A complex of rock churches in the Sasso Barisano, above the gorge – and today one of the city’s most unusual exhibition spaces.
The complex
The complex lies on Via Madonna delle Virtù, on the slope above the Gravina. It consists of several rooms cut into the rock, going back to the tenth or eleventh century. One level above lies San Nicola dei Greci; the two are visited together.
The form
The main room is laid out with three aisles, with columns and arches worked entirely out of the stone. That is the real attraction: what in a built church follows from statics is here pure imitation – the columns carry nothing, they stand there because a church was supposed to look like that. Frescoes survive in parts.
Art in old rooms
The rooms are used regularly for exhibitions of contemporary art. That combination is common in Matera – see also MUSMA and Casa Cava – and suits the spaces: the rock remains the stronger impression, and the works have to measure up to it.
Setting and approach
Via Madonna delle Virtù is the lower of the two lengthways paths through the Sasso Barisano and a reason for the walk in itself: it runs above the gorge with a clear view of the Murgia opposite. From the upper town you come down by steps.
Read on
- San Nicola dei Greci – the church one level above
- The lanes of the Sassi – the path it stands on
- Rock churches in and around Matera – the overview
