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Convent of Saint Agostino: A Matera Landmark

Explore the Convent of Saint Agostino in Matera, a historic site with stunning architecture and panoramic views.

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The Convent of Saint Agostino, including the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is a 16th-century complex in Matera's Sasso Barisano. Built by Augustinian monks, it stands on a site with ancient origins and offers stunning views of the city and Gravina canyon.

A brief summary to Convent of Saint Agostino

  • Via D'Addozio, Matera, Province of Matera, 75100, IT

Local tips

  • Check out the views of Matera and the canyon from the front of the convent.
  • Discover the ancient hypogean church dedicated to Saint William of Vercelli, accessible from the left of the main altar.
  • Note that the convent is now the Superintendence for Architectural and Environmental Heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Convent of Saint Agostino is located in the Sasso Barisano area of Matera. From Matera Centrale railway station, walk north along Via Roma, then turn left onto Via Domenico Ridola. Continue onto Via Lucana, then turn right onto Via D'Addozio. The convent will be on your left. Walking time is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Matera Centrale railway station, take bus lines Sassi to reach near the Convent of Saint Agostino. Tickets cost €1.50 if purchased on board, or €0.80 if purchased in advance from tobacconists or bars.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near the Convent of Saint Agostino. Via Vena offers a multi-story parking lot. Alternatively, look for blue-striped parking zones on the street, costing €0.70-€1.00 per hour between 8:00 and 20:00. Payment can be made at parking columns or via smartphone apps.

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Discover more about Convent of Saint Agostino

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.

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