Matera: Guided Tour of the 3 Crypts With Entry Tickets

Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy, is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and rich spiritual heritage. Visitors can now enjoy this captivating history through a guided tour of three remarkable crypts, each with its own unique stories to share. From the awe-inspiring Crypt of Original Sin to the serene Church of Madonna della Palomba, this intimate excursion promises to transport guests to a bygone era and leave them intrigued to discover more about Matera’s enigmatic past.

Key Points

• This guided tour covers 3 crypts in Matera, including the Crypt of Original Sin, Church of Madonna della Palomba, and Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo.
• The tour lasts 5-8 hours and is limited to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with knowledgeable, multilingual guides.
• The tour is priced at $122.25 per person and includes transportation, entry tickets, audio guide, and a discount coupon.
• Comfortable footwear and restrictions on large bags are required to preserve the delicate frescoes and structures.
• Customer reviews indicate a mix of positive and negative experiences, suggesting potential areas for improvement in the tour logistics.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The guided tour of the 3 crypts in Matera offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

It’s a 5-8 hour experience that’s limited to just 8 participants, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience. The tour is available in both English and Italian, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.

At a price starting from $122.25 per person, the tour includes transportation, entry tickets, an audio guide, and a discount coupon.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

The tour highlights include the Crypt of Original Sin, the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, each offering unique historical and artistic treasures.

Activity and Duration

This guided tour of the three crypts in Matera allows visitors to embark on a captivating 5-8 hour exploration of the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Crypt of Original Sin, a ninth-century B.C. cave church adorned with stunning frescoes, as well as the Church of Madonna della Palomba, featuring underground environments like a refectory and kitchen.

The tour also includes a visit to the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo at Masseria Jesce, showcasing mid-fourteenth-century frescoes and a series of wall panels depicting the Marian cycle.

The order of visits may vary, allowing for a flexible and engaging experience.

Group Size and Languages

The guided tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour is offered in both English and Italian, catering to a diverse audience.

Key highlights regarding group size and languages include:

1. Small Group Size: The intimate group size allows for more interaction with the guide and better access to the crypts.

2. English Tours Available: English-speaking visitors can fully participate and understand the historical significance of the sites.

3. Italian Tours Offered: Local Italian speakers can enjoy the cultural heritage of Matera.

4. Multilingual Guides: The knowledgeable guides are fluent in both English and Italian, providing a seamless and informative tour experience.

Pricing and Cancellation

Priced at $122.25 per person, this guided tour of the 3 crypts in Matera provides excellent value for the immersive cultural experience it offers.

The tour includes transportation, entrance tickets to the Crypt of Original Sin and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, and an audio guide for the Crypt of Original Sin. Customers also receive a 10% discount coupon at a local food and drink hotel.

Flexible booking policies allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural adventure, this tour is a fantastic way to discover the rich heritage of Matera’s underground treasures.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Tour Highlights

Exploring the captivating underground environments of Matera, this guided tour takes visitors on a journey through three remarkable crypts, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The tour highlights include:

1. Visiting the Crypt of Original Sin, a ninth-century B.C. cave church adorned with captivating frescoes by the renowned Painter of Flowers of Matera.

2. Exploring the Church of Madonna della Palomba, where visitors can discover underground spaces like a refectory and kitchen.

3. Marveling at the mid-fourteenth-century frescoes and Marian cycle wall panels in the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo at Masseria Jesce.

4. Noting that the order of visits may vary, allowing for a flexible and adaptable experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Comprehensiveness defines the inclusions encompassed within this guided tour, providing participants with a well-rounded experience.

Transportation, entrance tickets to the Crypt of Original Sin and Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, and an audio guide for the Crypt of Original Sin are all covered. Visitors also receive a 10% discount coupon for a local food and drink hotel. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide.

However, meals and drinks, aside from a recommended packed lunch, are excluded. Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes and avoid open-toed footwear.

Plus, bringing food, drinks, large bags, or luggage isn’t permitted.

Preparation and Restrictions

To fully enjoy the guided tour, visitors should come prepared. The tour involves exploring ancient underground environments, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. A hat and sunglasses can also be handy, as some sites may be exposed to sunlight.

Visitors are advised to leave large bags and luggage at their accommodations, as they aren’t permitted on the tour. Plus, food and drinks, other than water, aren’t allowed inside the crypts to preserve the delicate frescoes and structures.

By following these simple preparation guidelines, guests can ensure a smooth and immersive experience during the Matera crypt tour.

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes
• Bring a hat and sunglasses
• Leave large bags and luggage behind
• No food or drinks (except water) allowed inside the crypts

Customer Reviews

Based on the available customer reviews, the guided tour of the three crypts in Matera has received mixed feedback from participants. While some praised the guides’ knowledge and professionalism, others expressed disappointment over the limited access to certain crypts and timing issues with the driver. The overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Aspect	Positive	Negative
Guide’s Knowledge	Praised	–
Guide’s Professionalism	Praised	–
Tour Duration	–	Issues reported
Guide Availability	–	Issues reported
Accessibility to Crypts	–	Limited access noted

The mixed experiences suggest there is room for improvement in certain areas of the tour, particularly in managing the logistics and ensuring a consistently positive experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos Inside the Crypts?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the crypts, but it’s important to follow any specific instructions or restrictions provided by the tour guide. Some crypts may have limited photography permitted to preserve the delicate frescoes.

Are the Crypts Wheelchair Accessible?

The crypts are not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain and narrow passages within the underground environments. Visitors with mobility issues may have difficulty navigating the sites comfortably.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, as visitors must navigate the uneven, rocky terrain of the crypts. Participants should expect to walk for several hours and be prepared with comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Can We Buy Souvenirs at the Crypts?

There’s no information provided about buying souvenirs at the crypts themselves. The tour doesn’t mention any opportunities to purchase items during the visits. Guests should plan to shop elsewhere if they wish to buy souvenirs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Visitors should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring a hat for sun protection. Loose, breathable clothing is recommended as the tour involves exploring underground spaces.

Recap

Matera’s captivating crypts offer a unique chance to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage. The guided tour provides an intimate, comprehensive exploration of three significant sites, including the renowned Crypt of Original Sin. With flexible scheduling, small group sizes, and convenient inclusions, this experience ensures a hassle-free adventure for history enthusiasts. Travelers can look forward to an immersive journey through Matera’s remarkable past.

You can check if your dates are available here: