How to Plan Your Murgia’s Ancient Soul – Cristo La Selva Tour in Matera

If you’re planning a trip to Matera, Italy and want to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean shrub, then Murgia’s Ancient Soul – Cristo La Selva Tour is the perfect tour for you. This three-hour tour offers a picturesque walk through the ancient ruins and excavated caves to reach the unique and stunning Rupestrian Church called Cristo La Selva. Here’s how you can plan your tour with ease.

Experience

Murgia’s Ancient Soul – Cristo La Selva Tour is divided into two parts, a picturesque walk to the Rupestrian Church called Cristo La Selva and then exploring the panorama of ancient caves. The highlights of the tour include walking through the Mediterranean shrub, crossing the rock-hewn stairs, resting at the panoramic point on the other side of the territory, and exploring the majestic Rupestrian Church called Cristo La Selva.

Full Description

After leaving Matera, the tour heads towards the borderline between Murgia and the surrounding clay hills. Once you arrive at the spot, the trained nature guide accompanies you on a picturesque walk through the Mediterranean shrub. From there, you can climb stairs made from rock to reach Rupestrian Church called Cristo La Selva. Cristo La Selva’s incredible structure and breathtaking view are sure to leave you mesmerized. After exploring Cristo La Selva, the guide takes you through the ancient caves. You will walk between two levels of ancient caves and the peaceful nature that surrounds them. While on the tour, the guide will also share the history of the place, which will help you better understand the surroundings. The exploratory walk ends at a panoramic point on the other side of the territory. The walk’s pace is adapted to the needs of the partakers, making it easy but spectacular. The guide also includes stops for relaxing while listening to the story of the place and refreshing.

Includes

The Murgia’s Ancient Soul – Cristo La Selva Tour includes the accompanying service of a trained nature guide in heritage interpretation. If needed, the tour also provides transfer services by car.

How to Book the Tour

To book the Murgia’s Ancient Soul – Cristo La Selva Tour, visit the official website, getyourguide.com, and navigate to the tour page. You can also follow this link book the tour here. Once you’re on the tour page, follow the instructions and select a date, time and number of people to complete the booking process.

Book Your Tour Now

Murgia’s Ancient Soul – Cristo La Selva Tour is a great option to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean shrub in Matera, Italy. The picturesque walk, the stunning Rupestrian Church called Cristo La Selva and the panoramic point on the other side of the territory are sure to leave you mesmerized. The tour services include the accompanying service of a trained nature guide in heritage interpretation, and if required, transfer services by car. To book your tour, visit the official website at getyourguide.com and make your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Matera

1. Where is Matera located?

Matera is a city located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy. It is 54 km southeast of the regional capital, Potenza.

2. What is Matera famous for?

Matera is famous for its ancient cave-dwelling district known as the “Sassi”. These cave dwellings are carved out of limestone and have been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, making them one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

3. How do I get to Matera?

The nearest airport to Matera is the Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, which is approximately 64 km away. From there, you can take a train, bus or book a private transfer. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. You can also reach Matera by train from various Italian cities, such as Rome, Naples, and Salerno.

4. When is the best time to visit Matera?

The best time to visit Matera is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summer months can be extremely hot and crowded, while winters can be chilly and wet.

5. What are the best things to do in Matera?

Some of the top things to do in Matera include:

• Exploring the “Sassi”, the ancient cave-dwelling district
• Visiting the Matera Cathedral, a beautiful Romanesque church
• Walking through the Civita, the original town center of Matera
• Discovering the Palombaro Lungo, an intricate underground cistern system
• Taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Lucanian dishes
• Visiting the MUSMA, a contemporary sculpture museum housed in an 18th-century building

6. Are there any festivals in Matera?

Yes, Matera hosts several festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Matera European Capital of Culture, which is held every year in different locations. Other festivals include the Infiorata, a flower festival held in June, and the Festa della Bruna, a religious festival held in July.

7. What are some traditional dishes to try in Matera?

Matera is known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes like:

• Peperoni cruschi, a type of fried pepper that is crisp like a chip
• Cavatelli with turnip greens, a pasta dish with a bitter leafy green
• Pizza di Matera, a thick, crunchy pizza with tomatoes and cheese
• Aglianico del Vulture, a red wine made with grapes grown in the region
• Caciocavallo podolico, a local cheese made from the milk of the Podolica cow

8. What are the best places to stay in Matera?

Matera has a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some highly recommended options include the Palazzo Viceconte, a 4-star hotel located in a restored baroque building in the heart of the “Sassi”, and the Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, a unique hotel that features cave rooms with modern amenities.

