Casa Grotta And Rock Church Entry

Casa Grotta and Rock Church Entry, 2 hours, rated 4.7 across 1,546 traveller reviews.

Overview

This two-hour walk, run by Passi nei Sassi, covers the historic center, a viewpoint over the Sasso Barisano, the Sasso Caveoso, two rock-cut churches carved into the Monterrone rock, and a furnished cave house with its museum of peasant life. Entry tickets for the churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni in Monterrone, plus the museum, are already in the price, along with a regionally licensed guide.

The route begins near Via Don Minzoni and moves through Piazza Vittorio Veneto into the Civita, the old medieval core, before descending into the Caveoso. The final stops, a cave house fitted with original objects and the Museum of Peasant Civilization, show how families actually lived in the Sassi until the district was emptied in the 1950s.

It suits first-time visitors who want history, context and church entry in a single outing, and reviewers repeatedly say the guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the city and its past. There is no pickup; everyone walks from the meeting point, and the meeting point itself can vary by the option selected, so check the booking page before setting out.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in MateraThe base option meets at the Central Office, Via Don Minzoni 13. The meeting point may vary depending on the option selected, so confirm on the live booking page.
2. Historic center walkA short walk leads to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where the guided tour begins, continuing through churches, palaces and old lanes to the Civita.
3. Civita and viewpointFrom the medieval core the group looks out over the Sasso Barisano, with its rock-hewn churches and cave dwellings spread below.
4. Sasso Caveoso, 2 hours totalThe guided tour covers the vicinati, the barbarian cemetery and the descent into the Caveoso, the district at the heart of the walk.
5. Casa Grotta visitA 15-minute guided visit to a cave house of the vicinato, furnished with original household objects. The tour also takes in the Museum of Peasant Civilization.
6. Rock churchesThe tour enters the rock churches carved into the Monterrone rock, including a 15-minute guided visit to the Church of Saint Mary of Idris, with frescoes and views over the Sassi.

What To Expect From The Tour

Two hours of walking in southern Italian conditions, with church and museum entry handled for you. Here is what to plan for.

• Footwear and terrain. The listing asks for comfortable shoes, and reviewers confirm why: one traveller described a lot of walking plus steps and hills going down into the Sassi. Dress for a real walk rather than a stroll.
• Pace and fitness. One reviewer noted the route could pose a challenge for the elderly, and another mentioned the guide built in rest while descending. Reasonable mobility is needed for the steps and hills.
• Heat and timing. One reviewer had a very hot afternoon tour and appreciated the guide keeping the group in shade, and another found the evening tour much cooler to walk. Consider the later slot in warm months.
• Guides and language. Tours run in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Reviewers frequently praise the guides' knowledge of Matera's history, and several mention clear language and good delivery.
• Photos. The listing promises distinctive scenery across the Sassi, with views from the Civita and from the Monterrone rock. Bring a camera or keep the phone charged; stops along the route give open views over the district.
• Food and drink. Nothing to eat or drink is provided, and there are no tips included, so carry water especially in hot weather. Plan any meals around the two-hour start time.

Common issues. This is a walking tour with steps and hills, and one reviewer said the amount of walking and stairs could challenge elderly participants. Strollers, baby carriages and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and there is no pickup: everyone makes their own way to the meeting point, which can vary by option. A few reviewers found some guides spoke fast and were occasionally hard to follow. The tour runs in light rain, and no food, drink or tips are included.

Common Questions