Crypt of the Original Sin
Crypt of the Original Sin, Cave church with biblical frescoes in Matera, Italy
The rock-cut church contains detailed wall paintings depicting scenes from Genesis and representations of saints, angels, and biblical figures along its stone surfaces.
During the 8th century, monks from Eastern Europe and Asia Minor established this religious sanctuary, creating a meditation space within the natural cave formation.
The frescoes demonstrate the merging of Byzantine artistic techniques with early Christian religious narratives through detailed representations of biblical stories and figures.
Visitors need advance reservations to enter the church, which opens Tuesday through Sunday with seasonal hours and costs 10 euros for admission.
The red flower motifs painted at the base of the frescoes earned the site its alternative name, the Church of the Flower Painter.
Location: Matera
Address: Località Pietrapenta 60, 75100 Matera 75100 75100
Website: http://criptadelpeccatooriginale.it/index.php?lang=it
GPS coordinates: 40.62067,16.56342
Latest update: March 4, 2025 19:20
European crypts and catacombs form a network of underground burial chambers beneath urban streets. These spaces house tombs, skeletal remains, and religious monuments from different historical periods. The chambers contain frescoes, mosaics, stone carvings and architectural elements that combine Roman, Egyptian and Christian designs. The structures reveal burial customs and religious practices from the 1st through 19th centuries.
These sites in southern Italy include historical locations, religious structures and natural areas. From ancient fortresses and cathedrals to marine reserves and national parks, the region contains cultural heritage from multiple periods. Near the Trulli of Alberobello, visitors find underground catacombs, medieval castles and Greek temples.
Italy contains historical sites away from regular destinations. Cliffs host villages, ancient ruins mark the landscape and monasteries hide in nature. Underground Roman houses, cave churches with frescoes and medieval gardens document history. The architecture and culture of different periods unite at each location.
The Apulia region in southern Italy contains castles, Greek temple ruins and coastal towers between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The area features medieval fortresses, cathedrals and traditional trulli houses. Archaeological sites display Greek and Roman artifacts, while nature reserves protect wetlands, caves and Mediterranean coastline. Historic towns like Alberobello showcase stone architecture, and museums preserve regional heritage through extensive collections.
Basilicata in southern Italy contains cave settlements, medieval castles and nature parks. The region features Roman ruins, karst caves and abandoned villages. The area includes Pollino National Park with rare pine species and historic centers like Matera with its Sassi cave dwellings.
Riserva naturale orientata "San Giuliano"
2.9 km
Castello Tramontano
6 km
Palazzo Lanfranchi
6.2 km
San Francesco d'Assisi (Matera)
6.3 km
Chiesa del Purgatorio
6.2 km
National Museum of Matera
6.2 km
Palazzo del Sedile
6.3 km
Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve
6.3 km
National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata
6.2 km
Palazzo dell'Annunziata
6.3 km
Santa Lucia alla Fontana
6.2 km
Église Sainte-Marie-des-Arméniens de Matera
6.2 km
Sant'Antonio
6.2 km
Biblioteca provinciale Tommaso Stigliani
6.3 km
Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo
6.2 km
Materdomini (Matera)
6.3 km
MOOM Matera Olive Oil Museum
6.1 km
The Gathering of the Waters
6.2 km
War memorial in Matera
6.3 km
Casa Cisterna
6.3 km
San Vincenzo De' Paoli
5 km
Fontana Ferdinandea
6.2 km
Casino Padula
5.7 km
Pino domestico
5.7 km
Parco Giovanni Paolo II (parke sa Italya, Basilicata)
6.1 km
Parco Macamarda
6 km
Parco del Castello (parke sa Italya, Basilicata)
6.1 km
Chiesa di Santa Chiara
6.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes