Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

Name: Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour
Brand: Civitatis
Price: 47.20 USD
Rating: 8.9 (27 reviews)

The hike itself (aside from the truly exceptional views) is very small: so it's up to the guide's skill to make it inter...

Francesco Virgili

Explore the national park home to around 150 ancient rock-hewn caves churches on this guided tour of Murgia Park in Matera, the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Details

Duration

2 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

Transport between the centre of Matera and Murgia Materana Park
English–speaking guide
Admission to all areas of the Murgia Materana Park: rock–hewn churches, San Falcione and Madonna delle Tre Porte, the Neolithic village, and the lookout point

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the day of the activity. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Matera Guided Tour

Free cancellation

Matera Tuk-Tuk Tour

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Matera Bread Making Workshop

Free cancellation

Meeting point

Via Alessandro Volta 3/5.

Reviews of our customers

8.9

Excellent 279 Travelers·27 reviews

March 22, 2026
Francesco Virgili
Macerata, Italy
The hike itself (aside from the truly exceptional views) is very small: so it's up to the guide's skill to make it interesting and exciting. Our guide...
As a couple
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October 3, 2026
Michele
Termoli, Italy
Interesting route and very knowledgeable and engaging guide (Federico)
As a couple
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September 28, 2026
Irene
Italy
Beautiful visit. Our guide, Antonio, was very friendly and knowledgeable. Always available to answer the group's questions. A magical place.
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May 19, 2026
Maria Eva
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The guide was very friendly, with a great sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge of the area. He explained everything in a very engaging way, shari...
As a couple
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May 17, 2026
Anna
Italy
Federico, our guide, was very thorough and entertaining in his explanations. The wonderful places we visited certainly made it easier. I highly recomm...
As a couple
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May 16, 2026
Danilo
Italy
It was a very nice experience. The guide was excellent, fun, and explained many interesting things to us.
As a couple
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April 18, 2026
Paolo
Roncade, Italy
A unique experience with a knowledgeable and captivating guide. Highly recommended.
As a couple
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October 15, 2026
Nicola Pampaloni
Firenze, Italy
A very interesting visit to the park. The sunset views of the city are truly fantastic.
As a couple
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July 4, 2025
Emanuele Ribera
Fermo, Italy
A fascinating experience thanks to the extraordinary guidance of Francesco, who led us through the breathtaking landscapes of the Murgia Park and the ...
As a couple
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August 23, 2024
Sandra
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mima was the guide, impeccable in her description and contribution of historical and archaeological information. Punctuality in departure, punctuality...
Traveling solo
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Explore the national park home to around 150 ancient rock-hewn caves churches on this guided tour of Murgia Park in Matera, the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

Meet your guide in Via Alessando Volta, in the heart of Matera, ready to head out into the national park known as the Murgia Materana, or the Park of Rock Churches.

Entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll first head to the archaeological remains of a Neolithic town, where you'll learn all about the daily life of the historic inhabitants of the region, who were mainly shepherds and hunters. Discover the ruins of farms, sheep pens knowns as "jazzo", water tanks and wells that have survived over thousands of years.

You'll then find yourself surrounded by some of the 150 Rupestrian, or rock-hewn, churches for which the Murgia Materana Park is known. Mainly built in the Middle Ages, these sanctuaries are an important representation of the significance of religion in this area of southern Italy throughout history.

First, you'll visit the Church of San Falcione, one of the oldest cave churches in Matera. This Rupestrian temple stands out for having been carved entirely out of the rock, and for the 9th century frescoes that still decorate its interior.

Next, you'll explore the Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte, where your expert English-speaking guide will reveal why its walls have such important historic value.

Your walking tour of the Matera Murgia Rupestrian Churches Park will come to an end at the viewpoint used by Mel Gibson to film the crucifixion scene in The Passion of the Christ, as this area of Italy has been said to resemble Jerusalem. Enjoy the opportunity to take a panoramic photo of the spectacular view of Matera's historic centre before returning to the city by bus after your fascinating tour.

How Long is the Walking Tour?

During the excursion, you'll complete a route of around 4 km (about 2.5 mi - around a 2-hour walk). The guide will tailor the speed to the needs of your group so you can make the most of the activity.

Types of activities in Matera

Guided tours and free tours

Other activities in Matera

Matera Bread Making Workshop Cave Churches of Matera Tour Matera E-Bike Tour Crypt of Original Sin + Apéritif Sassi de Matera Guided Tour Sasso Barisano Tour Ipogeo MateraSum Tickets + Audio Guide

Explore the national park home to around 150 ancient rock-hewn caves churches on this guided tour of Murgia Park in Matera, the European Capital of Culture for 2019.