Murgia Materana Park — Private Half Day Tour
The wild plateau above Matera. Ancient cave churches, prehistoric sites, and one of the most dramatic views in southern Italy.
Directly opposite the Sassi, across the Gravina canyon, lies the Murgia Materana Park — a protected natural area that most visitors to Matera never reach. That is exactly why it is worth going.
The Murgia Timone takes its name from the wild thyme that covers the ground in spring, when the plateau also blooms with dozens of species of flowers, including wild orchids. But beneath that natural beauty lies a dense archaeological record: cave churches with medieval frescoes, a Neolithic trenched village, and an underground chamber tomb from the Early Bronze Age — all within walking distance of each other, all largely unknown to mainstream tourism.
I’ll take you through these sites with the same depth I bring to the Sassi — explaining the relationship between the landscape and the people who shaped it over thousands of years. The view of the entire Sassi and Civita from the Murgia Timone is, in my opinion, the single best view of Matera. Nobody who has seen it has disagreed.
What you’ll see
The cave churches of San Falcione, Sant’Agnese, San Biagio alla Murgia, and Madonna delle Tre Porte are all within the Belvedere area. The Neolithic village and Bronze Age tombs are a short walk further. In spring, the asphodels and wild orchids make the entire plateau a botanical spectacle on top of everything else. And, of course, the incredible views of the Sassi clinging to the Gravina canyon will stay with you long after you leave.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Private: your group only
- Conducted entirely in English
- Wearing hinking shoes is highly recommended.
Watch the city framed by the rock sculpted by men and nature.
A bumblebee orchid by a hidden path in the Murgia Materana Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we see in the Murgia Materana Park?
The park contains cave churches with medieval frescoes, Neolithic settlements, and underground chamber tombs from the Early Bronze Age — all within the same dramatic landscape above the Gravina canyon. The exact itinerary depends on what is open on the day and what interests you most. I adapt the route accordingly.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring — roughly March to May — is spectacular. The plateau is covered with wild orchids, asphodels, and flowering thyme. Autumn is also excellent for clear views and comfortable temperatures. Summer can be very hot and is not recommended for the trekking approach from the Sassi, but in the late afternoon could be fantastic, the perfect way to enjoy the sunset over the Sassi.
Is the tour suitable for non-hikers?
Yes — if you arrive by car. I suggest avoiding the trek from the Sassi anyway, which makes it complicated to visit the sites and enjoying theb est views. The trails on the plateau are very easy if you wear proper shoes.
Can this be combined with the Sassi walking tour?
Yes — a morning in the Sassi followed by an afternoon in the Murgia Materana Park is the full day Sassi & Murgia tour. It is the most complete way to understand Matera and the landscape that surrounds it.
How much does the tour cost?
Tours are priced per group, not per person — rates depend on duration and group size. Contact me for a personalised quote. Payment is made directly at the end of the tour. Get in touch for details.