James Bond in Matera Film Locations Tour

Matera looks like a film set, and film-makers have noticed. The Sassi have stood in for ancient Jerusalem in several biblical epics, including Pasolini's The Gospel According to St Matthew in 1964 and Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ in 2004, and the city also appeared in Ben-Hur in 2016. In 2021 it played a starring role in the opening sequence of the James Bond film No Time to Die, with a chase through its streets and over its rooftops. This tour, titled James Bond in Matera, takes you around locations connected with that production and with the city's wider cinematic history. It lasts about two hours and has a small number of reviews at around four stars, so treat it as a light-hearted extra and confirm the details when you book. You can expect a walk through central areas, stops at viewpoints and piazzas, and stories about how the crews worked in such a delicate heritage environment. It is fun for film fans, fans of the franchise and anyone who likes to see a city through the lens of its screen appearances. Even if you have not seen the films, the tour doubles as a general introduction to the city, with the usual explanations of the Sassi and their history sprinkled between the movie anecdotes.

Manage expectations. A tour like this is a celebration of cinema rather than a studio backlot. The locations are real streets and squares, and some scenes were filmed with extensive digital help or in other places, so a guide may spend time explaining what was shot where and what was changed. If you prefer the unvarnished history, a standard Sassi walking tour will give more detail on daily life. If you love film, this adds a layer of fun.

It works best as a second or third activity, after you have a basic sense of the old town. Watching a few clips or the opening scene of the film before you go is a good idea, because recognising a corner from the screen is half the pleasure. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and bring a camera ready for recreating shots. Late afternoon light flatters the stone, and it is easier to photograph in cooler hours.

The tour is suitable for most adults and for older children who enjoy movies. The route involves steps and uneven streets, as everywhere in the Sassi. It is not suitable for wheelchairs. Because of the modest review count, confirm the language, meeting point and what is covered before you commit.

If you want to extend the theme, ask your guide for tips on other film locations in the region, or look at evening views of the illuminated Sassi that echo the moody atmosphere of the screen. For fans of cinema, Matera is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, and this tour makes the most of it.

Bring a phone with a few film clips saved offline. Holding up a still next to the real corner is a satisfying game, and guides often enjoy helping you line up the angle.

It is worth remembering that film sets are temporary, and many of the props and structures built for a production are removed afterwards. What remains is the city itself, which is the real star. Let the stories add colour, but keep looking at the stone, the doorways and the light, which are the reasons the cameras came in the first place.