Exploring the ancient Crypt of Original Sin in Matera is a captivating experience. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved 8th-century frescoes depicting the biblical story of Adam and Eve. With an audio guide in multiple languages, guests gain an immersive understanding of the site’s historical significance. After the tour, they can indulge in a local wine tasting, completing the cultural journey. This 2.5-hour experience offers a unique glimpse into Matera’s rich heritage, leaving visitors intrigued to discover more.
Key Points
- A 2.5-hour guided tour of the 8th-century Crypt of Original Sin in Matera, showcasing its well-preserved biblical frescoes and religious significance.
- Includes a wine tasting at Masseria Dragone, providing a local cultural experience.
- Transportation by air-conditioned minivan or private car to and from the crypt, with round-trip transfer included.
- Audio guides available in multiple languages to enhance the self-guided exploration of the crypt’s architectural and historical details.
- Flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The "From Matera: Crypt of Original Sin Tour with Local Tasting" is priced from $81.61 per person and lasts 2.5 hours.
Explore the Crypt of Original Sin in Matera on a 2.5-hour tour priced from $81.61 per person.
Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the 8th-century Crypt of Original Sin, admiring preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
After the tour, guests will be treated to a wine tasting at Masseria Dragone, accompanied by traditional food products.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Plus, the tour offers a convenient round-trip transfer from Matera by minivan.
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Exploring the Crypt of Original Sin
Nestled deep within the ancient city of Matera, the Crypt of Original Sin stands as a testament to the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Guests on the guided tour explore this 8th-century underground marvel, admiring the well-preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes, including the story of Adam and Eve.
Audio guides in multiple languages provide insightful commentary, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the crypt’s captivating history.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Matera’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the area’s spiritual and artistic significance.
Preserved Frescoes and Biblical Scenes
Upon entering the Crypt of Original Sin, visitors marvel at the remarkably well-preserved frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings.
The biblical scenes depict the story of Adam and Eve, their temptation by the serpent, and the subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The vivid colors and intricate details of these 8th-century paintings are a testament to the skill of the artists who created them.
Tourists can explore the crypt’s interior, admiring the frescoes up close and imagining the religious significance they held for the early Christian community that worshipped in this sacred space.
Audio Guide Options
Visitors exploring the Crypt of Original Sin can opt for an audio guide, which is available in several languages including Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, and Russian.
This feature provides an immersive and informative experience, allowing guests to learn about the crypt’s history and the preserved frescoes at their own pace.
The audio guide covers:
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Detailed descriptions of the biblical scenes depicted in the frescoes
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Insights into the architectural and artistic elements of the crypt
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Historical context and significance of the 8th-century underground chapel
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Complementary information to the guided tour experience
The audio guide is a convenient option for those seeking a more personalized and self-guided exploration of the Crypt of Original Sin.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Meeting Point
Where do participants meet for this tour of the Crypt of Original Sin? The meeting point is the Martulli Viaggi – Tour & Experience office in Matera.
From there, participants are transported by an air-conditioned minivan to the crypt. However, some reviews indicate travelers were transported in a private car instead of the advertised minivan.
The tour includes convenient round-trip transfer from Matera, though a few participants reported timing issues with the transportation.
Wine Tasting Experience
What does the wine tasting experience entail on this tour of the Crypt of Original Sin?
After exploring the ancient crypt, participants indulge in a local wine tasting. The experience includes:
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Traditional food products like taralli, bruschetta, and a small charcuterie board
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Water and wine sampling
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The wine tasting occurs at Masseria Dragone following the crypt tour
However, some participants have reported discrepancies between the advertised and actual tasting experience.
While the wine tasting promises to complement the tour, feedback suggests the experience may not always align with expectations.
Participant Restrictions
Though the tour of the Crypt of Original Sin promises a captivating exploration of ancient frescoes, certain participant restrictions apply.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with gluten intolerance. This is due to the nature of the crypt’s environment and the wine tasting component.
Participants should be prepared for a moderately challenging experience, including navigation of uneven surfaces and stairs.
While the majority of reviews are positive, some have noted discrepancies between the advertised and actual wine tasting experience.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
A total of 5 customer reviews have been gathered for this Crypt of Original Sin tour, providing valuable insights into the overall participant experience.
While some praised the unique crypt and wine tasting, others reported discrepancies with the advertised services:
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Timing issues, with tours feeling rushed
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Disappointment with the wine tasting experience not matching the description
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Concerns about transportation, with some participants transported in private cars instead of the promised air-conditioned minivans
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Restrictions limiting participation for certain groups, such as pregnant women and those with mobility issues or gluten intolerance
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a wine tasting and traditional local food products as part of the experience, so outside items are not permitted.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing them flexibility in planning their travel.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Participants can book the tour individually, and it’ll run as scheduled regardless of the group size. However, the experience may be more enjoyable with a larger group.
Can I Request a Different Language for the Audio Guide?
Yes, the audio guide is available in several languages, including Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, and Russian. Participants can request their preferred language when booking the tour.
How Reliable Is the Transportation Service Provided?
The transportation service’s reliability seems mixed based on participant reviews. While air-conditioned minivans are advertised, some travelers reported being transported in private cars instead. The transportation experience appears inconsistent across the tours.
Final Words
This captivating tour offers an immersive experience exploring the iconic Crypt of Original Sin in Matera. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes while learning about the site’s rich history through an audio guide. The tour also includes a delightful wine tasting, providing a complete cultural journey. With convenient transportation and a range of languages available, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to uncover the ancient wonders of Matera.
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