Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave
Things to know
About the Activity
A panoramic excursion in rocky habitats, flanking the Gravina di Matera and its stream which extends for 20 km, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. We will follow the stream along the ridge of one side of the ravine, enjoying the landscapes of the Murgia Materana Regional Park. First by exploring the rock church of San Nicola all'Ofra, a farmhouse with its rooms dug into the cliff that communicate with each other: tunnels, stairways, cisterns, churches, developing on 3 levels of height. And then the karst Bat Cave, among the oldest evidence of human life in this area, a series of corridors, a breeding site for flying mammals, a place that hides the treasure of King Barbarossa between history and legend and where thanks research carried out in recent centuries revealed Paleolithic tools and fossils of extinct animals, such as the cave bear.3 hours
Private Tour
Pickup offered
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
Transportation amenities : Private transportation. Private transportation
Pick-up
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
This ravine of karst origin and carved over time by its torrent extends for almost 20 kilometres, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi (houses dug into the calcarenite and used for millennia by the locals) and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
The ravine rich in caves, once strategically inhabited by the local population, flows southwards and touches the town of Montescaglioso, then flows into the Bradano river and finally flows into the Ionian Sea.
We will go up the path of the stream along the ridge of one side of the ravine, enjoying the landscapes of the Murgia Materana Regional Park.1 hour • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
2
The journey continues and reaches the rock church of San Nicola all'Ofra, a farmhouse with its rooms dug into the cliff that communicate with each other: tunnels, stairways, cisterns, churches, frescoes, developing on 3 levels of height.
The cluster of caves overlooks the ravine of Matera and the stream that crosses it.
A very suggestive place, in a breathtaking landscape, where the steep rocky walls also represent the typical habitat for the rare black stork, a wonderful bird at risk of extinction, which for some years has sensationally returned to nesting in the Lucanian territory.1 hour • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
3
A complex of karst caves composed of large entrances and long, narrow tunnels, an important breeding site for fascinating flying mammals.
In this place where research had already previously been carried out to find the legendary treasure of King Barbarossa, in the 19th century the local archaeologist Domenico Ridola found Paleolithic tools, ceramics, tombs with skeletons and fossils of extinct animals: such as the ancient ox and the 'cave bear.
Today exhibited in the Domenico Ridola National Archaeological Museum of Matera:1 hour • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Easily reachable via the Matera Sud road exit of the SS7.View Location
End point
1
Easily reachable via the Matera Sud road exit of the SS7.View Location
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations; or, customers can make their own way to the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
- Using the Ferrovie del Nord Barese trains from Bari airport and the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane trains from Bari station, it is possible to reach Matera, where I can reach you.
- Travelers will be picked up 30 minutes before departure time
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
- Italian
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Europe/Rome time to receive 100% refund.
Operated by Viandanti del SudCreated on 04 Aug 2024Created on 30 May 2025
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