Matera Tour: Taste and Handicraft

The "Matera Tour: Taste and Handicraft" invites visitors to uncover the rich cultural tapestry of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can enjoy the ancient Sassi neighborhoods, savoring local delicacies while discovering the traditional craftsmanship that has defined Matera for centuries. With guided insights into the city’s history and architectural wonders, this experience offers a delightful blend of taste and tradition. Intrigued?

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Key Points

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi di Matera and learn about its ancient history and architectural wonders.
Indulge in a tasting experience of traditional local delicacies, including handcrafted ham, cheese, bread, wine, and regional specialties.
Discover the unique cone-shaped rock dwellings and learn about the resilience and adaptability of the Materan people.
Enjoy a guided tour through the labyrinth of winding alleyways and historic neighborhoods, offering insights into the city’s past and recent revival.
Choose between private and shared group tour options, catering to your preference for a more intimate or larger group experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Matera Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the historic Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the historic Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the Matera Tour.

This 2.5-hour private or shared group tour provides a guided journey through the city’s ancient history, frescoed rock churches, and cave dwellings.

Guests can look forward to tastings of traditional local products, including ham, cheese, bread, wine, focaccia, bruschetta, cruschi peppers, fried broad beans, and taralli.

The tour also includes a visit to the Cathedral Santa Maria della Bruna.

With a flexible reservation and cancellation policy, the Matera Tour promises an immersive cultural experience.

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

Highlights of the Matera Tour

Exploring the historic Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the cornerstone of this immersive tour. Visitors embark on a guided exploration, uncovering the city’s ancient history, frescoed rock churches, and iconic cave dwellings. Along the way, they savor a delightful array of traditional local delicacies:

| Tasting Experience | Description |

| — | — |

| Cured Meats & Cheeses | Handcrafted ham, cheese, and bread |

| Regional Specialties | Wine, focaccia, bruschetta, cruschi peppers, fried broad beans, taralli |

| Rupestrian Church Visit | Entrance ticket to a stunning frescoed rock church |

This captivating tour offers a multisensory journey through Matera’s rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions.

Exploring the Sassi of Matera

As visitors step into the captivating Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re immediately transported back in time.

This ancient city, carved into the limestone cliffs, is a labyrinth of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, and winding alleyways. Guides lead guests through the historic neighborhoods, sharing stories of the Sassi’s past as impoverished slums and their more recent revival as a hub of cultural and artistic activity.

Visitors marvel at the unique architectural features, such as the characteristic cone-shaped roofs, and gain insights into the resilience and adaptability of the Materan people over the centuries.

Tasting Traditional Local Delicacies

What better way to take in Matera’s rich culinary heritage than by indulging in a mouthwatering array of traditional local delicacies? During the Matera Tour, visitors can savor a delightful selection of regional specialties, from the savory to the sweet.

| Item | Description |

| — | — |

| Ham | Locally cured, with a distinct flavor |

| Cheese | Variety of artisanal cheeses from the region |

| Bread | Freshly baked loaves, some with ancient recipes |

| Wine | Robust red wines, perfect accompaniment to the local fare |

| Focaccia | Crisp, golden-brown flatbread, drizzled with olive oil |

These authentic tastes provide a true glimpse into the culinary traditions that have flourished in Matera for generations.

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Discovering Ancient Rock Churches

The ancient rock churches of Matera tell a captivating story of the city’s rich spiritual heritage.

Visitors can explore these centuries-old structures carved directly into the rocky hillsides. Many feature stunning frescoes and intricate architectural details, offering a glimpse into the devout lives of Matera’s early inhabitants.

One such church, the Cathedral Santa Maria della Bruna, stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance.

Guests on the Matera tour will have the chance to visit this historic site and learn about its unique role in the community’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

There's plenty more to explore in Matera

Tour Format and Options

The Matera tour offers both private and shared group options, catering to visitors’ preferences and group sizes.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, the private tour is available.

Alternatively, the shared group tour accommodates up to 25 participants, allowing travelers to mingle and share the experience together.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including:

A range of languages are offered for the Matera tour, catering to diverse visitors.

Italian
English
French
German
Spanish

Regardless of the format chosen, guests can expect a captivating exploration of Matera’s ancient rock churches, UNESCO-listed Sassi district, and tastings of the region’s renowned culinary specialties.

Inclusions and Restrictions

According to the tour details, the Matera Tour includes several key offerings for participants.

Travelers will receive a guided exploration of the historical and cultural sites, including the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera. The tour also provides opportunities to taste traditional local products like ham, cheese, bread, wine, focaccia, bruschetta, and fried broad beans.

An entrance ticket to a Rupestrian Church is included as well. However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.

Positive Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the Matera Tour. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s fascinating history to life through their engaging storytelling.

The highlights include:

The enjoyable food and wine tastings that allow participants to sample the local culinary delights.
The guide’s expertise in navigating the intricate Sassi of Matera and sharing the significance of the ancient rock churches and cave dwellings.
The overall experience of discovering Matera’s UNESCO-recognized heritage in an immersive and memorable way.

The Sum Up

The "Matera Tour: Taste and Handicraft" provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural and culinary heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can explore the ancient Sassi, savor local delicacies, and discover the traditional skills of Matera’s artisans. With guided insights into the city’s history and architectural wonders, this experience offers a delightful blend of taste and craftsmanship, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.