Matera: Hike on the Path of Rock Churches

Matera, an ancient city in southern Italy, is home to a remarkable network of rock churches dating back to the 9th-12th centuries. These historic structures, adorned with stunning frescoes, offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage. Embarking on a guided hike through this UNESCO World Heritage site allows travelers to explore these exclusive churches, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Vallone della Loe. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this four-hour adventure promises to captivate the senses and leave you longing to discover more about Matera’s fascinating past.

Key Points

• Discover 5 exclusive rock churches from the 9th-12th centuries during a guided hiking tour in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Marvel at centuries-old frescoes inside the rock churches and immerse in the wild nature of the Historical Natural Park.
• Enjoy a comprehensive 4-hour experience, including a 20-minute transfer and a 3-hour guided tour, led by a licensed local guide in English and Italian.
• Take advantage of the small group size, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now, pay later option.
• Experience a memorable combination of trekking and historical exploration, with 5-star participant reviews and a 100% recommendation rate.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Set out on a captivating hike through the path of rock churches in Matera, priced from $86.70 per person.

This 4-hour experience, including transfer, offers a live tour guide in English and Italian, taking you on a small group adventure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Enjoy the historical natural park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as you marvel at centuries-old frescoes and the wild nature of Matera.

Itinerary Details

The hike begins with a bus transfer (approximately 20 minutes) from Viale Aldo Moro, 14 to Vallone della Loe. From there, a guided tour leads hikers on a 3-hour trek covering approximately 6 km. Along the way, visitors will explore 5 historic rock churches dating back to the 9th-12th centuries, marvel at their frescoes, and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of the UNESCO-protected Historical Natural Park of the Rock Churches.

Itinerary Details
Starting Location	Viale Aldo Moro, 14
Bus Transfer	20 minutes
Guided Tour	3 hours
Total Distance	Approx. 6 km
Return Transfer	20 minutes

Highlights and Experience

This hiking tour offers a chance to discover 5 exclusive rock churches dating back to the 9th-12th centuries.

Participants will marvel at the centuries-old frescoes that adorn the interiors of these remarkable structures.

The hike also immerses visitors in the wild nature of Matera, as they trek while overlooking the stunning canyon.

Hikers will explore the Historical Natural Park of the Rock Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.

This unique combination of trekking and history provides an engaging and memorable experience for all who embark on this journey.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of this hiking tour, the package includes transfer from Matera to the Park and back, pickup and drop-off from a specific meeting point, a licensed local guide, and entry tickets to the rock churches. However, food, drinks, and tips are not included. The tour is not suitable for individuals under 18 years old, those with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, wheelchair users, fear of heights, or visual impairments.

Inclusions	Exclusions	Not Suitable For
Transfer from/to Matera	Food and drinks	Under 18 years old
Pickup and drop-off	Tips	Mobility impairments
Licensed local guide		Claustrophobia
Entry tickets		Wheelchair users
		Fear of heights
		Visual impairments

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Preparation and Important Information

Travelers meet at the tour’s gathering point, which is near Matteotti square, in front of Base café.

They should wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and bring water and insect repellent. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed.

The tour may be canceled if the minimum number of participants isn’t reached. The tour has received a 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews.

Participants should be aware that the itinerary is subject to change and the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 18 or those with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, wheelchair use, fear of heights, or visual impairments.

Meeting Point and Requirements

The meeting point for this hike on the path of rock churches is near Matteotti square, in front of Base café.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and bring water and insect repellent. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed.

The tour may be canceled if the minimum number of participants isn’t reached.

Duration and Pricing

How long does the hike on the path of rock churches take, and what’s the price?

The hike lasts 4 hours, including a 20-minute transfer to the starting point. The price is $86.70 per person.

This small group experience is led by a live tour guide available in English and Italian. You can reserve now and pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour covers around 6 km and provides an opportunity to discover 5 exclusive rock churches dating back to the 9th-12th centuries.

Tour Reviews

Based on the 5 star rating for the hike, it’s clear that previous participants were impressed with their experience. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable local guide who brought the history of the rock churches to life.

Hikers were captivated by the well-preserved frescoes and the stunning canyon views. Many remarked on the perfect balance of exploring ancient sites and seeing the natural beauty of Matera.

With a 100% recommendation rate, this tour stands out as an exceptional way to discover the UNESCO-recognized Rock Churches Park. The small group size and free cancellation policy further enhance the overall experience, making this hike a must-do for anyone visiting the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

No, pets are not allowed on this hike. The activity is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, wheelchair users, fear of heights, or visual impairments, which would include pets as well.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Rock Churches?

Photography is generally allowed inside the rock churches, but visitors are advised to be respectful and avoid using flash to preserve the delicate frescoes. Check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.

Is There Any Age Limit for the Tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 18 years old. The activity requires a certain level of physical ability, so it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or other conditions that could affect their participation.

Can I Join the Tour Solo or Do I Need to Be Part of a Group?

You can join the tour solo, as it’s a small group experience. The tour accepts individual travelers and doesn’t require participants to be part of a larger group.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available, allowing flexibility to reschedule the tour if needed.

Recap

Matera’s ancient rock churches offer a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. This guided hike provides an intimate and flexible experience, allowing visitors to explore five exclusive churches adorned with stunning frescoes. With a knowledgeable guide, small group setting, and free cancellation policy, it’s an ideal way to discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera.

You can check if your dates are available here: