Architecture sights in Matera
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A
Piazza del Duomo Cathedral
Apart from the impressive rose window above the door, the relatively sedate exterior of the 13th-century Puglian-Romanesque Piazza del Duomo Cathedral ill-prepares you for the neobaroque excess within: ornate carved capitals, sumptuously decorated chapels and tons of gilding everywhere. In the left aisle an altar dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna, Matera's patron saint, has a 13th-century Byzantine fresco of the Virgin Mary with Child.
With its 54m belltower and its position on the highest hill in town, the cathedral dominates the skyline. It was closed for restoration at the time of research.
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B
Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris
Dug into Mount Errone (also known as the Idris rock), the rock church of Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris has an unprepossessing façade but the narrow corridor communicating with the recessed church of San Giovanni in Monterrone is richly decorated with frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries. San Giovanni in Monterrone was originally used as a baptistery, later as a crypt, and until a few years ago contained human bones clothed in rotting rags.
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C
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
This 13th-century church is an interesting example of Romanesque architecture. Entry is through the side door as the original entrance and façade were incorporated into adjacent buildings during the 17th-century baroque additions and alterations. In 1926 the church was restored to its Romanesque simplicity. It was closed for restoration at the time of research.
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D
Church of San Giovanni
The recessed Church of San Giovanni in Monterrone is richly decorated with frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries. San Giovanni in Monterrone was originally used as a baptistery, later as a crypt, and until a few years ago contained human bones clothed in rotting rags. A narrow corridor communicates with Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris.
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E
Monasterio di Sant'Agostino
The monumental church and monastic complex of Monasterio di Sant'Agostino, built in the 16th century, served time as a military barracks and a home for the elderly. The church was built above the underground church of Saint William and is impressively situated on the edge of the Gravina.
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F
Convincio di San Antonio
Built around the 12th or 13th century, the Convincio di San Antonio is a complex of four rock churches grouped around a central courtyard. There are many frescoes in the churches but look for the wine spouts in the altars that tell of their 18th-century conversion into cellars.
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G
Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi
This church has an impressive 17th-century baroque façade. It was originally built in the 13th century above two rock churches which can be accessed through the third chapel on the left. The church is currently closed for restoration.
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H
Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso
One of the highlights of Sasso Caveoso is Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso
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