Chiesa Matrice San Nicola, Main church in Cisternino, Puglia, Italy
The Chiesa Matrice San Nicola is the main church of Cisternino, a town in Puglia, and sits just off Piazza Garibaldi in the historic center. Inside, three naves are separated by columns with stone capitals, and the church holds paintings, sculptures, and two side chapels.
The church was established in the 12th century on a site previously used as a place of worship by Basilian monks. In 1848, its Romanesque facade was replaced with a neoclassical one, giving the building the face it has today.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Cisternino, which explains the central role it plays in local celebrations throughout the year. On his feast day, the town gathers here in a way that few other occasions bring together.
The church is very close to Piazza Garibaldi and easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the historic center. It stays open throughout the year, on weekdays and weekends alike, making a visit straightforward at any time.
The sculpture known as Madonna del Cardellino, or Madonna with Child and Donors, dates to 1517 and is considered one of the most significant works of the Puglian Renaissance. It can still be seen inside the church today.
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