- Castello Tramontano
From the starting point, observe the unfinished Aragonese castle and get your bearings within the landscape. Discover its strategic role and its dominant position overlooking the city.
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Reach the heart of modern Matera and learn about the city’s urban development. Explore the historical water system and the Palombaro Lungo (external visit) in the main square. Short stop with descent from the bus.
- La Palomba Sculpture Park – rupestrian area on the outskirts of Matera
Travel along the roads connecting the historic city to the rupestrian area, passing through lesser-known corners away from mass tourism. Approach an area where contemporary art and the rock-cut landscape blend naturally with the environment.
- Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba
Visit the so-called “Cathedral of the Rock Churches,” a site of great spiritual significance. The church incorporates an ancient crypt featuring a medieval fresco of the Madonna Odigitria. Descent from the bus – external and internal visit.
- Piazza Pascoli – Sassi Viewpoint
On the return to the center of Matera, stop at one of the city’s most famous viewpoints, offering open views over the Sasso Caveoso and the Gravina valley, ideal for understanding the rupestrian landscape. Descent from the bus for a photo stop.
- Agna le Piane – Panoramic stop
Continue by bus towards the Agna le Piane district, reaching the most natural area of Matera. Admire one of the most spectacular viewpoints over the Gravina of Matera, immersed in silence and nature, and enjoy the sunset views. At the end of the panoramic stop, return to the starting point.
- Discover Matera’s off-the-beaten-path rupestrian and natural landscapes on a scenic bus tour
- Visit the rock-cut Church of La Palomba, the “Cathedral” of Matera’s rock churches, and the Sculpture Park
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gravina canyon and the Murgia Materana Park
- A relaxing afternoon tour, perfect for photography and stunning panoramas
| Included |
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| Not included |
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| Duration | 1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| Bring along |
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| Participants | 2 to 14 partecipants |
| Opening hours | |
| Important information | The tour is not suitable for children under 6. You should download the POPGuide app on your smartphone to scan the QR code for the multilingual audio guide at our office. The itinerary includes some stops with short walking sections on mostly flat surfaces; however, there may be a few small steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended. During these stops, participants are advised to bring a fully charged phone and earphones in order to use the audio guide or other digital resources provided during the tour. For further information or additional questions, feel free to contact the following phone number. Our team will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to ensure a memorable experience during the Matera tour. Contact number: +39 0835334543 / +39 3284364400 We will be available to assist you with any requests or clarifications needed, ensuring that your tour is organized seamlessly and hassle-free. PLEASE NOTE: |
Further information
Matera Bus Tour at Sunset: Gravina Canyon and La Palomba Church
Experience a Matera bus tour at sunset with a panoramic itinerary designed to explore the city at a relaxed pace, without long walks. This open-top scenic bus tour offers privileged viewpoints over the landscape, combining comfort, carefully selected stops, and engaging historical insights. It is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a first introduction to the city or a Matera off-the-beaten-path experience away from crowded routes.
From the heart of Matera to the rupestrian landscape
The Matera bus tour at sunset begins in the historic center of Matera, with a panoramic stop in the main square, an ideal vantage point to admire the Sassi and understand the city’s urban layout. As the tour unfolds, the route gradually moves beyond the city center toward the rock-cut areas, offering a smooth transition into Matera’s rupestrian landscape. Passing through the historic Piccianello district, the city’s first post-war residential neighborhood, provides insight into Matera’s social and urban evolution.
La Palomba Sculpture Park and Rock Church
A key stop of this open-top scenic bus tour is the La Palomba Sculpture Park, an open-air space where contemporary art blends seamlessly with the surrounding rupestrian environment. The park features works by artist Antonio Paradiso, created to harmonize with stone, silence, and nature. The Matera bus tour at sunset continues with a visit to the Rock Church of Santa Maria della Palomba, often referred to as the “Cathedral of Matera’s Rock Churches” due to its impressive size and the complexity of its underground spaces.
Explore Agna le Piane and the Gravina Canyon at sunset
The final part of the Matera bus tour at sunset reaches the Agna le Piane district, one of the city’s most unspoiled natural areas. From here, enjoy breathtaking views over the Gravina Canyon of Matera, a dramatic landscape carved over millennia. The area is dotted with natural and rock-cut caves, including the well-known Grotta dei Pipistrelli(Bat Cave), offering a memorable conclusion to a truly Matera off-the-beaten-path experience.
