parco delle chiese rupestri di matera

Since these churches are hidden in the grottoes, they are not that obvious to find and good guides can show you some off the road from Matera to the Belvedere, that are not even on the touristic track.Colors are preserved. With a good camera you can take photos enabling you to see even better the colors than just with your own eyes - since some of the churches are fenced so that you cannot approach their walls.

The famous rock-hewn churches of Matera are one of the many attractions that you can visit in the area of the "Sassi". Obviously and unfortunately you have to buy a ticket to visit them every time you want to visit one, or directly at the tourism office could buy the pass that will allow you to visit them all, saving money. I do not know if it's worth visiting them all, but I admit that these are very difficult stage and you'll get to see anywhere else.

the only chance to see how the original cave inhabitants/families lived. Life was tough in those days.....

Don't try to see them all. Choose one or two, and that will be fine. It is not necessary to buy the ticket for all of them.

Monestry has interesting layout with lovely original frescoes dating from 11th and 17th century. It was inhabited until 1960

Four small churches abutting each other and all carved out of the rock towering over the gorge. Much of the work was undertaken by Christian refugees from the Cappadocia region of Turkey and the remaining parts of the frescoes painted on the walls are testimony to their Byzantine heritage.

The Park of the Rupestrian Churches is a top attraction for hikers and good walkers, but it really pays to go prepared and take the walk in this area seriously. One could spend several days hiking the area so it really pays to consult a guide or one of the official city tour offices before you set out to understand what you might like to see and how difficult a hike you would like to take. It's a vast park with many trails and although they are marked; its not that easy to follow them. A guide is recommended. Be aware that with the recent heavy rains the two small bridges have been washed away making it a bit tricky getting to the other side and to get around in the most easiest accessed area, along Via Madonna delle Virtu. With that said; its an amazing experience but be sure to wear good hiking boots, bring water, snack and sunscreen if you plan to stay out for awhile. A walking stick would be helpful as some of the declines are steep along with the "steps" but you won't find any in the park so come prepared!. If you can find a copy of "Matera-Itinerari nei Sassi e nel Parco della Murgia Materana it lays out several tours to take both in the city and the park-its very helpful, but hard to find. Many of the frescoes have been badly damaged by graffiti-if you are reading this you probably aren't someone who defaces art, but its really sad to see what has happened in this lovely park. Try to encourage others not to touch what's left.

A wonderful place to visit for amazing views of Matera. A hike or a short drive from Matera Sassi but certainly something to put on the 'to do' list during any visit.

The National Park is a rocky landscape rising steeply above the river Gravina and is dotted with caves. In the two Sassi areas cave churches, often with frescoed interiors, are a stark reminder of the shelter they provided to monks escaping persecution centuries ago and of the religious devotion of the cave dwellers.

We went to see these while walking through the Sassi and loved them. A different type of church than ones from the bigger cities.

Matera is a beautiful and special destination and successfully avoids becoming a 'film set' of great buildings spoilt by tat shops which we saw in other areas. Endless backstreets (and steps) to explore and numerous little restaurants to enjoy or cool down with a local beer.My biggest disappointment was the amount of litter everywhere, even broken glass, especially on the walk we did in the gorge. In such a beautiful destination, this needs to be addressed.

Four churches built side by side with wine cellars in all four. Truly amazing, how the inhabitants of old did what they did without machinery and electricity.

Go to Matera and, while there, don't miss the Park of the Ruprestrian Churches (la Murgia); from there you can see Matera as a whole, an amazing view of a "black and white" city (i Sassi), one of the most dramatic views of my life. But also, and more important, you'll have the chance to visit some of the hundreds rupestrian churches of the Murgia and their incredible paintings....one recommendation: don't miss the visitor center and their guides, that is the only way to fully enjoy the experience plus you'll have the chance to see an introductory video to better understand the incredible history of this city and of its people and how they moved from "shame of Italy" to Unesco's world heritage site in less than 50 years....

We really enjoyed our hike in the Park of Rupestrian Churches. When we started out we encountered a number of very docile cows wearing large bells that made charming sounds when they graciously moved out of our way (I was a little frightened at first, but they are clearly used to hikers). The trail was well-marked and an easy hike. The views of Matera were breath-taking and the small caves with painted frescoes dotting the route were captivating.

After one visit to Matera, you will want to return again and again. Take a walking tour with Enzo Montemurro from the visitors' center. Enzo's passion for his hometown will only add to your experience.