Crypt of the Original Sin guided tour from Matera
Overview
Visit Matera's Crypt of Original Sin, discovering 8th-century frescoes, Benedictine art, biblical scenes and the history of this ancient rock sanctuary.
Highlights
- You'll discover one of Matera's most fascinating rock-cut treasures
- There are extraordinary frescoes dating from the 8th and 9th centuries to admire
- The tour includes learning about the mysterious Painter of the Flowers of Matera
- You can explore the history of an ancient Benedictine rupestrian settlement
- There's a chance to see remarkable scenes of the Creation and the Original Sin
Discover one of the most fascinating treasures of Matera: the Crypt of the Original Sin, an ancient rock-cut place of worship dating back to the Lombard period.
Enter a unique rupestrian environment once connected to a Benedictine monastic community and admire an extraordinary cycle of frescoes dating from the 8th to the 9th century. Learn about the artist known as the Painter of the Flowers of Matera and discover the distinctive features of Beneventan-Benedictine art. Admire the representations of the Apostles, the Virgin Queen and the Archangels, before discovering the impressive scenes dedicated to the Creation and the Original Sin. Your guide will explain the history, symbolism and artistic importance of this exceptional site, as well as the conservation work that has helped preserve its ancient frescoes.
What's included
- Entrance fees
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- Multilingual audio commentary
Meeting & pickup
Meet at Passi nei Sassi central office. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Additional info
Accessibility:
- Please inform the tour operator in advance in case of reduced mobility or special accessibility needs. Contact info can be found on the voucher after booking
Know in advance:
- The temperature inside the rock-cut environment may be cooler than outside, so bringing a light jacket is recommended
- Multilingual audio commentary is available in: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some areas may have uneven surfaces
- The itinerary may be slightly adapted depending on site accessibility or local conditions
- Photography and video may be subject to onsite restrictions
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts for a full refund.
Questions
Have a question?
Our team is happy to help before you book — reach out any time.
