Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in , Matera!

Murgia National Park (Parco della Murgia Materana)

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting Murgia National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site that pairs accessible adventures with breathtaking vistas of the ancient Sassi di Matera. This wheelchair-friendly journey through Italy’s rugged beauty promises a seamless blend of nature, history, and culture.

Morning: Arrival and Visitor Center

Begin your adventure at the accessible Matera Visitor Center, where you can rent a wheelchair-friendly mobile scooter. The center offers maps and an introductory video, available in multiple languages including English, that provides an overview of the park’s unique karst landscape and rich biodiversity.

Late Morning: Guided Tour of Belvedere di Murgia Timone

From the center, join a guided tour to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone. This viewpoint is fully accessible and offers a panoramic view of Matera’s famous cave dwellings etched into the limestone cliffs. The path to the viewpoint is paved and smooth, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters.

Lunch: Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a picnic at the shaded tables near the visitor center. Local shops in Matera sell pre-packed lunches, or you can bring your favorite Italian treats with you.

Afternoon: Explore the Rupestrian Churches

Post-lunch, take a short ride to the accessible Rupestrian Churches that are dotted around the park. These ancient cave churches, carved by monks, are fascinating glimpses into early Christian life. Most have ramped access, and detailed information panels are in both Italian and English.

Late Afternoon: Nature Trail

Conclude your visit with a gentle scoot along the accessible nature trail starting from the visitor center. The trail is well-maintained and offers engaging views of the park’s flora and fauna, with benches strategically placed for resting and enjoying the serene environment.

Departure

Head back to Matera as the sun sets, carrying memories of a day well spent in one of Italy’s most picturesque and accessible national parks.

Getting There

Accessible transport options from Matera include taxis and buses equipped with ramps, ensuring a smooth ride to and from the park.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Sassi di Matera

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Sassi di Materia

Welcome to Matera, a city where history is etched into every stone and every pathway. Known for the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings that form one of the world"s most unique landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is surprisingly accessible for wheelchair users.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day at the Matera Visitor Center, where you can rent a wheelchair-accessible mobile scooter. From here, wheel your way towards the Sasso Barisano, the more accessible part of the Sassi. The streets here are smoother and have been adapted with ramps and flat paths. As you explore, marvel at the ancient cave houses carved into the limestone, which have been inhabited since the Paleolithic period.

Lunch Break: Local Cuisine

For lunch, head to Ristorante Baccus, located within the Sassi. This spot offers accessible entry and a panoramic view of the ancient town. Indulge in local dishes like ‘crapiata’ (a hearty legume soup) and freshly baked ‘matera bread’.

Afternoon: Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina

Post-lunch, visit the Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina. This museum is fully accessible and offers insights into the peasant culture of Matera, showcasing tools and artifacts from the region’s agricultural past.

Evening: Piazza San Pietro Caveoso

Conclude your visit at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. This area is relatively flat and offers stunning views of the cave dwellings under the setting sun. It’s a perfect spot for reflection and to soak in the serene atmosphere of Matera.

Practical Tips

- Pre-book your mobile scooter to ensure availability.

- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing, as pathways can be uneven in places.

Interesting Fact

Did you know Matera is one of the world"s oldest continuously inhabited cities? Its history of habitation dates back over 7,000 years.

This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures you experience the magic and history of Matera comfortably and enrichingly.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Madonna delle Virtù Church (Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù)

Why Visit?

Discover the Historical Charm of Matera: A Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù

Embark on an inspiring journey through time in the enchanting city of Matera, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and striking historical architecture. Our accessible day tour is specially curated for travelers using wheelchairs or mobile scooters, focusing on one of the city’s hidden gems, the Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù.

Getting There

Begin your day with ease as you arrive in Matera. For those driving, accessible parking is available near the Sassi district. From here, Matera is well-equipped with wheelchair-friendly shuttle services which will transport you to the church entrance, providing a comfortable and convenient start to your adventure.

Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù

Nestled in the rock face of a limestone gorge, the Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù is a stunning example of Matera’s rupestrian (rock-hewn) churches. Dating back to the 10th century, this church is a testament to the spiritual and architectural ingenuity of early inhabitants. As you explore, note the church"s fascinating blend of Byzantine and Roman styles.

Tour Details

Upon arrival, join a guided tour available in multiple languages, designed to be accessible for all visitors. The church’s main areas are equipped with ramps and there are no steps to navigate, ensuring a seamless experience. As you wander through the church, your guide will illuminate the history behind the ancient frescoes and the architectural design that has withstood the test of time.

Culinary Delight

Conclude your visit with a taste of local cuisine at a nearby accessible restaurant, where you can savor traditional dishes like Matera bread and orecchiette pasta, rounding off your Matera experience with delightful flavors and memories.

This wheelchair-friendly tour not only explores the spiritual heart of Matera but also promises an accessible and enriching cultural journey through one of Italy’s most captivating historical towns.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.