Convent of Saint Agostino: A Matera Landmark

The Convent of Saint Agostino, comprised of a church and convent, dates back to the late 16th century. The convent was constructed in 1592 by monks of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, while the church, named Santa Maria delle Grazie, was completed in 1594. The complex was built upon an ancient hypogeum dedicated to Saint William of Vercelli. In 1734, a devastating earthquake destroyed the original structure. It was restored in 1747 and subsequently became the General Chapter of the Augustinian Order. The church was consecrated in 1750 by Archbishop Antonio Antinori. The convent was later suppressed and used for various purposes, including an army shelter, a prison, and a care home for the elderly. Today, it houses the Superintendence for Architectural and Environmental Heritage. The church's facade features a central portal with a niche containing a statue of Saint Augustine. Statues of Saint Paul and Saint Peter are positioned on either side of the overhanging ledge. A tuff bell tower rises between the church and the convent. The interior follows a Latin cross layout, with a single nave and side altars divided by pillars with semi-columns and capitals. The first altar on the left displays a canvas of the Crucifixion with the Magdalene, Saint John the Baptist, and the Madonna.