Sassi, Murgia And Tibetan Bridge

Sassi, Murgia and Tibetan Bridge, 2 hours 30 minutes, rated 4.8 across 32 traveller reviews.

Overview

This Martulli Viaggi walk covers roughly two and a half hours on foot, starting in the Sassi and heading out along trail 406 into the canyon of the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches. A certified guide leads the way. The route crosses the Tibetan Bridge, a suspension footbridge hung over the stream between the rock walls, then climbs to the Murgia plateau on the far side.

Once up top, the group visits rock-hewn sites, including entry to the rock churches of Madonna delle Tre Porti and San Falcione. Reviewers mention seeing original frescoes inside the stone churches and a wide view of Matera from the top of the climb. At the end, a shuttle brings everyone back to the centre of Matera rather than retracing the hike.

It suits people with moderate fitness who are comfortable with height and uneven ground. The operator caps the group at 10 travellers and sets a minimum age of 16 and a maximum of 65. It is not a stroll: reviewers describe a solid hike with some scrambling, so proper footwear matters.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Martulli ViaggiArrive at Via Alessandro Volta 3 in Matera 15 minutes early and check in with the staff inside the office.
2. Walk from the SassiThe guide sets off from the heart of the Sassi and follows trail 406 toward the canyon of the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches.
3. Cross the Tibetan BridgeThe route crosses the suspension bridge over the stream between the rock walls.
4. Climb to the Murgia plateauThe trail climbs from the canyon up to the plateau. Reviewers describe this as an arduous climb with some scrambling.
5. Visit the rock churchesAdmission is included to the rock churches of Madonna delle Tre Porti and San Falcione. One reviewer reported seeing original frescoes inside the stone churches.
6. Viewpoint over MateraThe listing promises views along the route, and one reviewer described an amazing view of the city of Matera from the top of the climb.
7. Shuttle back to MateraReturn transport drops the group at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti in the centre.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape whether this tour is a good fit and how to prepare for it.

• Footwear. Trekking shoes and appropriate clothing are required, not suggested. Multiple reviewers stressed sturdy footwear, with one noting people attempting the route in flip-flops, which is a bad idea given the scrambling involved.
• Fitness and pace. The listing calls it a light trek but asks for moderate physical fitness, and reviewers describe a solid, arduous climb. It is not recommended for travellers with back problems, recent injuries, heart conditions, vertigo or pregnancy.
• Heights. A reviewer notes there are no guard rails along the route, and some scrambling is involved. Anyone with a fear of heights should think carefully before booking, as the listing also advises against the tour for travellers who suffer from vertigo.
• Group feel. This is a shared experience with other guests, capped at 10 travellers. The age range for participants is 16 to 65.
• Water and snacks. Personal gear including a backpack and water is not provided, and food and drinks are excluded. A 10 percent discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink, next to the Cathedral, is included if you want a drink afterwards.
• Timing and weather. The actual start time can shift with the sunset time on the day. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can mean a different date or a full refund. Arrive 15 minutes early and check in inside the office.

Common issues. The main drawbacks are physical: it is a demanding hike with scrambling, no guard rails in exposed spots, and it is not wheelchair accessible. The listing advises against it for pregnant travellers, people with back problems, recent injuries, vertigo or serious medical conditions. Weather can force cancellation, and the tour also needs a minimum number of travellers to run, in which case a different date, a different experience or a full refund is offered. The scheduled time may also shift depending on sunset.

Common Questions