9. How long should I stay in Matera?

A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to explore Matera fully, although you could easily spend a week or more here.

10. Is Matera wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, due to the city’s rugged terrain and historic architecture, Matera is not very wheelchair accessible. Most of the streets are narrow and steep, and many of the attractions involve climbing stairs or walking over uneven surfaces. However, some hotels and restaurants have adapted their facilities to be accessible to people with disabilities, so it’s worth checking ahead.

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Matera

If you are planning a trip to Italy, Matera is a must-visit destination. This city is located in the Basilicata region, and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and rich culture. There are many exciting things to do and see in Matera, and this article will provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to best spend your time as a tourist.

1. Visit the Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera is a complex of ancient cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries that are carved out of limestone rock. These dwellings are believed to have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The Sassi di Matera was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

How to Get There:

The Sassi di Matera is located in the historic center of the city, and it is easily accessible on foot. You can also take a guided tour to explore the Sassi di Matera, which is highly recommended. The best way to explore the site is on foot, as some of the narrow alleys are not accessible by car.

What to See:

There are many things to see in the Sassi di Matera, including: – Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: This is a museum that showcases how people used to live in the Sassi di Matera. – Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso: This is a beautiful church that was built in the 10th century. – Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci: This is a church that is located in the heart of the Sasso Caveoso.

2. Go on a Hike

Matera is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a great place to go hiking. There are many trails to choose from, but the most famous trail is the Murgia Timone trail. This trail is 6.5 km long and takes you through beautiful countryside, ancient cave dwellings, and stunning landscapes.

How to Get There:

You can get to the Murgia Timone trailhead by taking a bus, car, or taxi. The trail is well marked, and it is easy to follow.

What to See:

The Murgia Timone trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in Italy, and it offers stunning views of the countryside. Some of the highlights of the trail include: – Ancient Cave Dwellings: You will see many ancient cave dwellings along the trail, which offer a unique glimpse into the past. – Stunning Landscapes: The Murgia Timone trail offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and beautiful forests.

3. Visit the Cathedral of Matera

The Cathedral of Matera is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and is located in the center of the city. The cathedral was built in the 13th century, and it is one of the most important religious sites in the city.

How to Get There:

The Cathedral of Matera is located in the center of the city and is easily accessible on foot. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the cathedral.

What to See:

The Cathedral of Matera is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, and it offers many noteworthy sights, such as: – Beautiful Architecture: The cathedral features stunning Romanesque architecture, with beautiful arches, columns, and statues. – Intricate Interior Design: The interior of the cathedral is adorned with beautiful frescoes, stained glass windows, and intricate carvings.

4. Explore the Local Cuisine

Matera is known for its delicious cuisine, which draws on the rich culinary traditions of the region. There are many excellent restaurants and cafes in the city where you can sample the local delicacies. Some must-try dishes include: – Orecchiette alla Materana: This is a pasta dish that is topped with a spicy tomato sauce and grated pecorino cheese. – Cialledda: This is a salad that is made with stale bread, tomatoes, onion, and olives. – Agnello alla Lucana: This is a lamb dish that is roasted with herbs, garlic, and onion.

Where to Eat:

There are many excellent restaurants and cafes in Matera, including: – Osteria al Casale: This is a popular restaurant that specializes in local cuisine. – Ristorante Soul Kitchen: This is a trendy restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Italian dishes. – Barrique cucina & bottega: This is a cozy restaurant that serves delicious homemade pasta and other Italian specialties.

5. Visit the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art

The National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art is a fascinating museum that showcases the art and culture of the region. The museum is located in a beautiful 16th-century building, and it features a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and religious artifacts.

How to Get There:

The National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art is located in the historic center of the city, and it is easily accessible on foot. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the artworks and history of the museum.

What to See:

The National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art features many fascinating artworks and artifacts, including: – Renaissance and Baroque Paintings: The museum features many beautiful paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including works by artists such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Luca Giordano. – Religious Artifacts: The museum also houses many religious artifacts, including crosses, chalices, and sculptures of saints.

Book Your Tour Now

Matera is a beautiful and historic city that offers a wide range of exciting activities and sights for tourists. Whether you are interested in ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, or beautiful artworks, Matera has something for everyone. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can make the most of your time in Matera and have an unforgettable experience in this incredible city.