Discovering Matera

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). Depart from Piazza Vittorio Veneto to start exploring this UNESCO World Heritage city. Walking towards the historic heart, you will see the beautiful church of San Giovanni Battista, in Apulian Romanesque style. After, we continue with a visit to the Casa Cava, an underground environment formerly used as a tuff quarry, now used as an auditorium and conference center thanks to exceptional restoration work. You will arrive in Rione Sasso Barisano, to access the Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Afterwards, a visit the Sasso Caveoso at a house-Grotto typically furnished. During the journey you will cross Via Madonna delle Virtù, the suggestive road to Picco sul canyon, crossing Porta Pistola. The guide will make a brief stop in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. Next, walk along via Bruno Buozzie and visit Madonna delle Grazie, another place of rupestrian culture. During the journey, you will cross the main street of the modern city where the church of Purgatory, in baroque style, faces; you will then reach Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi where you will visit the church dedicated to the Saint. The tour continues until reaching Piazza del Sedile, the seat of Parliament during the domination of the Kingdom of Naples. Finally, visit the magnificent Cathedral in Apulian Romanesque style overlooking the highest part of the city. 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 to enjoy a day trip to discover the Murgia and its rupestrian sites. Your driver will take you to the Crypt of the Original Sin: a cave used as a church in the 9th century BC by Benedictine monks, 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. The tour continues towards the Church of Madonna della Palomba, where inside it is possible to visit some hypogeal rooms: External Neviera; Refectory; Cellar; Cistern; Kitchen. The third place to visit is the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, kept inside the Masseria Jesce in Altamura, which features frescoes referable to the mid-14th century, including a “deesis” (Byzantine iconography) attributable to Giovanni da Taranto, and a series of wall panels depicting episodes from the Marian cycle, painted by Didaco de Simone in the 17th century. 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.