle Ages. These churches are located throughout the city, but some of the most notable ones include the Santa Lucia alle Malve, the Madonna delle Virtù, and the San Pietro Barisano. The churches provide a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural and religious history.

3. Walk the Via Appia

The Via Appia is an ancient Roman road that stretched from Rome to the Adriatic Sea. A portion of the Via Appia runs through Matera, and it’s a great place to take a walk. Along the way, you’ll see ancient ruins and breathtaking views of the city.

4. Visit the Matera Cathedral

The Matera Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Bruna, is located in the city’s historic center. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Inside, you’ll find stunning frescoes and intricate stonework.

5. Sample Local Cuisine

Matera is home to a number of incredible restaurants that serve up local cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, peperoni cruschi (a type of dried pepper), and caciocavallo cheese. Be sure to wash it all down with a glass of the region’s famous Aglianico wine.

6. Take a Cooking Class

Want to learn how to cook like a Materese? Take a cooking class! There are a number of cooking schools in Matera where you can learn how to make traditional dishes like cavatelli (a type of pasta) and fava e cicoria (a dish made with fava beans and chicory). You’ll get to learn from a local chef and enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of the class.

7. Attend a Festival

Matera is known for its many festivals, which are held throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include the Festa della Madonna della Bruna, which takes place in July and includes a procession through the city, and the Matera Balloon Festival, which features hot air balloon rides and other fun activities.

8. Shop for Local Handicrafts

Matera is home to a number of skilled artisans who create beautiful pottery, textiles, and other handicrafts. Take a walk through the city’s historic center and you’re sure to find a number of shops selling these unique products. Be sure to pick up a few souvenirs to bring back home with you.

9. Take a Day Trip to Alberobello

Alberobello is a nearby city that’s known for its trulli, or conical-shaped homes made from dry stone. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular day trip destination from Matera. You can take a guided tour of the city’s trulli or simply wander through the streets and take in the sights.

10. Relax in a Local Spa

After a day of sightseeing, why not treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment? Matera is home to a number of spas that offer massages, facials, and other treatments. Some of the most popular spas include the Terme di Margherita di Savoia and the Spa Hotel Terme.

Book Your Tour Now

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do and see in Matera! Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or just want to relax and unwind, this charming city has something to offer. Whether you’re there for a day or a week, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Matera.