Tour enogastronomico dei due Sassi, Barisano e Caveoso

Experience the Sassi of Matera with a Guided Enogastronomico Tour

Imagine walking through a city carved into stone that’s been inhabited for centuries, where every alley and cave whispers stories of past lives. This enogastronomico tour in Matera offers a deep dive into the two historic Sassi districts—Barisano and Caveoso—with a focus on authentic sights, flavors, and stories. Priced at around $75 per person for roughly four hours, it’s a great way to see the highlights without feeling rushed, all under the guidance of passionate local guides like Antonio and Linda.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love how it combines cultural exploration with food tasting, giving you a genuine taste of Matera’s traditions. Second, the visits to rock churches and ancient cave dwellings make the history come alive, especially when standing inside the Rock Church from the 8th or 9th century.

One thing to consider: this is a walk, not a bus tour, so be prepared for some uneven streets and narrow alleys. It’s best suited for those who enjoy walking and are comfortable exploring on foot, especially since it involves visits to caves and steep climbs.

If you’re curious about local architecture, history, and cuisine, this tour is ideal. It appeals to travelers who want an intimate experience, with guided insights into the city’s layered past and delicious local flavors.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Combines sightseeing, history, and food tasting in one immersive tour.
• Expert guides: Passionate local guides like Antonio and Linda enhance storytelling and engagement.
• Historic sites: Includes visits to caves, churches, and a historic museum, providing a tangible sense of Matera’s past.
• Food tasting: Enjoy sampling local products and a light lunch in a charming Sassi bistrot.
• Flexible and small group: Max 15 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Value for money: Entrance fees and tastings included, making it a comprehensive package.

Exploring the Sassi: A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting at Piazzetta Pascoli and the Museo di Palazzo Lanfranchi

The tour kicks off in Piazzetta Pascoli, where your guide promptly sets the scene with a lively introduction to the architecture and history of the Sassi. Standing in front of Palazzo Lanfranchi, an elegant building that dominates the square, we felt an immediate connection to the city’s artistic and historical fabric. This starting point acts as a good primer, giving context before wandering through the labyrinth of streets.

Walking through the Historic Centre and Baroque Churches

From there, the route takes us through both the newer and older parts of Matera, including the Chiesa del Purgatorio and San Francesco d’Assisi. These baroque-style churches offer a contrast to the ancient caves, and their detailed facades and interior frescoes are a highlight for anyone interested in religious art and architecture.

The guide points out beautiful squares and hidden alleys, making this part of the tour almost feel like a treasure hunt—each turn revealing a new story or view. The 5-minute stop here allows for some photos and brief explorations, making sure you soak in the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.

Visiting La Civita and the Cathedral

Next, the ascent to ’La Civita’, the highest part of the city, offers stunning panoramic views of the Sassi. Reaching the Cattedrale di Matera, you get a sense of the city’s strategic importance and its visual beauty. The guide explains the history of the cathedral, and you’ll love the sweeping vistas that stretch across the Sasso Barisano.

Descending into the Sassi: Casa Cava and Casa Grotta

The journey into the subterranean world of Casa Cava is a real highlight. This hypogeum site is an extraordinary underground environment, offering a glimpse into the space where ancient inhabitants once carved homes and communal spaces from the rock.

Next, you visit a typical cave dwelling at Casa Grotta, furnished with household tools and furniture used by past residents. The “casa grotta” museum captures the spirit of daily life in the Sassi, turning stone into a home. Here, you also find the Sassi in Miniatura craft shop, showcasing beautiful tuff art works, a perfect souvenir or conversation piece.

Climbing to Santa Maria de Idris and Exploring Cave Churches

In the Caveoso district, the tour takes a turn into the Rupestrian churches, including Madonna dell’Idris, carved directly into the cliffs. The frescoes and religious artwork inside these churches are remarkable, offering a peek into the spiritual life of past inhabitants. The climb up to these sites involves narrow alleys and some steps, but it’s worthwhile for the sense of stepping back in time.

Ending with a Tasting in the Sassi

The final hour relaxes with a light lunch in a picturesque bistrot, where you’ll sample traditional foods and local products. Many reviewers, like one who called the tour “fascinating,” highlight the delicious food as a memorable part of the experience. It’s a fitting end to a day spent exploring the layers of history and culture in Matera.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $75, with all entrance fees and tastings included, the tour offers good value, considering the depth and authenticity of the experience. You’re getting not just a walk, but a guided journey through history, architecture, and local flavors—all led by knowledgeable guides who bring genuine passion to their storytelling.

The small group size (max 15) ensures you’ll have room for questions and personalized attention, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate a more intimate environment. The tour’s structure, combining sightseeing, cultural insights, and food, appeals especially to those curious about local traditions and everyday life.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided enogastronomico tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy walking tours that blend history with food. If you appreciate exploring on foot, discovering hidden corners, and tasting regional specialties, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s also well-suited for those who want to learn from enthusiastic local guides and see both the caves and the churches that define Matera’s unique landscape.

People who prefer structured tours with included entrance fees and tastings will find the value here appealing. Since the tour covers significant ground in about four hours, it’s suitable for those with a moderate level of mobility and curiosity about cultural storytelling.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including visits, tastings, and a light lunch.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking, climbing, and uneven streets, so it’s best suited for those in good health and comfortable on their feet.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees, including to Casa Cava, Casa Grotta, and the rock churches, are included in the price.

What’s included in the tasting?
You’ll sample local food products during the final part of the tour, plus a light lunch in a Sassi bistrot.

Does the tour start and end at the same point?
Yes, it begins at Altieri Viaggi and ends in Via Bruno Buozzi.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. Less than 24 hours, and the booking is non-refundable.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour involves walking, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for some narrow, winding streets.

The Sum Up

This enogastronomico tour in Matera offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s ancient cave dwellings, historic churches, and local cuisine. It balances educational storytelling with delicious tastings and authentic sights, making it an ideal choice for travelers eager to experience Matera beyond just photos.

If you love walking and exploring on foot, enjoy learning from passionate guides, and want to sample regional specialties, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially suited for those who want a personalized, small-group experience that packs in a lot of history, culture, and flavor in just four hours.

While it’s not a tour for those seeking a luxury or private experience, the value for money, local insights, and delicious food make this a memorable way to see Matera’s famous Sassi and understand what makes this city so special.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply fascinated by human ingenuity in adapting to rocky landscapes, this tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Matera’s incredible story—set in stone and served with a side of local flavor.