Things to do in Sassi di Matera
Carved into the hard limestone cliffs of southern Italy, Sassi di Matera is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
This ancient network of cave dwellings, rock churches and winding alleyways has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, blending striking landscapes and authentic traditions that feel like a rustic Italian folktale. Overlooking a huge ravine, the Sassi reveals layer upon layer of history, with stone homes, hidden staircases and terraces chiselled straight into natural rock. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, it remains one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
As you meander through its cobblestone alleys, you can actually step inside cave houses, visit rupestrian churches embellished with centuries-old frescoes and follow narrow trails that lead to eye-catching views of the gorge. The Sassi’s raw, cinematic beauty has also made it a favourite filming location for big-name movies like The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond flick No Time to Die. Once considered one of Italy’s poorest areas, the Sassi has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now home to boutique hotels, restaurants and cultural spaces carved directly into the rock.
Our recommendations in Sassi di Matera
Guided walking tour of the Sassi of Matera
Discover Sassi of Matera, from being the “shame of Italy” to being a UNESCO Heritage site with your professional guide.
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007 Special mission guided tour in Matera
You'll get to know anecdotes, curiosities and all that happened behind the scenes of the film shot in Matera.
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Matera e-bike tour with sassi area and the Park of Rupestrian Churches
Book your electric bike tour of Matera and immerse yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage City.
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Matera sightseeing tour by open-top bus
Visit the city of Matera with this open-top bus. Get to know the Sassi in complete comfort, and take the opportunity to capture some great shots.
en, it, fr, es
Guided walking tour of the Sassi of Matera
Discover Sassi of Matera, from being the “shame of Italy” to being a UNESCO Heritage site with your professional guide.
en, it, fr, es, de
007 Special mission guided tour in Matera
You'll get to know anecdotes, curiosities and all that happened behind the scenes of the film shot in Matera.
en, it, fr
Matera e-bike tour with sassi area and the Park of Rupestrian Churches
Book your electric bike tour of Matera and immerse yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage City.
en, it
Matera sightseeing tour by open-top bus
Visit the city of Matera with this open-top bus. Get to know the Sassi in complete comfort, and take the opportunity to capture some great shots.
en, it, fr, es
Combo Tour of UNESCO's Matera and Alberobello from Polignano a Mare
Join this tour with private transfer from and back to Polignano a Mare to discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day: Matera and Alberobello.
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Full-day tour of Alberobello and Matera from Bari
Discover hidden gems of Italian history on this guided sightseeing tour to Alberobello and Matera. Explore unique buildings and see memorable sights.
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Experience a suggestive walk through Matera's Sasso Caveoso area and discover the city's rich history and unique traditions!
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Guided tour of the Sassi di Matera
Discover a unique stone world like no other, including alleys, hidden churches, and cave houses. Book your tour of Matera today and don't miss out!
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Panoramic tour of Matera city center by tuk tuk
Visit the city of Matera in a tuk tuk to admire all the city's most iconic locations while comfortably seated.
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Murgia Timone and rock churches tour in Matera
Come and discover the wonders of the rock churches in Matera. Immerse yourself in the history of this site, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages.
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Discover the city of Matera in an articulated route through its baroque churches, the Civita district, and the two famous Sassi districts, Barisano and Caveoso!
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How to get there
Sassi di Matera
Matera
Italy
