Matera: Sassi Di Matera Historical Self-Guided Audio Tour

Matera’s Sassi district is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site that transports visitors through the ages. With a self-guided audio tour, travelers can explore this ancient settlement at their own pace. The tour offers insights into the region’s Neolithic dwellings, Byzantine frescoes, and unique underground architecture – all while providing a flexible, wheelchair-accessible experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural adventure, the Sassi Di Matera tour promises an engaging and enlightening journey.

Key Points

• A self-guided audio tour of Sassi Di Matera, an ancient UNESCO-listed city in Italy, available in multiple languages on the ITGUIDES app.
• The tour covers over 30 geolocated points of interest with informative audio descriptions, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
• The audio guide provides insights into the city’s Neolithic dwellings, Byzantine frescoes, and the historical significance of the region.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with flexible cancellation and a 365-day validity, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.
• While the overall customer rating is 3.6 out of 5, the tour is praised for its value for money and the ability to explore the city at one’s own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sassi Di Matera Audio Tour is a self-guided experience that allows visitors to explore the historical city of Matera at their own pace.

The Sassi Di Matera Audio Tour is a self-guided experience that allows visitors to explore the historical city of Matera at their own pace.

Priced from €3.99 per person, the tour can be booked and paid for later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The audio guide is valid for 365 days, making it a flexible and convenient choice.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

To access the audio guide, travelers can download the ITGUIDES app on their Android or Apple smartphone and redeem the content.

Experience Highlights

The audio tour of Sassi di Matera offers visitors the chance to discover natural caves, underground architectures, and cisterns that have been integral to the region’s history.

With over 30 geolocated points of interest, the tour provides informative audio descriptions in multiple languages, allowing guests to explore the historical significance of the area at their own pace.

This includes learning about the Neolithic dwellings and Byzantine frescoes that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

• Discover the natural and architectural wonders of the Sassi di Matera

• Explore the historical and cultural significance of the region through audio descriptions

• Available in English, French, German, and Italian for a personalized experience

Historical Context

Sassi of Matera consists of natural caves that have been used since the Neolithic era for dwellings and worship.

During the Middle Ages, communities of persecuted individuals from various regions took refuge in these caves. The area features 155 rock churches, showcasing peak rock art expression.

After World War II, nearly 20,000 people lived in the Sassi until restoration efforts began in 1952.

These caves and dwellings provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history, from prehistoric settlements to medieval refuge and beyond.

The Sassi’s enduring significance continues to captivate visitors exploring this remarkable historical site.

Audio Guide Details

For those interested in exploring the Sassi di Matera, the audio guides are available on the ITGUIDES app. The guides can be accessed via any Android or Apple smartphone, and earphones are recommended but not mandatory.

To use the audio tour, simply follow the provided instructions for downloading and redeeming the guide.

• The audio guide features geolocated points of interest with informative descriptions in English, French, German, and Italian.

• A free demo is available before purchase, allowing visitors to preview the experience.

• The audio tour can be enjoyed at one’s own pace, providing a flexible and immersive way to discover the historical significance of the Sassi.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Visitors have shared a range of experiences with the Sassi di Matera audio tour, with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars based on 91 reviews. The value for money was rated 3.8 out of 5. Reviewers praised the tour as a great way to explore the city at their own pace, with the audio guide providing informative and engaging commentary. Some noted the convenience of accessing the guide through a mobile app. However, a few felt the experience could be improved with better audio quality or more interactive features.

| Overall Rating | Value for Money | Highlight Reviews |

| ————— | ————— | —————— |

| 3.6/5 | 3.8/5 | "Perfect to see the city at your own pace." – Samara (UK) |

| | | "Nice to walk through the streets with the audio guide." – Sam (Germany) |

| | | "Great choice; informative and engaging audio." – Arthur (Germany) |

The Natural Wonders of Sassi Di Matera

Nestled in the heart of southern Italy, the Sassi di Matera are a captivating ensemble of natural caves, underground architectures, and ancient dwellings that have captivated visitors for centuries.

This historical site showcases the ingenuity of past civilizations, who carved intricate living spaces and sacred structures directly into the region’s limestone cliffs.

Among the natural wonders of the Sassi are:

• Vast underground cisterns and water systems that once sustained the local population

• Neolithic cave dwellings, some of which date back thousands of years

• Stunning Byzantine frescoes adorning the walls of rock-hewn churches

Exploring the Rock Churches and Frescoes

Dotting the limestone cliffs of the Sassi di Matera are over 155 rock-hewn churches, each a testament to the region’s rich Byzantine heritage. Many feature intricate frescoes depicting religious scenes and figures, showcasing the peak expression of rock art in the area. Visitors can explore these unique sacred spaces, marveling at the skilled craftsmanship and the enduring spirituality they represent.

| Church Name | Date of Construction | Notable Frescoes |

|————-|———————-|——————|

| Santa Lucia alle Malve | 8th-9th century | Christ Pantocrator |

| Madonna delle Virtù | 10th century | Cycle of the Life of the Virgin |

| San Giovanni in Monterrone | 11th century | Scenes from the Old Testament |

| San Pietro Barisano | 12th century | Crucifixion and Resurrection |

| Sant’Agostino | 13th century | Apocalyptic Visions |

Discovering the Neolithic Dwellings

Long before the arrival of the Byzantine monks, the Sassi di Matera were home to Neolithic dwellings carved directly into the limestone cliffs.

These ancient abodes showcased early human ingenuity, with families living, working, and worshipping within the natural rock formations.

The ancient dwellings of Matera showcased the ingenuity of early humans, with families living, working, and worshipping within the natural limestone formations.

The Neolithic settlers left behind:

• Evidence of primitive agricultural practices and animal domestication

• Remnants of prehistoric tools and pottery

• Traces of cave paintings and rock art

Exploring these Neolithic dwellings offers a profound connection to the region’s distant past, providing a window into the daily lives of our ancestors who first called Matera home.

Common Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Sassi Di Matera?

The best time to visit Sassi di Matera is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and the city’s natural beauty can be enjoyed without extreme temperatures. Visiting in the summer or winter may be less ideal.

Can I Purchase the Audio Guide On-Site or Is It Only Available Online?

The audio guide is only available for purchase online. Visitors can’t buy it on-site. It must be downloaded prior to the tour using the ITGUIDES app on a smartphone.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The audio guide is only available for purchase online. There’s no mention of any discounts for students or seniors in the provided information. Customers can reserve the tour and pay later, with a full refund option up to 24 hours in advance.

How Long Does the Self-Guided Tour Typically Take to Complete?

The self-guided audio tour typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the visitor’s pace and interest in exploring the Sassi di Matera’s fascinating historical sites and cultural highlights along the way.

Are There Any Guided Tours Available for Those Who Prefer More Structure?

Yes, there are guided tours available for those who prefer more structure. The audio tour provides a self-guided experience, but the operator also offers guided walking tours led by local experts for a more immersive and comprehensive exploration of the Sassi di Matera.

The Sum Up

The Sassi di Matera self-guided audio tour offers an immersive and flexible way to explore this captivating UNESCO site. With over 30 points of interest, the tour provides insights into Matera’s rich history, from Neolithic dwellings to Byzantine frescoes. Available in multiple languages, the wheelchair-accessible experience allows visitors to appreciate the unique underground architecture and cultural heritage of this remarkable Italian destination at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: