Chiesa di Santa Maria di Idris, Cave church in Sassi district, Matera, Italy.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Idris is a cave church carved into the limestone rock face with multiple chambers linked by narrow corridors throughout. Its design integrates the natural stone formation with traditional architectural elements adapted to the rocky setting.
This cave church was carved into the rock beginning in the 8th century and combines Byzantine and Romanesque influences in its structure. The different building phases show how religious architecture evolved in southern Italy over the centuries.
The walls inside contain frescoes from several centuries showing religious scenes that reflect how Christian art developed in this region. These paintings come from different periods and show how artistic styles changed over the years.
Visitors reach the church by climbing stone steps that wind through the Sassi neighborhood, with guided tours departing from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. The narrow passages through historic streets require sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.
An underground corridor within the rock connects this church to San Giovanni in Monterrone, forming a hidden religious complex beneath the limestone. This secret passage is known to few visitors and requires special guided access to explore.
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