Matera: Guided Nighttime Walking Tour

The ancient city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comes alive at night. On a guided walking tour, visitors can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the Sassi di Matera, exploring underground wonders and frescoed rock churches. With an expert local guide, travelers uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of this unique Italian destination. As the illuminated streets reveal their secrets, one can’t help but feel captivated by the magic of Matera after dark.

Key Points

• A guided 2-hour nighttime walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sassi di Matera, exploring underground oil mills, cellars, and frescoed rock churches.
• Tour highlights include the illuminated Sassi of Matera resembling an outdoor nativity scene and filming locations for notable films like "The Passion of the Christ."
• The tour features medieval hypogea extending over 18 meters below street level, showcasing ancient houses, frescoes, and the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of the region.
• The tour is highly rated by customers for its knowledgeable guide and excellent value for money, though some noted the absence of the included aperitif.
• The tour is available at various start times, offering a unique opportunity to experience the enchantment of ancient Sassi under the night’s illumination.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Matera: Guided Nighttime Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors on a 2-hour journey through the historic Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Priced from Kč 300 per person, the tour starts at Via San Biagio, 15 and ends at Piazza Giovanni Pascoli.

Guests will explore underground oil mills, cellars, and frescoed rock churches, accompanied by a live Italian guide.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides flexibility and convenience for travellers.

Itinerary and Highlights

Although the tour includes a visit to an underground oil mill, cellar, and frescoed rock church, the highlights undoubtedly lie in the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

The ancient houses, illuminated at night, resemble a large outdoor nativity scene. This picturesque setting has served as a filming location for notable films, including "The Gospel According to Matthew" and "The Passion of the Christ."

The ancient houses, illuminated at night, resemble a picturesque nativity scene, serving as a filming location for notable religious films.

The tour also showcases the medieval hypogea, underground areas extending over 18 meters below street level and covering approximately 400 m².

• Ancient houses illuminated at night

• Filming location for notable films

• Medieval hypogea

• Frescoed rock church

Historical Significance

Integral to the tour’s appeal are the medieval hypogea, underground areas extending over 18 meters below street level and covering approximately 400 m².

These hypogea once housed an oil mill, featuring an old stone mill for pressing olives and ancient containers for oil preservation.

Plus, the tour visits a historic wine cellar, containing original millstones and grape pressing tanks.

Lastly, the tour showcases a frescoed rock church, showcasing well-preserved frescoes that offer a unique experience of art and spirituality.

These historical elements provide an immersive glimpse into Matera’s rich past.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Customers rave about the guided nighttime walking tour of Matera, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 54 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable tour guide, who brings the history and culture to life. The tour offers excellent value for money, according to customers.

However, some note that the included aperitif wasn’t provided.

The tour highlights include:

• Exploring the UNESCO-listed Sassi of Matera, an ancient cave-dwelling neighborhood

• Discovering the underground oil mill and wine cellar with their well-preserved historical features

• Witnessing the ancient frescoed rock church and its artistic treasures

• Experiencing the magical atmosphere of the illuminated Sassi at night.

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Meeting Point and Availability

The meeting point for the Matera: Guided Nighttime Walking Tour is at 17:15 at Karma Viaggi Travel Agency inside Galleria Restaurant, located on Via San Biagio N 15. Visitors can check availability to see the starting times and participant options. The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the historic Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the enchanting nighttime illumination.

| Availability | Start Times | Participant Options |

| — | — | — |

| Check Availability | 17:30 | Individual |

| | 18:00 | Small Group |

| | 19:00 | Private Tour |

| | 20:00 | Family/Friends |

| | 21:00 | Special Requests |

Exploring the Sassi of Matera

As the sun dips below the horizon, the ancient Sassi of Matera come alive with a captivating glow.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the ancient Sassi of Matera come alive with a captivating glow.

Visitors are transported back in time, immersed in the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The guided tour explores:

• Dimly lit alleys and staircases winding through the ancient cave dwellings

• Centuries-old rock churches adorned with well-preserved frescoes

• Subterranean oil mills and wine cellars, vestiges of Matera’s agricultural past

• Homes carved into the limestone, resembling a living nativity scene under the starry night sky

This enchanting nighttime walk offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Matera’s storied history and timeless beauty.

Underground Wonders: Oil Mill and Cellar

Beneath the picturesque streets of Matera, a captivating journey awaits visitors as they explore the underground oil mill and wine cellar. The medieval hypogea, spanning over 18 meters below ground, house a 16th-century oil mill and cellar, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Oil Mill | Features an old stone mill for pressing olives and ancient containers (Dolii) for oil preservation. |

| Wine Cellar | Contains original millstones and grape pressing tanks, preserving the essence of traditional winemaking. |

| Frescoed Rock Church | Showcases well-preserved frescoes, blending art and spirituality in an underground setting.

These underground wonders provide an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time and revealing the ingenuity of Matera’s forebears.

Frescoed Rock Church: A Spiritual Experience

Amidst the underground wonders lies a frescoed rock church, offering visitors a unique spiritual experience. This ancient Byzantine church, carved into the rock, showcases well-preserved frescoes that transport visitors back in time.

Visitors can admire:

• Intricate religious imagery

• Vibrant colors and detailed brush strokes

• Scenes depicting biblical narratives

• A sense of reverence and tranquility

The church provides a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Matera, allowing visitors to connect with the spiritual essence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The frescoed rock church is a must-see for those seeking an immersive and enlightening experience in Matera.

Common Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code, so guests can wear comfortable, casual attire. It’s recommended to dress for the weather and bring a light jacket or sweater in case of cool evening temperatures.

Can the Tour Accommodate Participants With Mobility Issues?

The tour can accommodate participants with mobility issues, though the route includes some uneven terrain and steps. Guests should communicate any special needs when booking to ensure the tour is suitable for their mobility level.

Are There Any Safety Precautions to Be Aware Of?

The tour involves walking on uneven terrain and stairs in the underground areas. Proper footwear and caution are recommended. The guide provides safety instructions and ensures a secure experience for all participants.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or rules in certain areas, such as the frescoed rock church, where flash photography may not be permitted to preserve the artwork.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours offer more flexibility to accommodate specific interests and schedules. Customers can contact the tour provider to discuss customization options and pricing for a private Matera nighttime walking experience.

The Sum Up

This guided nighttime tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Sassi di Matera. Visitors will be immersed in the area’s rich history, wandering through illuminated ancient streets, discovering underground oil mills, cellars, and frescoed rock churches. A truly unforgettable adventure, the tour provides a captivating glimpse into Matera’s cultural heritage under the stars.

You can check availability for your dates here: