Matera, as only an archaeologist can show it.
I’m Nicola Taddonio — I’ve spent years excavating the very caves you’ll walk through. As a professional archaeologist, licensed guide, and sommelier, I offer exclusively private tours of Matera and the surrounding Basilicata: no groups, no scripts, no rush.
If you’re looking for the deepest possible encounter with one of the world’s oldest cities, you’re in the right place.
Why tour with an archaeologist?
Most guides will tell you what the Sassi look like. I can tell you what they mean — because I’ve worked the excavations myself.
Matera is not just a UNESCO site or a film location. It’s a living archaeological record spanning over 9,000 years of human history, still being uncovered. I’ve written about it in books and academic journals, and I bring that knowledge directly into every tour — in plain English, without lectures.
I’m also a certified sommelier. Which means that when we stop for lunch or a wine tasting, you’ll understand what’s in your glass as well as what’s beneath your feet.
Archaeology — Active participant in ongoing excavations in Matera.
Sommelier — AIS certified expert in Basilicata’s food and wine traditions.
Private only — Every tour is designed around you, never a group.
Private Tours of Matera - Choose your experience
All tours are private, fully customisable, and available in English. Half-day or full day, on foot or by car, focused on archaeology, food & wine, or both. Check out the best sellers.
Matera Private Walking Tour: Sassi Half-day.
My best selling service. 2 hours. No fixed route. One archaeologist who has spent years excavating what you’ll walk through.
A Sassi Sommelier - wine, oil and food pairing underground.
Finish your walking tour with a well earned treat. In a cave restaurant carved from the same stone as the Sassi above, I’ll guide you through Basilicata’s (and more) finest wines and olive oils — private, fully tailored to your palate.
“We saw amazing things, but also learned all about the social, political, and cultural factors that led Matera to become what it is today. Super fun to learn about archaeology in practice. Nico was just great to hang out with.”
“Always on time, great company, his knowledge of Matera is second-to-none. Being from Matera himself, he knows all the back roads and can really bring this magical town to life in the most authentic way possible.”
“Rich in historical knowledge, we were able to feel immersed into the deep culture with layers of history we would have never known without a true local. Book the longest tour with him that you possibly can.”
About Nicola
Who you'll be walking with
I was born in Matera and have spent my career studying it — first as an archaeologist at the University of Basilicata, then through years of fieldwork in the Sassi and the whole region, and eventually as a guide for visitors who want more than a walking tour.
I’ve contributed to archaeological digs in the historic centre, written for academic publications and regional magazines, and authored books on Basilicata Region. A few years ago I made a deliberate choice: private tours only, exclusively for guests who value depth over speed.
My clients are mostly English-speaking — American, British, Australian, Canadian — and most find me right here or through word of mouth.
Ready to see Matera differently?
Tours book out weeks in advance during spring and autumn. Get in touch early — I’ll reply personally within 24 hours.
Useful links
MateraWelcome
The only true istitutional tourism web portal of the City of Matera. Here you can find lots of useful info and links to several different tourism services. Also, every interesting event happening in Matera and surrounding is here.
MUV Matera
The site of the Virtual Museum of Collective Memory of Matera, thanks to the huge collection of historical photos, donated by private collectors, represent an important window on the past of the city. Beyond photos, the MUV is also a cultural association whose mission is to preserve the intangible heritage of Matera.
Rocco Giove's Photos
Rocco Giove (Matera) is a photographer specialized in panoramic pictures, with an amazing ability to catch touching images of Lucanian landscape. A look at his portfolio and you’ll want to be here immediately.
Matera2019
The official site of the “Matera 2019” foundation (now “Matera-Basilicata2019”). To stay updated with the program and related events. You can also find the entire bid book here. And, if you really want to, you can read its 120+ pages.