Guided Tours

Guided Tour of Murgia Park & Rupestrian Churches

Matera's Murgia Park with ancient rupestrian churches on guided tour.

Matera's Murgia Park with ancient rupestrian churches and scenic landscape.

Rupestrian churches in Murgia Park, Matera, Italy, with guided tour and transfer.

Discover ancient cave dwellings and Byzantine art as you walk along Neolithic paths on this guided group tour of Murgia Park.

Highlights

Hike through Murgia Park’s vast rock formations with your expert guide, and even enjoy a return shuttle transfer back to Matera.
Visit the famed Rupestrian churches to see frescoes from the Byzantine era adorn the walls as well as the remains of a primitive burial site.
At the revered crypt of San Falcione, observe a fresco of Jesus at the temple, and take in the stunning sunset from the Golgotha viewpoint.
Choose to explore this fascinating historic region with a guide speaking either English or Italian.
Fun Fact: Murgia Park is home to the largest colony of lesser kestrels in Italy, with over 200 breeding pairs living in the park's rocky cliffs and caves.

Inclusions

2-hr 15-min tour of Murgia Park
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Free return transfer from Murgia Park to Matera (courtesy shuttle)
Entry to Rupestrian churches
City map

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Experience

Discover Nature and Historic Art at Murgia

With an English or Italian-speaking guide, explore the rugged terrain of Matera! Admire stunning rock formations including the famous 'Gravina di Matera' canyon, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The canyon is over 50 meters deep and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, foxes, and wild boars. As you hike through the park, you'll come across numerous cave dwellings and settlements, some of which date back over 9,000 years. These caves were once home to prehistoric people who carved out homes and places of worship.

Visit the Rupestrian Churches

Established in the 9th century during the Byzantine period, the Rupestrian churches are entirely carved out of soft rock! Marvel at intricate frescoes and carvings that adorn the ancient caves. The dimly-lit interiors of the caves, combined with the hauntingly beautiful artwork, create a calm and spiritual atmosphere. End your tour with glowing sunset views over Matera.

Know Before You Go

Important Information

It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy boots or trainers as a fair amount of walking is involved.
Your experience may be subject to change due to adverse weather conditions.

Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
The following is not allowed on this tour: pets and other animals.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Martulli Viaggi - Tour & Experience.
Address: Via Alessandro Volta, 5, 75100 Matera MT, Italy.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Matera - Piazza Matteotti. It is a quick 11-minute walk to the meeting point.
Board buses 601.01R, 650R, 710.05 and more to get you there.