ActivityPhoto Wikimedia CommonsParco della Murgia Materana
Italy
Live an unforgettable experience with a nature walk in the Regional Park of the Materano Rock Churches, a World Heritage Site since 2007. This extraordinary rocky plateau, overlooking the legendary Sassi di Matera, will surprise you with its breathtaking views and deep ravines. A journey that will take you through the centuries, from the first settlements of the Paleolithic to the villages of the Neolithic, from medieval communities to the fascinating rock churches of the Greek-Byzantine hermits. For a complete and safe visit, it is essential to be accompanied by a certified guide, who will reveal the hidden secrets of these thousand-year-old churches and guide you to discover the history that has shaped this unique land. A journey into the heart of nature and history, to be experienced step by step.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Parco della Murgia Materana, an extraordinary historical and natural landscape situated in the Basilicata region of Italy. We are standing on the edge of a deep limestone ravine, across from the ancient city of…
Listen in the app2Crossing the Abyss — The Tibetan Bridge
Our journey begins with a descent to the bottom of the Matera ravine, where we must cross the 'Ponte Tibetano' or the Tibetan suspension bridge. This bridge spans the Gravina stream, the small river that carved this dramatic…
Listen in the app3The First Shelters — Prehistoric Caves
Near the top of the ravine, we encounter the first of many caves that define the Murgia. These are the uninhabited, original caves of the region, some of which go back quite far into the hillside. …
Listen in the app4Colors of Faith — Church of Sant'Agnese
Our path leads us to the Cave Church of Sant'Agnese, or Saint Agnes. This is one of the many rupestrian churches in the park, many of which are over a thousand years old. …
Listen in the app5A Triple Entrance — Madonna delle Tre Porte
Another significant site in our tour is the church of 'Madonna delle Tre Porte,' or the Madonna of the Three Doors. As the name suggests, this rupestrian church is characterized by its unique triple entrance carved into the…
Listen in the app6The Ultimate Vantage — Belvedere di Murgia Timone
We arrive at the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, arguably the most spectacular viewpoint in all of Basilicata. From this high plateau, the entire city of Matera is spread out before us in all its golden, stone-carved glory. …
Listen in the app7Guardian of the Ravine — Madonna dell'Idris
Though located on the edge of the Sassi itself, the Church of Santa Maria de Idris is inextricably linked to the Murgia landscape. This 'Rock Church' is perched dramatically on a massive limestone spur called the Monterrone,…
Listen in the app8Closing
Our journey through the Parco della Murgia Materana has come to an end. We have descended into the ancient ravine, crossed the suspension bridge that links two worlds, and stood within the sacred and domestic spaces of our…
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What is Parco della Murgia Materana?
Parco della Murgia Materana is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.6316, 16.6645 |
| Last updated |