Ape Calessino Matera: Explore the Sassi by Ape

Ape Calessino Matera: explore the Sassi in a truly Italian way

Why choose an Ape Calessino in Matera

An Ape Calessino tour in Matera is a distinctive way to get your first overview of the Sassi. Its compact size suits the historic setting and lets you move between viewpoints and characteristic streets while staying close to the atmosphere of the old city.

Barabba’s tour is designed for travellers who want to understand Matera quickly, identify its main districts and enjoy several panoramic stops before continuing their visit independently.

Ape Calessino, Ape tour and tuk tuk in Matera

International travellers use several expressions for the same style of experience: Ape Calessino Matera, Matera Ape Tour, Ape tour of the Sassi and sometimes tuk tuk tour. The Ape Calessino has a recognisably Italian character and is especially suited to a city where narrow streets, slopes and panoramic terraces are part of the experience.

This landing page is specifically written for visitors searching for an Ape Calessino experience, while the website’s established Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour remains the main product page.

What you can see on a Matera Ape tour

The route includes the most representative areas of the Sassi, with views of Sasso Caveoso, rock dwellings, the Gravina canyon and parts of Matera’s historic centre. Photo stops give you time to take in the landscape instead of simply passing through it.

In around 50 minutes, the tour gives you a useful mental map of Matera. It works particularly well at the beginning of a stay, because you can then decide which neighbourhoods, churches or museums you want to explore on foot.

Ride with Barabba

Francesco “Barabba” is the driver behind the experience. The tour combines panoramic driving with a multilingual audio guide, photo opportunities and practical suggestions for making the most of the rest of your time in Matera.

For a wider itinerary outside the urban Sassi, you can also explore the Sassi and Murgia Park tour.

Itinerary and Main Stages
of the Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour

Departure from the point agreed at booking
Brief presentation of the tour

Sasso Caveoso
We walk through the alleys carved into the rock, admiring the perfectly preserved cave dwellings
Stop at the Belvedere for a breathtaking view of the Gravina canyon

Rock Churches
Pass by the Church of San Pietro Barisano and the small hidden crypts
Anecdotes on rituals, paintings and millenary legends

Casa Grotta
Stop to discover the typical rock dwelling
Explanation of the techniques of daily life in the past

Piazza Duomo and Palombaro Lungo
Arrival in the square with a view of the Cathedral
Short panoramic tour above the large underground reservoir, with curiosities about the ancient cisterns

Back through the alleyways
The tuk-tuk climbs up through the narrowest and most atmospheric alleyways
Last stop for photos

What It Includes

Duration: 50 Minute Tour
Panoramic and protected tuk-tuk: perfect for every season
Ergonomic seats and ample space for light luggage
Multilingual audio guides in all world languages
Expert driver and narrator: Francesco “Barabba”
Photo-stops at strategic points and tips for the best shots

Practical Information

Meeting point: Agreed at the time of booking
End point of tour: Any point in the centre of Matera
Available times: from 09:00 to 21:00
Suitable for everyone: children, seniors and people with reduced mobility.

Experience Matera at 360°: from the millenary history of the Sassi to the unspoilt nature of the Murgia, all in one unforgettable journey with Barabba!

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Ape Calessino tour in Matera?
The panoramic Sassi tour lasts about 50 minutes.

Is an Ape Calessino the same as a tuk tuk?
Travellers often use both terms for this style of compact panoramic vehicle; the experience here is aboard Barabba’s Ape.

Are there photo stops?
Yes. The route includes strategic stops for panoramic photos.

Is a multilingual audio guide available?
Yes. A multilingual audio guide is part of the experience.