Basilicata, Italy

Matera

Matera's Sassi are ancient cave dwellings and churches cut into a ravine, now restored as hotels, homes and museums.

Matera: Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour
Featured walk: Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Its cave districts, the Sassi, were evacuated in the 1950s and later restored.

The Sassi and their rock churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking them means steps, slopes and wonderful views.

What makes Matera distinctive

  • The Sassi cave districts
  • Rock-cut churches with frescoes
  • Views across the ravine
  • Film locations

Walking tours in Matera

Hand-picked guided walks in Matera, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: History walks in Matera

Compare with other cities: History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Sassi

    The cave districts.

  • Civita

    The ridge with the cathedral.

  • Piano

    The newer upper town.

Free self-guided walk

Through the Sassi

A free self-guided walk in Matera, from the upper town past the cathedral into the cave districts of the Sassi.

2.2 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Sassi

    Steps and lanes between the two districts.

  2. Belvedere

    Viewpoints over the Sassi from the upper town.

  3. Murgia

    Paths across the ravine.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Steep, with many steps.

  • Footwear

    Wear good shoes; stone surfaces can be slippery.

  • Heat

    Summers are hot.

When to visit

  • Spring and autumn

    Best for walking.

  • Summer

    Hot and busy.

  • Winter

    Cold and quiet.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By rail

    Regional trains link Bari in about an hour and a half.

  • By air

    Bari Airport is about an hour away.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The Sassi are only reachable on foot.

Questions travellers ask about Matera

How many days do I need?

One or two days.

Can I stay in a cave?

Yes, many cave dwellings are now hotels.

Is Matera hard to walk?

There are many steps; it suits people who are reasonably fit.

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Country overview

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Old towns built long before the car, and still best seen on foot

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.