Sassi Tour Matera: an easy way to understand the heart of the city
Where to start when visiting the Sassi of Matera
The Sassi of Matera are not a single neighbourhood. They are a layered urban landscape of cave dwellings, terraces, stairways, streets and viewpoints. A panoramic tour can therefore be a useful first step before exploring individual areas on foot.
Barabba’s approximately 50-minute route connects key viewpoints and gives you an introduction to Sasso Caveoso, rock-hewn areas and parts of the historic centre.
What you see on a Sassi Tour in Matera
The itinerary includes views of Sasso Caveoso, the Gravina, rock churches and cave-house areas, together with representative parts of central Matera. Stops allow you to look at the landscape rather than simply move through it.
The value of the route is the connection between places: you begin to understand how the rock city, the historic centre and the canyon fit together.
Use the tour to plan the rest of your day
First-time visitors often have to choose between Sasso Barisano, Sasso Caveoso, Civita, the Cathedral, cave houses and rock churches. A panoramic overview helps you decide where to spend more time later.
If panoramic viewpoints are your main priority, see the dedicated Panoramic Tour Matera page.
Tour the Sassi with Barabba
The experience is driven by Francesco “Barabba” and includes a multilingual audio guide and photo stops. It is the same main route presented on the established Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour, expanded here for travellers specifically searching for a Sassi Tour in Matera.
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 Sassi tour?
The main panoramic Sassi route lasts about 50 minutes.
Which areas are included?
The route includes Sasso Caveoso, rock-hewn areas, views of the Gravina and parts of the historic centre.
Is this a walking tour?
No. It is a panoramic Ape/tuk tuk tour with a multilingual audio guide.
Can I continue exploring on foot afterwards?
Yes. The tour is a useful way to identify which areas you want to explore in more depth.
What are you waiting for,
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