Gastronomic Tour of the Two Sassi, Barisano and Caveoso

Set out on a culinary adventure through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, Italy. Explore the historic districts of Barisano and Caveoso, where you’ll savor authentic local delicacies and learn about the unique ingredients and cooking methods that have defined Materan cuisine for generations. From freshly baked focaccia to the renowned caciocavallo cheese, this gastronomic tour promises an immersive experience that will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable city.

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Key Points

Explore the ancient cave dwellings of the Sassi district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the unique local craftsmanship and architecture.
Visit an 8th or 9th-century Rock Church and marvel at the intricately carved frescoes depicting religious scenes.
Indulge in a sampling of traditional Materan delicacies, including freshly baked focaccia, panzerotto, and renowned caciocavallo cheese.
Witness the skilled artisans practicing lace-making, hand-painted ceramic tile crafting, and blacksmithing in the Sassi district.
Set out on a 2-hour guided walking tour with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience in Matera’s gastronomic and cultural heritage.

Overview of the Tour

The 2-hour guided walking tour of Matera, Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the ancient cave dwellings and rock churches that have defined the region’s rich history.

Travelers will visit an 8th or 9th-century Rock Church carved out of rock, witnessing the impressive craftsmanship that has endured for centuries.

Along the way, they’ll experience local artisanship and sample traditional foods, gaining a deeper appreciation for Matera’s unique cultural heritage.

With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate and personalized encounter with this remarkable destination.

Looking for more options in Matera? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site

What makes Matera’s UNESCO World Heritage Site so captivating is its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi. Carved into the rocky hillsides, these cave homes date back to the 8th century and provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the winding alleys, discover rock-hewn churches, and admire the intricate architecture that has evolved over centuries.

Winding alleys, rock-hewn churches, and intricate architecture – a glimpse into Matera’s architectural evolution over the centuries.

The tour delves into the local craftsmanship, showcasing traditional artisanal work and offering tastings of regional delicacies.

This immersive experience transports travelers back in time, revealing the unique heritage and resilience of the Sassi.

Visiting the Rock Church

Perched atop the Sassi, an 8th or 9th-century Rock Church carved directly into the limestone cliffs awaits visitors. This ancient place of worship is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Matera’s inhabitants.

Stepping inside, one is struck by the intricately carved frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings, depicting religious scenes and symbols. The serene atmosphere invites reflection and contemplation.

Visitors can wander through the church’s chambers, marveling at the skill and dedication required to create such a remarkable structure in this rugged, natural setting. A true highlight of the guided tour, the Rock Church offers a glimpse into Matera’s rich cultural heritage.

Experiencing Local Craftsmanship

As visitors explore the captivating Sassi district, they discover a rich tapestry of local craftsmanship woven throughout the cobblestone alleyways.

Tucked away in humble workshops, artisans showcase their time-honored skills:

Intricate lace-making, a tradition passed down through generations of Materan women
The production of hand-painted ceramic tiles, featuring vibrant patterns and motifs
Delicate wood carvings, transforming ordinary objects into works of art
Blacksmiths forging iron into decorative gates, door handles, and other architectural details
The weaving of colorful rugs and textiles, a reflection of Matera’s textile heritage

Visitors can witness these skilled craftspeople in action, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural legacy.

Sampling Traditional Foods

Alongside exploring the captivating craftsmanship, visitors can indulge in a tantalizing array of traditional Materan delicacies. From savory breads to sweet pastries, the local cuisine showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can sample freshly baked focaccia, fragrant with aromatic herbs, or sink their teeth into the decadent, flaky crust of a classic panzerotto. For those with a sweet tooth, the region’s renowned caciocavallo cheese and honey-drenched desserts like the celebrated Materano liqueur are not to be missed. The following table highlights some must-try Materan specialties:

| Dish | Description |

| — | — |

| Focaccia | Savory flatbread with herbs |

| Panzerotto | Fried, half-moon-shaped pastry |

| Caciocavallo | Traditional aged cheese |

| Materano Liqueur | Sweet, honey-based liqueur |

| Pasticciotto | Flaky pastry filled with custard |

There's plenty more to explore in Matera

Meeting Point and Pickup Details

The tour begins at Altieri Viaggi, located on Via Domenico Ridola 61 in the heart of Matera. This is the designated meeting point where travelers will convene with their local blue badge guide.

From there, the group will embark on a journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the ancient cave dwellings and rock-carved churches.

At the tour’s conclusion, guests will be dropped off at Via Bruno Buozzi 99, just a short walk from the starting point.

Convenient meeting location in central Matera
Tour guide to lead the way through historic sites
Entrance fees and tastings included for a seamless experience
Hotel pickup and drop-off for added comfort and accessibility
Directions available via Google Maps for easy navigation

Tour Inclusions and Pricing

This tour provides a comprehensive gastronomic experience in Matera, Italy. The package includes a local blue badge guide, entrance fees to historic sites, tastings of traditional food products, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Gratuities are also covered.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Guide | Local blue badge guide |

| Tickets | Entrance fees to sites |

| Tastings | Traditional food products |

| Transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off |

| Gratuities | Included |

The tour is priced at $68.75 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and immersive glimpse into Matera’s culinary heritage.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

How do the reviews and ratings for this tour fare?

Based on the tour information provided, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 5.0 out of 1 verified review.

The tour seems to impress guests, as there are no negative ratings (0 stars for 4, 3, 2, and 1).

The tour seems to impress guests, as there are no negative ratings (0 stars for 4, 3, 2, and 1).

Highlights include:

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings
Visiting an 8th or 9th-century Rock Church carved out of rock
Experiencing local craftsmanship and sampling traditional foods
Knowledgeable local blue badge guide
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off with gratuities included

The Sum Up

The gastronomic tour of the two Sassi, Barisano and Caveoso, offers an immersive experience into the rich culinary traditions of Matera. Visitors can savor authentic local delicacies, learn about the unique ingredients and cooking methods, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site‘s winding alleys and rock churches. This tour provides a delightful way to discover the flavors that have defined Materan cuisine for generations.