Tour of the Three Crypts in the Murgia Materana With Transfer

Unearth the captivating stories of Matera’s ancient cave churches on this immersive tour through the Murgia Materana. Witness the exquisite frescoes and rich cultural heritage that await within the Crypt of Original Sin, the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo. With a small group size and personalized attention, this journey promises to transport you back in time, revealing the intricate tapestry of history that lies hidden beneath the surface. Prepare to be enchanted by the stunning landscapes and the secrets they hold.

Key Points

• A guided tour exploring three ancient cave churches in the Murgia Materana region of Matera, Italy, including the Crypt of Original Sin, Church of Madonna della Palomba, and Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo.
• The tour offers a 5.0-star rated experience, accommodating up to 5 travelers, and includes pickup and drop-off for a total price of $567.62 for the group.
• Highlights of the tour include exquisite frescoes, underground environments, and insights into the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
• The tour starts and ends at a meeting point in Matera, with the first stop being the Crypt of Original Sin from the 9th century B.C.
• Limited accessibility, with crypts not wheelchair-accessible, and a maximum group size of 8 travelers for an intimate experience.

Tour Overview

The "Tour of the Three Crypts in the Murgia Materana with Transfer" provides visitors with the opportunity to explore a captivating trio of ancient cave churches nestled within the breathtaking Murgia Materana region of Matera, Italy.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 7 reviews, the tour offers an intimate experience for up to 5 travelers at a price of $567.62 per group.

Highlights include the Crypt of Original Sin, the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, each with its own unique history and stunning frescoes.

Guests can enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off, as well as the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the experience.

Itinerary

Visitors on the "Tour of the Three Crypts in the Murgia Materana" embark on a captivating journey through three distinct cave churches, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

At the Crypt of Original Sin, dating back to the 9th century B.C., guests marvel at the exquisite frescoes by the Painter of Flowers of Matera.

Next, they explore the underground environments of the Church of Madonna della Palomba, including a Neviera, Refectory, Cellar, Cistern, and Kitchen.

The final stop is the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo in Altamura, featuring 14th-century frescoes, including a deesis by Giovanni da Taranto and Marian cycle panels by Didaco de Simone.

Crypt of Original Sin

At the Crypt of Original Sin, visitors are transported back to the 9th century B.C. as they explore this cave church, rediscovered in 1963 and significant for Matera’s designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Frescoed by the renowned Painter of Flowers of Matera, the crypt’s ancient walls come alive through an included audio guide, providing guests with a captivating 30-minute experience.

Stepping into this historic site, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage, immersed in the serene atmosphere and remarkable artistry that defines this remarkable crypt.

Church of Madonna Della Palomba

Exploring the underground environments of the Church of Madonna della Palomba, visitors uncover a compelling historical narrative.

The tour takes them through the Neviera, Refectory, Cellar, Cistern, and Kitchen, each space providing a glimpse into the church’s past.

The Neviera, or icehouse, once stored the church’s food supply.

The Refectory, once used for communal meals, now stands as a testament to the community that once thrived here.

The Cellar and Cistern offered essential resources, while the Kitchen reminds visitors of the daily activities that took place within these underground chambers.

This multi-layered exploration offers a unique window into the church’s centuries-old history.

Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo

The Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo sits nestled within Masseria Jesce, Altamura, showcasing a remarkable collection of 14th-century frescoes.

These vibrant paintings feature a deesis by Giovanni da Taranto and a Marian cycle by Didaco de Simone. Visitors can witness the artistry and devotion that adorned this sacred underground space centuries ago.

The crypt’s location within the Murgia Materana region adds to its allure, immersing guests in the rugged landscapes and rich history of southern Italy.

This captivating site offers a unique glimpse into the region’s cultural and religious heritage, complementing the other crypts on the tour itinerary.

Meeting and Pickup

Visitors joining the Tour of the Three Crypts in the Murgia Materana with Transfer start their journey at the designated meeting point on Via Alessandro Volta, 75100 Matera MT, Italy.

From here, the group embarks on their exploration of the three remarkable crypts:

1. The Crypt of Original Sin, dating back to the 9th century B.C.
2. The Church of Madonna della Palomba, with its underground environments.
3. The Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, featuring 14th-century frescoes.

At the end of the tour, the group returns to the same meeting point, concluding their immersive experience in the historical and cultural richness of the Murgia Materana region.

Additional Information

Accessibility to the tour is limited, as the crypts aren’t wheelchair accessible and aren’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. The tour includes entrance tickets to the three crypts, along with an audio guide for the Crypt of Original Sin.

However, food and drink aren’t provided, so participants should plan accordingly.

Customer Feedback

Positive reviews abound for this tour, with visitors consistently praising the excellent organization and knowledgeable guides who lead the experience.

Customers highlighted several key aspects that made the tour so enjoyable:

1. The informative and engaging interactions with people involved in environmental and historical restoration efforts.
2. The stunning scenery, especially the views from the Murgia at sunset.
3. The opportunity to explore the beautiful and historically significant crypts, such as the Crypt of Original Sin.
4. The seamless coordination and attention to detail throughout the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is 1 person. The tour description states the price is "From $567.62 per group (up to 5 travelers)," indicating that a single traveler can book the tour.

Are Any Meals or Refreshments Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include any meals or refreshments. Entrance tickets to the crypts, an audio guide for one crypt, and transportation are provided, but food and drink are not covered in the cost of the tour.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour, though this may incur an additional cost. Private tours allow for a more personalized experience and more flexibility in scheduling.

Is There an Option to Visit More Crypts or Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, visitors can request to extend the tour duration or visit additional crypts, though this may incur an additional cost. The tour provider offers flexibility to customize the experience to meet the traveler’s specific interests and needs.

Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Yes, the tour is available in multiple languages beyond English. Travelers can select from Italian, Spanish, French, and German when booking their experience to ensure they receive a guided tour in their preferred language.

Recap

The Tour of the Three Crypts in the Murgia Materana offers an immersive journey through Matera’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exquisite frescoes and cave churches, discovering the region’s captivating history and stunning landscapes. With personalized attention and a small group size, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the ancient wonders of Matera.