Convento di Sant'Agostino

The Convento di Sant'Agostino is a baroque convent and church set on a rocky rise in Sasso Barisano, built with the thick stone walls and curved lines typical of its architectural period. The complex unites the monastic buildings with the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in a single integrated composition.

Augustinian monks built the convent in 1592 on the site of an earlier structure dedicated to Saint William of Vercelli, with the church completed shortly after in 1594. This construction took place during a period when Matera was renewing its religious buildings.

The complex is named after Saint Augustine and holds religious artworks that reflect the spiritual traditions of the monastic community. The interior decoration shows the artistic craftsmanship that monks and local patrons valued over centuries.

The building currently houses the Superintendence for Architectural and Environmental Heritage and is open to visitors during regular hours. Keep in mind that it functions as an administrative center, so some areas may not be accessible to the public.

The main portal displays three distinctive statues in its niche arrangement, with Saint Augustine in the center flanked by Saint Paul and Saint Peter on either side. This sculptural composition shows how local artisans expressed religious importance through stone carving.