Tour enogastronomico dei due Sassi, Barisano e Caveoso

Exploring Matera’s Famous Sassi and Local Flavors for $75.31

The Tour enogastronomico dei due Sassi, Barisano e Caveoso offers a 4-hour journey through one of Italy’s most fascinating cities. Priced at $75.31 per person, this experience provides a deep dive into Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and a taste of authentic local foods. The tour is designed for those curious about history, architecture, and regional cuisine, and it is notably booked 121 days in advance on average, indicating strong interest and a well-organized experience.

Starting from the historic heart of Matera, the tour combines guided walking with food tastings, making it ideal for visitors who want a comprehensive look at the UNESCO World Heritage Site while enjoying the flavors of the region. The local blue badge guide leads the group, ensuring clear explanations and a personal touch. Although no hotel pickup is included, the meeting point at Altieri Viaggi is easy to access by public transportation or walking.

Key Points

• Price of $75.31 covers about 4 hours of guided exploration and food tastings.
• Includes entrance fees to key sites like Casa Cava and the Sassi cave museum.
• The tour covers both Sasso Barisano and Caveoso, with stops at historic churches and cave dwellings.
• Delicious local food tasting in a picturesque Sassi bistrot.
• Small group size, with a maximum of 15 travelers, allows for personalized attention.
• Pre-booking is recommended, with a typical wait of around 4 months.

Starting Point: From Piazzetta Pascoli to the Historic Streets of Matera

The tour begins at the Piazzetta Pascoli, where the guide provides an introductory overview of the Sassi’s architecture and anthropology. This initial 15-minute segment sets the tone for the walk, highlighting Palazzo Lanfranchi, a prominent historic building that dominates the square. The guide’s storytelling makes complex history accessible, and admission to this part is free.

From there, the group moves through Matera’s historic streets, passing by Baroque churches such as the Chiesa del Purgatorio and San Francesco d’Assisi. These churches showcase the city’s artistic styles and are key landmarks along the route. The walk is flexible and winding, giving ample opportunity to admire the charming squares and narrow alleys that define Matera’s unique character.

Discovering the Rock Church Carved from Rock

A major highlight of the tour is the visit to the Rock Church, dating from the 8th or 9th century, carved directly into the cliffs of the Sassi. This rupestrian church exemplifies the city’s ancient religious traditions. The guide explains the church’s history and architectural features, allowing visitors to imagine how early inhabitants used these rock-cut spaces for worship.

This site exemplifies Matera’s troglodyte architecture—homes, chapels, and monasteries all carved from the natural limestone. The view from the church offers sweeping panoramas over the Sasso Barisano, the newer part of the city. Visitors should note that the site’s uneven terrain may require some walking on uneven surfaces.

Exploring Casa Cava, the Hypogeum Environment

Next, the guide leads the group into Casa Cava, an extraordinary underground space located in the Sasso Baisano area. This hypogeum, or subterranean environment, offers a rare glimpse into the ancient underground dwellings and quarrying practices of Matera. The 15-minute visit is included in the tour and provides insight into how the city’s residents historically used underground spaces.

The Casa Cava visit highlights the artistic and practical uses of the caves, offering a perspective on the city’s adaptation to its terrain. It’s a fascinating stop for those interested in archaeology and cave architecture.

Visiting a Typical Cave Dwelling Museum: Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera

Another key stop is Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera – C’era Una Volta, a museum that recreates a traditional cave home furnished with household furniture and tools used by farmers. Visitors see authentic household items and work tools, illustrating daily life in the Sassi.

Adjacent to this, the craft shop ‘Sassi in Miniatura’ displays tuff art works, providing a chance to buy souvenirs. The 20-minute visit combines history with local craftsmanship, making it both educational and visually appealing.

Visiting the Sassi Caveoso and Its Rupestrian Churches

In the Sasso Caveoso, the group explores the Monterrone cliff area, known for rock-carved churches like Madonna dell’Idris. These rupestrian churches are decorated with frescoes and carved into the rock, showcasing early religious art. The guide explains their significance and the history of rock-cut religious sites in Matera.

This part of the tour offers stunning views and close-up looks at the religious architecture, providing a sense of how early communities adapted their surroundings for worship. The climb up to the churches may involve some uneven terrain but rewards visitors with impressive rock formations and frescoes.

Tasting Traditional Food in a Picturesque Sassi Bistrot

The tour concludes with a light lunch in a charming bistrot located within the Sassi. This hour-long session features tastings of local food products, emphasizing regional flavors. The experience is casual but highlights the culinary traditions that have persisted in Matera for generations.

This food experience is included in the tour fee and offers an authentic taste of local cuisine. It provides a relaxed setting to reflect on the tour’s sights and sounds, making it a satisfying end to the exploration.

Practical Details: Logistics, Group Size, and Booking

The meeting point at Altieri Viaggi, on Via Domenico Ridola, is easy to reach and the tour operates with a mobile ticket, making check-in straightforward. The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal experience. It does not include hotel pickup, so visitors should plan their transportation accordingly.

Booking well in advance is recommended, with average bookings 121 days ahead, to secure a spot in this popular tour. The tour is suitable for most travelers and service animals are allowed. The experience is free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if plans change.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This enogastronomico tour suits visitors who want a balanced mix of history, architecture, and local cuisine. It’s particularly engaging for those interested in rural cave dwellings and religious sites, as well as anyone eager to sample regional foods in a beautiful setting. The short walking distances and accessible stops make it suitable for most fitness levels.

However, travelers should be prepared for some uneven terrain at certain sites, such as the rock church and rupestrian churches. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for questions and personalized insights from the guide.

Final Thoughts on the Enogastronomico Experience in Matera

The Tour enogastronomico dei due Sassi provides an immersive look into Matera’s history, architecture, and culinary traditions. For $75.31, it offers a thorough exploration of the city’s unique cave dwellings, historic churches, and local food tastings in a cozy bistrot. The expert guide and included entrance fees add value, making it a compelling choice for those eager to understand and taste Matera.

While the tour emphasizes sightseeing and food, it does require some walking on uneven surfaces. Travelers who enjoy cultural exploration paired with regional flavors will find this experience both informative and delicious, with plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but some stops involve walking on uneven terrain, which might be challenging for very young children or those with limited mobility.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, the tour starts at the meeting point at Altieri Viaggi and does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

Are food and entrance fees included?
Yes, the food tastings and entrance fees to sites like Casa Cava and the cave museum are included in the $75.31 price.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for uneven terrain, and weather-appropriate clothing depending on the season.

Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.