Cave church in the Sassi of Matera
ROCK ART · MATERA, BASILICATA

Discover the treasure hidden in the rock

Just a few kilometers from the Sassi lies a masterpiece over a thousand years old. Start in the center of Matera and discover the extraordinary frescoes of the Crypt of Original Sin.

4.9 / 5 · 2,382 travelers
Official local guides
The place

In the heart of the rock, over a thousand years of history.An ancient Benedictine place of worship houses one of the most extraordinary pictorial cycles of early medieval Italy. Frescoes, symbols, and biblical stories from the 8th and 9th centuries transform the Crypt of Original Sin into a unique journey through art, faith, and memory.

1.5h
Duration
8th–9th Century
Frescoes
5
Languages
3
Daily Departures
4.9
Out of 5 · reviews
The itinerary

A short journey outside Matera, into more than a thousand years of rock art.

From the center of Matera, we move towards one of the most fascinating places in the area, immersed in the Lucanian rock landscape.

01/05
The voice of the travelers

Whoever has entered the Sassi, remembers it

4.9
2,382 verified reviews
Our guide didn't show us Matera: they told us its story, the way you tell the story of a family home. We went in as tourists and came out feeling a little Materese.
G Giulia & MarcoMilan · Couple’s visit, October

Casa Grotta is breathtaking. In five minutes, you understand how people used to live here, and you’ll never forget it. All entrance fees included—zero hassle.

FRFederica R.Turin · Family

The perfect pace, never in a hurry. The late afternoon light on Monte Caveoso is worth the trip to Basilicata alone.

JDJames D.London · English-language tour

We had the kids with us and I was worried they’d get bored. Instead, they were hanging on the guide’s every word. Authentic experience, very fair price.

ASAnna S.Rome · Family
Crypt of Original Sin - Matera
Local guides

We tell the story of Matera because it is our home

We are not guides who have come from elsewhere. We were born in these alleys, played on the steps of the Sassi, and listened to the stories of our grandparents, who truly lived in these caves.

This is why every tour is a personal story, not a lesson learned by heart: we take you behind the scenes of the city, to the corners that tourist guides do not know.

“The stone here is not a monument. It is living memory. Our craft is simply to give it a voice.”
Vincenzo Lamacchia
Official Tourist Guide · Basilicata Region
Authorized tour operator Certified guides Italian · English · Spanish · French
Worth knowing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Write to us, we respond within an hour during opening hours.

Write us an email
Where shall we meet?

The meeting point is our office at Via Don Minzoni 13, in the heart of Matera, easily reachable on foot from the city center. You will receive precise directions and the guide's contact information immediately after booking.

How long does the visit last?

The experience lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, including round-trip transfer

Are tickets included?

Yes. The price includes admission to the Crypt of Original Sin with an internal guide.

Is it suitable for children and the elderly?

The visit is accessible to everyone, and there is very little walking involved, but there are difficulties for wheelchair users. 

In which languages is it held?

Italian, English, Spanish, French and German

Can I cancel the reservation?

Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the visit. No payment is required at the time of booking online.

Skyline of the Sassi di Matera at sunset
The Invitation

Your journey begins here

Limited spots for each session to keep groups small and the storytelling intimate. Choose your date.