Ape Calessino Tour of the Sassi of Matera Standard

The Ape Calessino Tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera. Aboard these charming three-wheeled vehicles, visitors can traverse the steep, narrow lanes of the ancient cave dwellings and churches, marveling at the intricately carved Rupestrian churches and the distinct architectural styles of the Barisano and Caveoso districts. With a knowledgeable driver and guide providing insights into the 1,000-year history of this captivating site, the tour promises a convenient and enjoyable experience. But what secrets lie hidden within the labyrinth of the Sassi, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• The Ape Calessino Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera, covering the highlights of the Barisano and Caveoso districts, as well as the Civita area.
• The tour offers private transportation, a knowledgeable driver and guide, and includes complimentary snacks and bottled water for a convenient and enjoyable experience.
• Visitors can experience the thrill of navigating the steep and narrow lanes of the Sassi in the tiny, three-wheeled Ape Calessino, providing a unique perspective on this historic site.
• The tour showcases the rich history and distinct architectural styles of the Barisano and Caveoso districts, including the iconic stone dwellings and intricate frescoes in the Rupestrian churches.
• The tour includes a visit to the Civita, the historic heart of Matera, where visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the daily life of its former inhabitants.

Overview of the Ape Calessino Tour

The Ape Calessino tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera, the ancient cave dwellings and churches of Matera, from the comfort of a charming three-wheeled vehicle.

Buzzing through the steep, narrow lanes, the tour covers more ground in less than an hour, allowing you to see the highlights of the Barisano and Caveoso districts, as well as the Civita area.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the 1,000-year history of this fascinating place from your knowledgeable driver and guide.

With private transportation, snacks, and bottled water included, the Ape Calessino tour provides a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the wonders of Matera’s Sassi.

Exploring the Sassi Di Matera

Exploring the Sassi di Matera, visitors can enjoy the ancient cave dwellings and churches that have stood for over a millennium, uncovering the rich history and unique architecture of this UNESCO-listed site.

Weaving through the steep, narrow lanes, the Ape Calessino tour provides a thrilling experience as it navigates the winding paths.

Visitors will:

1. Marvel at the Rupestrian churches, carved directly into the rock, featuring intricate frescoes and Byzantine-era iconography.
2. Discover the Civita, an ancient fortified area perched atop a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the Sassi.
3. Uncover the Barisano and Caveoso districts, each with their own distinct character and architectural styles.

This immersive exploration showcases the ingenuity and resilience of the Sassi di Matera, a testament to the enduring spirit of this captivating region.

Traversing Steep and Narrow Lanes

Zipping through the winding, precipitous alleys of the Sassi, the Ape Calessino whisks visitors on an exhilarating journey, allowing them to cover more ground in less than an hour than they could on foot.

The tiny, three-wheeled vehicle deftly navigates the steep, narrow lanes, weaving between centuries-old buildings and ducking under low-hanging archways. Passengers hold on tight as the driver expertly maneuvers the Calessino through the labyrinthine streets, providing a thrilling and immersive experience.

Whether it’s the Barisano or Caveoso district, or the historic Civita, the Ape Calessino’s agility and compact size enable visitors to explore the Sassi’s nooks and crannies with ease, offering a unique perspective on this captivating UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights of Barisano and Caveoso Districts

As the Ape Calessino glides through the Barisano and Caveoso districts, it showcases the remarkable architectural wonders and historical significance that earned the Sassi di Matera its UNESCO World Heritage status.

The tour highlights:

1. The intricately carved cave churches, such as the Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve, which feature stunning frescoes and demonstrate the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants.

2. The iconic stone dwellings, some dating back over a millennium, that are carved directly into the hillside, creating a breathtaking and labyrinthine urban landscape.

3. The Civita, a distinct plateau that was once the heart of the ancient city, where visitors can explore the remnants of palaces, monasteries, and public spaces that bear witness to Matera’s rich cultural heritage.

Civita and Its Historical Significance

Towering above the labyrinth of the Sassi, the Civita plateau commands a prominent position as the historic heart of Matera, once home to a vibrant community and the seat of power for the region.

This ancient citadel dates back over a millennium, with its winding streets, noble palaces, and the imposing Duomo cathedral bearing witness to Matera’s glorious past.

Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the daily life of Civita’s former inhabitants, who lived in cave dwellings carved into the rocky hillside.

Today, the Civita serves as a poignant reminder of Matera’s resilience, as the city has transformed from a neglected backwater to a thriving cultural hub and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Transportation, Snacks, and Bottled Water

The Ape Calessino tour provides private transportation, allowing guests to cover more ground in Matera’s Sassi neighborhoods in less than an hour. Snacks and bottled water are also included, ensuring visitors remain refreshed during their exploration of the UNESCO-listed cave dwellings and churches.

The tour experience includes:

1. A buzzy ride through the steep, narrow lanes of the Barisano and Caveoso districts, with a knowledgeable driver navigating the winding streets.

2. Complimentary snacks to fuel the sightseeing adventure, keeping energy levels high.

3. Refreshing bottled water to stay hydrated while discovering the 1,000-year history of the remarkable Sassi di Matera.

This comprehensive package allows guests to make the most of their time in this unique and captivating destination.

Meeting Point and Pickup Location

For the Ape Calessino tour, guests meet at the designated meeting point on Via S. Francesco D’Assisi, 75100 Matera MT, Italy. They’ll be looking for a blue color Calessino with a white canopy, which will serve as their transportation for the tour of the Sassi of Matera.

The pickup location is Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, in front of the hypogeums of Matera 2019. Here, guests will board their Calessino and begin their journey to explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera cave churches and dwellings.

The tour covers the highlights of both the Barisano and Caveoso districts, as well as the Civita area, all while learning about the 1,000-year history of this unique and captivating destination.

Cancellation and Weather Policies

As per the tour’s cancellation policy, guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, any cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are non-refundable. Similarly, changes to the booking less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t accepted.

Plus, the tour is subject to weather conditions and a minimum number of travelers.

The tour may be canceled due to:

1. Unfavorable weather conditions, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms, that could compromise the safety and enjoyment of the experience.
2. Failure to meet the minimum number of travelers required to operate the tour.
3. Any other circumstances beyond the tour operator’s control that may affect the tour’s viability.

Recap

The Ape Calessino Tour offers a captivating way to discover the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera.

Visitors can traverse the ancient cave dwellings and churches, marveling at the intricately carved Rupestrian churches and the distinct architectural styles of the Barisano and Caveoso districts.

With knowledgeable guides, private transportation, and refreshments, this experience provides a convenient and enjoyable exploration of Matera’s 1,000-year history.