Matera_Belvedere walking tour

Explore Matera’s Rock Churches with an Expert Guide

The Matera Belvedere walking tour offers an engaging 2-hour exploration of the Natural Historical Archaeological Park of the Rock Churches. For $56.68 per person, visitors enjoy a guided walk led by a licensed local guide, who highlights the area’s natural beauty and historical significance. This tour is ideal for those who want to see over 150 rock-carved churches and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the Murgia plateau firsthand, all within a small group of up to 15 people.

The tour includes visits to notable sites like Madonna delle Tre Porte and San Falcione, and offers scenic views of the Sassi di Matera. It is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable walking and wearing suitable shoes, though it is not recommended for those with mobility impairments. The two-hour duration makes it a manageable way to enjoy Matera’s ancient architecture and landscape without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Includes a licensed local guide with in-depth knowledge of Matera’s history and geology
• Visits over 150 rupestrian churches, including the famous Madonna delle Tre Porte
• Scenic walk along the edge of the Gravina di Matera canyon with stunning views
• Stops at key sites like Jazzo Gattini and San Falcione rock churches
• Accessible for most, but less suitable for those with mobility issues
• Small group size (up to 15 participants) ensures a personalized experience

Starting Point at Jazzo Gattini with Panoramic Views

The tour begins at Centro Visite Jazzo Gattini on Contrada Murgia Timone, a location offering sweeping views facing the Sassi di Matera. From here, the guide takes you on a scenic walk along the murgia slopes, passing through caves and rock churches. The 30-minute walk is free to enter and offers an initial glimpse of the area’s natural and archaeological richness.

This starting point provides a panoramic perspective of Matera’s ancient settlements and the deep Gravina di Matera canyon. The location is accessible via public transportation and provides a comfortable setting for beginning the exploration.

Visiting the Rock Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte

The rock church of Madonna delle Tre Porte is notable for its rustic external appearance contrasted by a well-decorated interior adorned with frescoes and crosses scratched into the walls. Despite some masonry gaps caused by early archaeological activity, the church preserves a strong sense of spiritual history.

The entrance fee to this site is included in the tour, allowing visitors to observe its frescoed walls and historical character up close. The guide shares stories about the church’s history and the role it played during the early Middle Ages.

Discovering the 9th-10th Century San Falcione Church

Next, the tour visits San Falcione, a rock church excavated in the 9th and 10th centuries. Its architecture follows a Byzantine model, featuring a rectangular chamber with plain walls and arced presbyteries supported by a central pillar. The church’s association with Saint Canius, the patron saint of Acerenza, adds a layer of historical significance.

This short stop provides insight into Byzantine influences on Matera’s spiritual sites, showcasing the architectural style and religious importance of these ancient structures.

Exploring the Parco della Murgia Materana’s Natural Features

The Parco della Murgia Materana covers deep fissures, cliffs, caves, and gorges formed in soft rock used by humans since prehistory. The 45-minute visit reveals the natural landscape that has shaped human activity for thousands of years.

Here, visitors observe ravines and gorges, appreciating how prehistoric populations utilized these geological features. The park’s scenery combines spectacular geological formations with traces of agro-pastoral activities dating back to the Neolithic period.

The Scenic Walk Along Gravina di Matera

The guided walk follows the slope of the Gravina canyon, offering picturesque views of the Sassi and the rock settlements carved into the hillside. The route includes several caves and rock churches, providing a tangible connection to Matera’s ancient community life.

This section emphasizes the natural beauty of the landscape and the archaeological richness of the area. The scenery is especially captivating for those interested in geology, history, and photography.

The Artistic and Historical Significance of Madonna delle Tre Porte

Despite its rustic exterior, the Madonna delle Tre Porte church’s interior is decorated with frescoes and crosses, illustrating its religious importance during the early Middle Ages. The church’s frescoes are an essential part of the site’s cultural heritage, even though some valuable artworks were removed in the 1960s by archaeologist Rudolf Kubesh.

This stop provides an opportunity to appreciate the artistic craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism embedded in Matera’s rupestrian churches.

The Architectural Style of San Falcione

The byzantine-inspired design of San Falcione reflects the influence of Eastern Christian traditions on Matera’s religious architecture. The rectangular chamber and arched presbyteries showcase the simple yet meaningful construction techniques used during the 9th and 10th centuries.

Understanding these architectural details helps to appreciate the historical layers present within Matera’s spiritual sites, revealing a fusion of cultural influences over centuries.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This tour is designed for small groups of up to 15 participants, ensuring an intimate experience and personalized attention from the guide. The meeting point is easily reached near public transportation, and the walks are generally manageable, although the terrain involves some uneven surfaces and slight inclines.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor conditions. The tour does not include bottled water, so visitors should bring some along if needed. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to the nature of the terrain.

Why Choose This Matera Walk?

This 2-hour guided tour balances cultural storytelling with spectacular views, making it perfect for those who enjoy history, architecture, and scenic landscapes. The inclusion of entry to rock churches enhances the experience, allowing close-up viewing of frescoes and carvings.

The small group size makes the experience more personal, and the expert guide provides rich insights into the spiritual and natural history of Matera. It is a great option for visitors wanting a comprehensive but manageable introduction to Matera’s rock churches and natural scenery.

The Sum Up of the Matera Belvedere Walking Tour

The Matera Belvedere walking tour offers a compact and insightful exploration of the rock-carved churches and landscapes that define Matera’s ancient character. With free access to key sites and a knowledgeable guide, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and geological significance of this unique area.

While the tour involves some walking on uneven terrain, it remains accessible for most and promises stunning viewpoints and engaging storytelling. For those interested in history, architecture, and nature, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price, all within a manageable time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers a guided walk with a licensed local guide, entrance to the rock churches, and the transfer from Matera to Jazzo Gattini.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a convenient option for a half-day activity.

Is there any physical difficulty involved?
The tour involves walking in natural outdoor settings with uneven surfaces, so it’s best suited for those able to walk comfortably. It is not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments.

Where does the tour start and end?
Start at Centro Visite Jazzo Gattini on Contrada Murgia Timone. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refunded.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the physical nature of the walk means it may be less suitable for those with significant mobility challenges.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bringing bottled water is advised, as it is not included.

Is this tour suitable for photography?
Absolutely, the scenic viewpoints and ancient sites provide excellent opportunities for photos and souvenirs.

Is the guide knowledgeable about Matera’s history?
Yes, the licensed local guide is well-prepared and shares detailed stories about the churches and natural landscape, enhancing the overall experience.

Are the sites accessible for those with special needs?
Given the terrain, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.