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Palazzo Lanfranchi: A Baroque Masterpiece and Cultural Hub

Discover Matera's Baroque jewel: Palazzo Lanfranchi, home to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata.

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Palazzo Lanfranchi, a stunning example of 17th-century Baroque architecture in Matera, houses the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. Originally built as a seminary, it now showcases a diverse collection of sacred art, historical artifacts, and contemporary works, including pieces by Carlo Levi and Luigi Guerricchio.

A brief summary to Palazzo Lanfranchi

  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 2 pm-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the museum's three sections to experience the full range of art and history on display.
  • Visit the rooms dedicated to Carlo Levi and Luigi Guerricchio to appreciate their contributions to Italian art.
  • Take time to admire the architecture of the Palazzo, including the cloister and sundial.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Lanfranchi is located in Piazzetta Pascoli, a short walk from Matera's city center and the Sassi districts. From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, walk east along Via del Corso, then turn right onto Via Ridola. Continue onto Via Domenico Ridola, then turn left onto Via Lucana. Turn right onto Via Muro, then left onto Piazzetta Pascoli. The Palazzo will be on your left. This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Matera's public transport is provided by local buses. From Matera Centrale railway station, take a Miccolis bus. A single ticket costs €0.80 if purchased in advance from tobacconists or bars, or €1.50 if purchased on board. Several bus lines stop near Piazza Pascoli. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Matera. A taxi ride from Matera Centrale railway station to Palazzo Lanfranchi will cost approximately €10.50, with a base fare of €3.50 and €1.40 per kilometer. Taxi stands are located near the train station and in the city center.

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Discover more about Palazzo Lanfranchi

Palazzo Lanfranchi, overlooking Piazza Pascoli, is considered one of Matera's most significant Baroque buildings. Constructed between 1668 and 1672 by Capuchin friar Francesco da Copertino at the request of Archbishop Vincenzo Lanfranchi, it initially served as a diocesan seminary. The palace was built incorporating a pre-existing Carmelite convent. The building's asymmetrical facade is divided into two horizontal sections by a cornice. The lower section features five niches containing statues of San Nicola, the Madonna del Carmine, San Filippo Neri, San Giacinto, and San Bartolomeo. The upper section includes vertical pilasters with capitals and nine blind arches, the largest of which incorporates a rose window. A pediment with a clock sits atop the facade. Inside, a staircase leads to a long corridor and a 17th-century cloister adorned with a sundial and busts. After the Unification of Italy in 1864, the palace became home to the Classical Lyceum, where the poet Giovanni Pascoli taught. Since 2003, it has housed the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. The museum's collection is divided into three sections: Sacred Art, Collections, and Contemporary Art. The Sacred Art section features paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from regional churches. The Collections section displays paintings from the Camillo d'Errico collection. The Contemporary Art section includes works by Carlo Levi and Luigi Guerricchio.

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