Matera Tuk-Tuk Tour
Cave dwellings, rock churches and giant ancient cisterns: explore Matera's historic centre in a fun and comfortable way on this tuk-tuk tour. Discover the 2019 European Capital of Culture from a new perspective!
Matera Tuk-Tuk Tour Itinerary
After meeting your guide in Piazza San Francesco, you'll climb on board your tuk-tuk ready to begin your tour of historic Matera. Did you know that this fun vehicle is called an Ape calessino in Italian?
Throughout your tuk-tuk tour, you'll make a number of different stops at the city's most important places of interest, allowing you to investigate them up close and take photos. Your first visit will be the Church of Purgatory. Built in 1747, this church stands out for its numerous architectural references to death. Discover why its façade features so many skulls and skeletons on your guided tour!
Just five minutes away from the Church of Purgatory, you'll reach Matera Cathedral. Located at the highest point in the city, this temple is known for its 52-metre-tall (170 foot) belfry, which towers over the historic centre, and whose seven bells can heard all around the city.
Climb back on board your tuk-tuk for the journey to the Church of San Giovanni, before heading deep into the famous Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso neighbourhoods. These districts are home to the incredible ancient 'sassi di Matera', or cave dwellings, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
The rock-hewn houses and golden-stone streets of the Sassi districts are so reminiscent of Jerusalem that they have been used as filming locations for iconic movies including Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.
Having explored Matera's most emblematic neighbourhoods, you'll reach Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a square where you'll find an archaeological site with underground rooms and an enormous cistern. The historic 'Palombaro lungo', as it is known, still served to collect and supply water for the city's inhabitants in living memory! Its rock-hewn arches and sheer size are truly impressive.
Your guided tuk-tuk tour will come to an end back in Piazza San Francesco after 45 minutes exploring Matera's main sights.
Covid-19 Measures
All of our providers comply with local legislation and applicable health recommendations regarding protective material and safety to help avoid the spread of Covid-19.
Price
* A reservation for one person will include a supplement.
More Information
Duration
45 minutes.
Language
The tour includes audio commentary in English.
Included
45 minute tuk tuk tour.
English Audio guide.
When to book?
Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
You can book up until the previous day (9:30 AM local time) if there are still places available.
Ticket
Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email containing your booking voucher. Please print it out or download on your smartphone/tablet to show on the day of the activity.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - this activity requires a minimum of 1 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you still have more questions, check out our section on frequently asked questions. If you need help to book an activity or have any enquiries, please contact us.
Accessibility
No (not suitable for people with reduced mobility).
Meeting point
Piazza San Francesco.
