Tour of the three Crypts in the Murgia Materana with Transfer

Discover the Unique Crypts of Matera and Altamura for an Authentic Cultural Experience

The Tour of the three Crypts in the Murgia Materana with Transfer offers a fascinating journey through some of Italy’s most captivating underground sites. Priced at $515.88 per group of up to 5 and lasting approximately 4 hours, this private tour includes transportation, entrance tickets, and an audio guide inside the Crypt of the Original Sin. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in history, art, and architecture, especially since the tour hits three distinct locations, each with its own story and artistic treasures.

While the tour is tailored for small groups, its focus on key crypts and underground spaces means it’s well suited for travelers craving an intimate and immersive experience. The private transfer ensures smooth logistics and comfort throughout the day, making it ideal for visitors who prefer a personalized approach. A noteworthy highlight is the Crypt of the Original Sin, a site that has been rediscovered and restored, now drawing much admiration for its frescoes and history.

Key Points

• Private tour with transfer and all entrance tickets included
• Visits to three significant crypts: Crypt of the Original Sin, Madonna della Palomba, and St. Michael Archangel in Altamura
• Frescoes and underground spaces showcase medieval and Byzantine art
• Duration of approximately 4 hours, starting at 9:00 am from Matera
• Ideal for history, art, and architecture lovers interested in authentic sites
• Designed for small groups of up to 5 people, ensuring a personal experience

Starting Point and Convenient Logistics in Matera

The tour begins at Martulli Viaggi’s office in Matera, located at Via Alessandro Volta n. 3/5. From there, a personal driver welcomes the group and takes everyone in a comfortable private vehicle to the first stop, about 10 km outside Matera. The entire journey is straightforward, with most of the time spent exploring each crypt and underground site.

The meeting point is easy to locate, and the return is seamless, with the driver bringing the group back to Matera’s office at the end of the tour. This setup allows for a stress-free experience, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the region or those traveling in a tight schedule.

Exploring the Crypt of the Original Sin: The Heart of the Tour

The Crypt of the Original Sin is the first major stop, known for its stunning frescoes painted by the Painter of Materas Flowers. It is a cave converted into a church during the 9th century by Benedictine monks. The crypt was rediscovered in 1963 by local enthusiasts, who uncovered its artistic treasures and historical significance.

Visitors listen to an audio guide, which enhances the storytelling as they admire frescoes that vividly depict religious scenes. The site is about 10 km from Matera and offers a glimpse into early Christian worship and monastic life. Its frescoes are a highlight, displaying artistic styles that span centuries, and the site remains one of the main attractions of Matera.

Visiting Madonna della Palomba in the Heart of Matera

Next, the tour takes travelers to the Church of Madonna della Palomba, situated right within Matera. This sacred site is notable for both its artistic beauty and spiritual atmosphere. The church’s architecture and interior decoration reflect centuries of religious devotion, making it an inspiring stop for art and history enthusiasts.

Here, visitors appreciate the underground spaces such as the icehouse, refectory, cellar, cistern, and kitchen, which reveal how inhabitants managed daily life in ancient times. Each space offers insights into medieval underground infrastructure, with the artistic details adding to the sense of stepping back in history.

The Crypt of St. Michael the Archangel in Altamura

The final stop is at Masseria Jesce in Altamura, where the Crypt of St. Michael the Archangel awaits. This site boasts 14th-century frescoes, including a Byzantine Deesis attributed to Giovanni da Taranto. The Marian scenes painted by Didaco de Simone in the 17th century further enrich the site’s artistic appeal.

This crypt’s timeless charm and extraordinary frescoes provide a powerful visual narrative of religious art spanning several centuries. The site is considered a hidden gem for those interested in Byzantine influence and medieval art. The guided exploration reveals the significance of these artworks and the historical context that surrounds them.

The Comfortable Private Transfer and Its Role

Throughout the tour, the private transfer plays a vital role in maintaining a smooth flow between stops. The driver ensures punctuality and comfort, allowing participants to relax and focus on the sites without worrying about logistics. This private transport option is especially advantageous for small groups, providing a personalized experience that larger bus tours may lack.

The transfer also allows for a flexible schedule, giving enough time at each location to explore without feeling rushed. It ensures that the pace of the tour aligns with the interest level of the group, making the experience pleasant and well-paced.

The Pacing and Duration of the Tour

Spanning about 4 hours, this tour balances sightseeing with enough time to appreciate each crypt’s details. After an initial 10-minute meet-up, the journey in the private minivan lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the first site, followed by three 30-minute stops at the crypts.

The pacing is designed to avoid fatigue, with brief visits that highlight the key features of each site. This makes the tour ideal for travelers who want a focused exploration without spending an entire day underground or in museums. The timing also suits those with limited availability but a strong interest in the region’s underground architecture and art.

What’s Included and What You Should Prepare For

The tour package includes entrance tickets to all three crypts, an audio guide inside the Crypt of the Original Sin, and private transportation throughout the day. Plus, a 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink offers the chance to try local products or enjoy a drink after the tour.

However, food and drinks during the day are not included, and the tour does not come with a live guide. Visitors should be prepared to listen carefully to the audio guide and manage their own snacks or hydration, if needed. The group size is limited to five participants, ensuring a personalized experience and ample space to ask questions.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

The tour offers free cancellation, allowing cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes it a flexible option for travelers who want to adjust their plans. Since the activity depends on good weather, bad weather conditions can lead to cancellations, in which case participants are offered a different date or full refund.

This policy provides peace of mind, knowing that unforeseen weather won’t lead to unexpected charges or difficulties.

Final Thoughts on the Matera Crypts Tour

The Tour of the three Crypts in the Murgia Materana with Transfer provides a comprehensive look at underground religious sites in southern Italy. Its small group size, private transfer, and entrance tickets offer excellent value and convenience. The stops at Crypt of the Original Sin, Madonna della Palomba, and St. Michael the Archangel each showcase different aspects of artistic, spiritual, and practical history.

The tour is especially suitable for history buffs, art lovers, and those curious about medieval underground architecture. While the lack of a live guide may not suit everyone, the audio guide and personalized transport compensate by offering flexibility and comfort.

Travelers should consider their interest in frescoes and underground sites when choosing this tour, as these are the main highlights. Overall, it offers a well-organized, enriching experience in the heart of Matera and Altamura, with notable art and history at each stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for small children?
Yes, the tour’s pace and underground visits are generally suitable for children, but parents should consider their child’s comfort with confined spaces and walking.

Does the tour include meals?
No, food and drink are not included, but a discount coupon is provided for local food and beverages at MòVado.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable footwear is recommended as some sites involve walking and exploring underground spaces.

Are the crypts accessible to people with mobility challenges?
The provided data does not specify accessibility details; travelers with special needs should inquire directly with the tour provider.

How long is the transfer between stops?
The transfer from Matera to the first crypt takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with brief stopovers between each site.

Is there an age limit for participating?
The tour is most suitable for most travelers; specific age restrictions are not mentioned, but younger children should be supervised closely.

Will I need to bring my own audio guide?
No, an audio guide is included for the Crypt of the Original Sin. No other guide is provided.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour depends on good weather; in case of poor weather, the activity may be canceled, and you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Martulli Viaggi, contactable at +390835334543 or via email at [email protected].