Tour of Matera's Sassi Dwellings
-
Port
Bari (Puglia), Italy
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$119.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 7¼ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Discover a world of intriguing architecture with a visit to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Italy is best known for its amazing Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman architecture but, tucked between the hills and valleys of southern Italy, stands a reminder that some of its earliest occupants created their own type of dwellings with just the materials at hand.
Your thrilling adventure begins with a motor coach ride to the ancient town of Matera. Upon arrival in Matera you'll walk among the town's stone buildings known as sassi. Adjectives such as charming, eerie and breathtaking can't quite describe these unique habitats. Climb stone steps that snake their way around natural caves burrowed out of limestone. Once used as the backdrop to the biblical epic The Passion of the Christ, the 1,500 cave dwellings overhang a deep ravine, perched haphazardly on top of one another. Occupied until 1960, the prehistoric-style dwellings look like something out of The Flintstones, but much of the elaborate stonework dates only from the Renaissance, when many caves were adorned with new façades, or had their ceilings extended to make vaulted rooms. Step inside one of these rough-hewn wonders for a sense of how they work.
Sit down to a delicious lunch of local favorites -- mushrooms, vegetable cakes and local Aglianico wine (or similar) -- before continuing up the hill to experience the breathtaking panoramic view of the deep ravine.
Photos taken, you'll rejoin your coach and follow the route back through ancient olive groves to Bari.
Notes:
Tour requires extensive walking over uneven surfaces and steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes; bring a hat. Shops in Bari and Matera are closed on Sundays and on Monday mornings; otherwise they are open 9am - 1pm.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.