In a nutshell

Treat yourself to a rickshaw experience in amazing Matera, among the famous “Sassi”, rock churches with thousands of frescoes, movie-worthy atmospheres, and dwellings carved into the rock. An adventure that will take you to the heart of Basilicata - and back in time.

Main stops

Rickshaw ride through the old town and the Sassi neighborhoods.
The “Cave House”, a typical dwelling carved out of the rock.

The programme

Set off to conquer Matera, the oldest city in southern Italy: here, the houses are carved out of the rock, the churches are more like caves and time has taken a coffee break…of a century or two. But don't be alarmed: here, you won't be walking - instead, whiz about in a rickshaw among the Sassi, in the Barisano and Caveoso neighborhoods - a UNESCO world heritage site sculpted from the rock, with the same patience as it takes to prepare a proper Sunday lunch.

You'll step inside the Cave House to discover what life was like when “open space” meant a single room for everyone and everything. And you'll find yourself looking at frescoed churches that would make certain city museums pale in comparison.

It'll be like stepping onto a film set, and it's no coincidence that Mel Gibson filmed The Passion of the Christ here. Except that here, you write the script: laughter, stories, anecdotes, and glimpses that will make you want to stay.

And before going back, you'll receive a small souvenir. Because you may not be able to take Matera home...but at least you can keep a little piece of it in your pocket.

Good to know

Make sure you have your driving license and some ID with you to ride the rickshaw.