Murgia Park photography tour

Photographic tour in the Murgia and in the Parco Storico Archeologico e Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano.

Not everybody knows that Matera is surrounded by a spectacular wild area, abundant in history and breathtaking landscapes. As these places are hard to reach, they aren’t crowded nearly as much as Matera itself, and in order to reach them and discover the treasures they conceal you must either know the paths or be guided towards them. The canyon where the Gravina stream flows is over 100m deep. The Gravina stretches out for over 20km, it borders Apulia, the Sassi and the flatlands in Metaponto; it then flows into the Bradano river.

The Murgia is an area that’s been continuously inhabited for the last half million years, and as such here you can find traces of its past. You’ll be able to explore caves, shelters used by the early Neanderthals during the paleolithic era, neolithic settlements, magno-greek and latin culture and medieval and monastic byzantine settlements all over the course of one day.

The Murgia is made up of calcareous rock, meaning that its colour changes depending on the season and the time of the day. For instance in bright winter days the light’s hue can seem sharp, harsh and cold, whilst at down it appears faint and golden and at sunset it looks red and fiery. You’ll undoubtedly have the chance to take incredible pictures.

The vegetation is comprised of mediterrean scrub, along with some local species that stand out during spring and autumn. The paths are characterised by an incredible variety of flowers, insects and butterflies, constituting a real-life heaven for those who have a passion for macro photography.

In regards to bird-watching, you’ll have the chance to spot the egyptian vulture, a rare vulture species that spends its summers on the banks of the Gravina, along with the black stork. Additionally, you’re likely to spot Red Kites, Lesser Kestrels (which constitute the largest colony in Europe), European Rollers, Eurasian hoopoes, Blue Rock-thrushes and various Anatidae specimens.

Info and bookings

The photographic tour will be carried out with either one or two experienced photographers who are experts in regard to this area. The tour may vary depending on the season, the times and the group’s needs. Cost per person: €50 (3 hours) Groups will be accompanied by 2 photographers
In order to book:

Tel. +39 351 9645305
Info@matera.cloud