It was only at the last minute did I find out about the Ravine walk, and decided to give it a go on our free day. A quick search of the internet told me:-

"The most iconic and accessible excursion in the Gravina of Matera is the CAI 406 Trail. It is a ring route of about 3 -4 km that starts from the historic center and descends into the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the Sassi and the Murgian plateau. The start point is the panoramic terrace of Porta Piscola or from Sasso Caveoso. The distance in height is about 130 meters, with steep descent on the outward way and a demanding ascent on the way back, a trip of 2-3 hours. The main attractions are the 35 meter long Tibetan bridge (Ponte Tibetano) over the Gravina stream and the rock churches carved into the rock on the opposite bank (Murgian Park)"

I took the 8-20 am bus from Una Hotels MH Matera (Euro 1.50 one way) and alighted at the station in Matera just before 9 am. From here I walked down Via Roma to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, along Via del Corso until I came to Piazza San Francisco. Here I turned left and made my way to Piazza del Duomo. Here the Via Gradoni Duomo descends steps until it reaches the Via Sant'Antonio Abate. At this point I turned right and made my way along Via Madonna delle Virtu. Eventually I came to the steps at the start of the walk, but instead of descending I walked a further 50 meters to the ticket office to purchase my entrance ticket, Euro 15, which includes insurance for the walk. At the ticket office my footwear was examined for suitability, a condition of being issued with a ticket. It was then a short walk back to the steps to start the walk.

On the return I made my way further along Via Madonna delle Virtue to the Rock Church (Chiesa Santa Maria di Idris) where I began the climb back up to Piazzetta Pascali.