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Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba: A Glimpse into Matera's Rock-Hewn Past

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Explore a medieval rock church near Matera, adorned with rediscovered frescoes depicting significant religious figures.

The Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba, near the Sanctuary of the same name outside Matera, is a rock-cut church featuring a simple nave adorned with notable frescoes. Discovered in 1965, these frescoes depict religious figures and offer a glimpse into the area's medieval artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba

  • Contrada Pedale della Palomba, SS7, Matera, Province of Matera, 75100, IT
  • Click to display
  • Monday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba, offering a beautiful example of local religious architecture.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the crypt and sanctuary can be uneven.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, especially if visiting during the off-season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba, the Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba is a short walk away. Follow the signs leading towards the crypt. The path is unpaved in some sections.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses run from Matera to the area near the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba. From the bus stop, follow the signs to the Sanctuary and then proceed on foot to the Cripta. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Matera city center to the Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba is a convenient option. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Expect to pay around €15-€20. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba

Located near the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba, the Cripta di Santa Maria della Palomba, or commonly called Palomba, offers a fascinating look into Matera's ancient past. This rock-hewn crypt features a simple, rectangular nave covered by a humpback vault. The rooms above, which date back to 1645, are almost entirely collapsed. The crypt's walls showcase frescoes of considerable importance, unveiled in 1965 by scholars from the La Scaletta circle. Among the frescoes, visitors can identify a Madonna in a red cloak, Saint Nicholas with an ochre face, and a blessing Child. Other frescoes adorn a concave rock wall, likely the crypt's original apse. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba, which the crypt is part of, was built in 1580 on a pre-existing rock nucleus. The dove carved on the portal represents the Holy Spirit.

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