Matera is a small jewel carved out of the mountains. Time seems to have stood still in the city of Basilicata, where the surrounding landscape is not unlike a painting. Matera, which in past years has captivated photographers and filmmakers, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Pier Paolo Pasolini and Mel Gibson, has a unique charm. A complex beauty that can only be understood when walking around the narrow alleys of the historic center and the houses carved out of the tuff. The layers of history and the delicate relationship with the surrounding nature make it an amazing open-air museum.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Matera: one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2019. It’s also known for its extensive collection of troglodytic cave dwellings, rock-cut architecture, rupestrian art, ancestral history and cultural heritage.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MATERA
Upon your arrival in Matera reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the evening, join a small group tour to have a quick introduction to the city (the tour starts at 17.00 hrs).
The experience will start with a short historical-architectural introduction about the Sassi of Matera, after which it will continue with a visit to the Sasso Caveoso. You'll thus enter a traditionally furnished cave-dwelling, where you'll learn how the poorest inhabitants of Matera used to live until the '50s. You'll then visit one of the Rupestrian Churches which have been completely carved in the rock, and there you'll discover some precious iconographic traces of Greek Italian monasticism, dating back to the X-XIII centuries. Last but not least, the tour will take you to "Il Bottegaccio", a ceramic and paper-mâché workshop, to learn more about the ancient popular traditions of Matera, including local foods.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 2: MATERA
After breakfast you will enjoy a small group tour to visit a typical “panetteria” and learn how to make the famous bread of Matera. The experience starts with an explanation of the products used, such as the best local semolina and sourdough. This is followed by the entrance to the workshop where the master baker will describe processing techniques: kneading, rising, making the bread shape and issuing the stamp type that characterizes the Bread of Matera. During the making of the bread shapes, you will get your hands in the dough by working and creating your own loaf of bread that you can take away with you when you finish baking.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 3: MATERA
After breakfast at the hotel please reach the meeting point where your driver will take you to experience an audio guided tour of the Crypt of the Original Sin. This remarkable cave, used as a church by Benedictine monks in the 9th century BC, completely frescoed by the skilful hand of the “Flower Painter of Matera.” Rediscovered back in 1963 by a group of passionate young of Matera, from being a flock shelter, the Crypt has become one of the must-see stops to visit. It stands as one of the oldest and most significant examples of rupestrian art in Southern Italy. Due to its exceptional theological and artistic value, this cave-church is often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel" of rock wall painting.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 4: DEPARTURE MATERA
Enjoy your last breakfast in Matera and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
