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Church of Saint Dominic, Matera

Explore the Church of Saint Dominic in Matera, a blend of Romanesque and Baroque architecture with a rich history and artistic treasures.

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The Church of Saint Dominic, located on Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera, Italy, showcases a blend of Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles. Originally built in 1230, its facade features intricate carvings and symbols, including a rose window with a dog holding a torch, representing the Dominican order.

A brief summary to Church of Saint Dominic

Local tips

  • Visit in the late afternoon to experience the golden light on the facade and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the church's history and artistic details.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Sassi di Matera, starting from Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Matera Centrale train station, exit and walk left onto Via delle Nazioni Unite. Continue straight for about 1 kilometer until you reach a roundabout. Take the first exit onto Via Nazionale, which leads directly to Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The Church of Saint Dominic is located on the square. The walk is approximately 25-30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Matera bus terminal at Piazza Matteotti, take a local bus towards the city center. Disembark at the bus stop nearest to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which is well-signposted. The Church of Saint Dominic is located on the square. A single ticket costs €0.8, or €1.50 if purchased on board. The bus ride takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Parking

    If driving, be aware that Piazza Vittorio Veneto is in a limited traffic zone (ZTL). Several parking options are available near the city center, including parking garages and paid street parking. Paid street parking (blue stalls) costs €0.70-€1.00 per hour between 8:00 and 20:00. Parking garages offer hourly or daily rates. From the parking area, walk to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where the Church of Saint Dominic is located.

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Discover more about Church of Saint Dominic

The Church of Saint Dominic, situated on the prominent Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera, is a captivating religious site with a rich history. Founded in 1230 by Blessed Nicola da Giovinazzo, a disciple of Saint Dominic, the church and its adjoining convent have undergone several transformations throughout the centuries. The church's exterior presents a fascinating mix of architectural styles. While the original structure dates back to the 13th century, the facade was rebuilt in the Romanesque style, featuring blind arches and pilasters. A notable element is the rose window, which depicts a dog with a torch in its mouth, symbolizing the Dominican order, also known as the 'Domini Canes' or 'dogs of the Lord'. The interior follows a Latin cross layout with three naves. Over the entrance, there is a 17th-century organ. The right aisle houses the tomb of Orazio Persio, a Matera writer, and the Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, which features an octagonal base and a hemispherical dome. A plaque commemorates the city's salvation from a plague epidemic in 1630 through the Madonna's intercession. The main altar showcases a papier-mâché complex of the Madonna del Rosario and a 17th-century painting depicting the glorification of Saint Dominic. Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where the church is located, is the heart of Matera, offering a vibrant atmosphere with cafes and shops. The square provides access to other attractions, including the Sassi di Matera and the Palombaro Lungo, a historic underground cistern.

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