Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

The Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo is a baroque church in the Sassi district of Matera featuring three portals with statues of Madonna, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul. Single rectangular windows sit above each entrance, and a square bell tower with geometric balustrade rises at the eastern corner of San Pietro Caveoso Square.

The church was founded in 1218 and underwent major modifications in the 17th century when the square bell tower and geometric balustrade were added. This transformation reflected the shift from Romanesque to baroque style and shaped the building into its current form.

The central nave displays an 18th-century gilded wooden altar and paintings by local artists on the wooden coffered ceiling. These decorative elements show the craftsmanship passed down through generations in the community.

The church sits at the eastern edge of San Pietro Caveoso Square with direct views over the Gravina ravine. This location at the cliff edge helps visitors understand the dramatic terrain surrounding the old town.

The left nave aisle contains four original chapels, with the fourth preserving a 13th-century baptismal font. This font is among the oldest surviving furnishings and shows the craftsmanship from an early building phase.

Location: Matera

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.66440,16.61260

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01