About us
—About us
Cantomat Agency Services
—Cantomat Agency, About us
Who we are: Driven by Passion, Immersed in the History of Matera
Welcome to the fascinating world of our guided tours, where the passion for Matera (European Capital of Culture 2019) blends with a decade of experience in delivering authentic emotions. We are an agency that has made Matera its muse, and over these ten years, we have shared the love for this timeless city with thousands of visitors.
Our story is intertwined with the very history of the Sassi di Matera. From the beginning, we have embraced the idea that every stone tells a story, and every alley hides millennial secrets. Matera is more than a tourist destination for us; it is our home and daily inspiration.
What sets us apart is the passion we pour into every guided tour. Each member of our team is a passionate storyteller, eager to share with you the beauty of Matera through engaging narratives and cultural insights. Our mission is to transform every tour into an unforgettable experience, where history comes to life, and the stones speak eloquently.
Our information point, located in Piazza San Francesco in Matera, is the pulsating heart of our activity. It's not just a welcoming place but a strategic point to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this city. Piazza San Francesco is the crossroads of ancient stories and modern adventures, and from here, your journey to discover Matera begins.
Over this decade, we have honed our ability to offer authentic and personalized experiences. Every tour is meticulously crafted to meet your expectations and make your visit unique. Whether you're a history enthusiast, art lover, or thrill-seeker, we have the perfect tour for you.
We are a team of passionate guides and local experts, ready to unveil the best-kept secrets of our city. Matera is an open book, and with us as your guides, you can flip through every page with understanding and admiration.
Let yourself be guided through the charming alleys and captivating squares of Matera. Join us for an adventure that goes beyond mere tourism and transforms into a true immersion in the culture, history, and beauty of the Sassi.
We are here not just to show you Matera but to make you fall in love with it. Our agency is an invitation to explore, learn, and fully experience the essence of this extraordinary city. We look forward to sharing together the timeless charm of Matera.
Map of the historic center
To find out more about the Sassi of Matera
The Sassi di Matera, located in Basilicata on the border with Puglia, constitute a natural and architectural wonder inhabited since prehistoric times. These rock settlements, with houses carved into the tuff rock, represent one of the oldest and most stable in the world, with a history that spans over 9,000 years. Built using the local calcarenite stone, the dwellings, transformed by the inhabitants into cozy and comfortable spaces, extend over multiple levels, sometimes with roofs serving as flooring for additional layers of houses.
In 1993, the Sassi di Matera were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their extraordinary beauty, as well as their cultural and historical value. Today, they are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world every year. In addition to the opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and unique culture of the area, visitors can participate in various cultural and artistic activities such as concerts, art exhibitions, and local festivals.
Matera, located in the Basilicata region, rises on a limestone hill at the confluence of the Bradano and Basento rivers, characterized by the famous ravines, deep gorges carved by rainwater. This landscape allowed ancient inhabitants to settle among the walls of the ravines, creating rudimentary homes carved directly into the rock. Over the centuries, the city has developed both in natural cavities and on top of the hill, becoming an important trading center during the Middle Ages along the ancient Appian Way.
However, in the 1950s, the Sassi lost their significance due to extreme poverty and critical hygienic conditions. In 1993, UNESCO recognized the value of the Sassi and initiated a restructuring process to preserve their historical and cultural heritage, transforming them into a prominent tourist destination.
The history of Matera is closely tied to the Sassi, the two main districts comprising the historic center: Sasso Barisano to the northwest and Sasso Caveoso to the south. The city, one of the oldest in the world, has witnessed continuous human settlements since the Bronze Age. During the Middle Ages, with the advent of Christianity, imposing places of worship were built, shaping the city concentrated around the Cathedral.
The crucial moment in the history of the Sassi di Matera was the expulsion of the population in the 1950s, a controversial decision made to improve living conditions. This marked a turning point for Matera, leading to a gradual improvement in living conditions through the construction of new housing and the development of economic and tourist activities.
The Sassi di Matera, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993, represent an exceptional urban ecosystem that has preserved ways of life from prehistoric times to modernity. Besides being an architectural and historical gem, they are a cultural landscape that tells the millennia-long story of a city and its community in harmony with the natural environment. A unique place that deserves to be explored in every corner.
