Matera Rock Churches Tour
Far from mass tourism and the main roads, just a few kilometres from the city, an excursion will allow us to enjoy a unique experience along the Matera ravine, among Byzantine churches, tombs and dry-stone walls, following the paths of Matera rock churches.
The heart of the Matera Murgia Park is a treasure chest that holds evidence of ancient devotion. The Mediterranean scrub opens up to reveal places of worship and cavities used for funerary purposes, skilfully dug into the rock, the first traces of which date back to the Bronze Age and then again during the last millennium.
A route through the history of mankind
An architecture in negative that still amazes today and never ceases to be the subject of research and study. The rocky conformation is the protagonist and not just the background of this fascinating human enterprise, in a synergic man-nature relationship that is at the basis of the recognition of these places as a World Heritage site.
In fact, along the evocative Gravina di Matera and on the overlooking Murgia plateau, there are more than 160 places of worship carved into the rock, rupestrian churches, which since the early Middle Ages have given the area a fascinating spiritual aura.
The dramatic landscape of the deep canyon thus acquires a different meaning, rising as a place of the soul and not only as a theater of agro-pastoral activities that have left traces since Neolithic times.
FILL OUT THE FORM AND BOOK THIS EXPERIENCE!
A different, unique and exclusive cultural experience
There are various possibilities for visiting inside the canyon, always entrusted to expert guides who, in safety and according to preference, will lead you on a tour of discovery through the rocky streets of Matera, alternating panoramic and landscape descriptions with in-depth cultural insights.
The circuit of extra-urban rock-hewn churches united in this route is recommended for those who want a different kind of cultural visit, in the open air, suitable for the curious and for those who do not want to stop at the postcard image. Some of the rock churches can be visited exclusively through Crea Experience, which is committed to managing the sites with respect for history and environmental sustainability, for greater protection, preservation and enhancement of the rocky environment of Matera.
Church of Sant'Eustachio
It contains frescoes dating back to the end of 16th century. Completely overhanging the Canyon Gravina, immersed in the nature, it can be reached by a series of steps carved into the rock.
Church of Madonna della Loe
A church of majestic dimensions, completely excaveted into the rock, it is still a pilgrimages destination.
Cripta de La Scaletta
A jewel of an architecture in negative, among the most architecturally detailed of the rock churches, it has sculpted crosses and moulded niches.
Cripta del
Canarino
Built into the rock face, it preserves numerous inscriptions incised in Greek and Latin.
Church of Sant'Andrea
A large sepulchral chamber dating from the Iron Age (presumably XI-VIII BC), it was later used as a church.
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONS
- The ‘Vie del rupestre’ tour costs €79 per person. The ticket price includes the shuttle service to and from Matera, the excursion with an authorised guide and the entrance to the rock-hewn churches.
- The visit can only be booked in advance as access is limited to a limited number of people.
- Reservation is guaranteed through the purchase of the ticket at our office in via De Viti de Marco 15 in Matera or by contacting us by phone.
- The ticket only entitles the visitor to the visit for the day and shift chosen. In the event of cancellation or impediment to the visit, even for reasons of force majeure, the ticket is non-refundable.
- Following the booking, the customer must present the message or email confirming the booking or, in the case of in-house purchase, the ticket received. Failure to show this does not entitle the customer to a visit.
Visits take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
From March to June
Meeting Point viale Aldo moro, 14 at 4.00 p.m.
From June to October
Meeting Point in viale Aldo Moro, 14 at 4.30 p.m.
Recommended:
- grip shoes and comfortable clothes
- min a liter of water
- a hat, a sun and insect repellent cream (or an umbrella or a raincoat depending on the season)
The tour consists of a wonderful route through the olive groves of a historic masseria to reach the churches located on the ridge of the Vallone della Loe.
The route can be rough, so care must be taken. It is advisable to wear suitable footwear. The tour operator accepts no liability for any injuries.
Caution
Access is not possible for people with impairements or limited mobility and is not recommended for pregnant women. The route is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. It is necessary walking along country roads and in some points irregular ones. For these reasons, we always suggest contacting the agency in advance to verify the availability of the tour.
The operator always reserves the right to prevent entry to the resource in situations that could be dangerous to the users themselves
- The tour consists of a wonderful journey immersed in the olive groves of a historic farmhouse to reach the churches located on the ridge of the Loe Valley.
- The route may be bumpy, therefore you must pay maximum attention. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear. The manager of the visit declines any responsibility for any injuries.
- Attention: access is not possible for people with disabilities or limited mobility and is not recommended for pregnant women.
- The route is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. It is necessary to travel along rural roads and in some places irregular ones. For these needs, we always suggest contacting the agency well in advance to check the usability of the visit. The manager always reserves the right to prevent entry to the resource in the event of situations that could constitute danger for the users themselves.
- For any requirements please contact crea experience mobile +39 3493908382 and email info@creaexperience.it
- The operator is not responsible for any additional costs to the entrance fee for bookings made through agencies and tour operators.
- Finally, cancellation of the reservation without penalty is only permitted if this is communicated to the e-mail address info@creaexperience.it no later than 14 days before the date of the visit.
- If the customer does not present on the day of the visit or does not give notice of cancellation within the specified time limit (15 days before the date of the visit, by writing to info@creaexperience.it), payment of the full amount notified at the time of booking will be required.