Ape Tour Matera: Guided Ape Calessino Ride Through the Sassi
Take an hour-long Ape calessino ride through Matera’s Sassi to see cliff-carved homes, panoramic belvederes and a cave-house museum with a local guide. This compact tour gives cultural context and photo stops while navigating narrow, historic lanes.
The Experience
Before You Go
Travel light
The Ape has limited luggage space and streets are narrow—bring one small daypack for essentials.
Timing for light
Book morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday shadows on the stone facades and to catch cooler temperatures.
Watch your step
Short on-foot stops include uneven cobbles and carved stairways—sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Respect residences
Many Sassi houses are still lived in; stay on designated paths and follow your guide’s instructions during photo stops.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Palombaro Lungo underground cistern near Piazza Vittorio—an ancient water basin worth a quiet detour
- •Murgia Belvedere viewpoints across the ravine for sweeping, less-crowded vistas and rupestrian church ruins
Wildlife
- •Urban feral cats often sunning on stone ledges
- •Common swifts and house sparrows in summer skies
Conservation Note
Visitor pressure concentrates wear on narrow streets and fragile facades—stay on paths, avoid touching frescoed surfaces, and support local conservation-friendly businesses.
The Sassi are ancient cave-dwelling quarters carved into soft calcarenite; widespread mid-20th-century evacuations gave way to restoration and UNESCO recognition in the 1990s.
What to Bring
Closed-toe walking shoesEssential
Protects feet on cobbles and short stair sections during walking stops.
Small daypackEssential
Carries water, camera, and a light layer—fits easily in the Ape's limited space.
Light rain shell
Protects against sudden showers common in spring and occasional winter rain.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)Essential
Reduces sun exposure during open panoramic stops when stone reflects heat.
Common Questions
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The Ape can transport riders with limited mobility, but the Sassi contain steep steps and uneven surfaces; contact the operator in advance to discuss accessibility and any assistance needed.
What languages are offered on the tour?
Guides commonly speak Italian and English; confirm language availability at booking or request a specific language in the special requirements field.
Can we enter a cave house?
Yes—this tour includes a short visit to a casa cave museum that illustrates historic living conditions up to the 1960s.
How flexible is the start time?
The operator allows special requests for preferred departure times—note your preference when booking but expect confirmation to be manual.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1–1.2 hours
Location
Matera, Basilicata
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, easy walks on uneven ground during stops.
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