A convent above the edge: the best view of the Sasso Barisano – and beneath it a rock church older than the building above.
Setting
The convent of Sant’Agostino stands at the northern edge of the old town, where the slope drops to the Sasso Barisano. The present building dates from the seventeenth century; the position right on the break of slope was no accident for a convent but part of the point – far enough away for seclusion, close enough to the city.
What lies beneath
The complex was built over an older rock church dedicated to Saint William. Parts of it survive. The convent thus belongs to the buildings in which Matera’s principle can be read: what existed in the rock was not removed but built over – see also San Francesco d’Assisi.
The view
From the terrace in front of the church you look out over the whole district and the gorge behind it. It is one of the quieter viewpoints in the city – the route runs along the northern edge and most visitors do not walk it. If you are heading for the Belvedere Via D’Addozio you will pass it anyway.
Practical
The church is not open continuously; the terrace in front is freely accessible. From the centre it is ten to fifteen minutes on foot, mostly level.
Read on
- Sasso Barisano – the district below
- Belvedere Via D’Addozio – the view on the same route
- Churches in Matera – the overview
