Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

The park contains over 150 religious structures carved into volcanic tuff stone, including hermitages, chapels, and underground chambers across the limestone plateau.

Christian monks established the first churches in natural caverns during the Byzantine period, converting former pagan worship sites into religious spaces.

The network of underground chambers beneath San Pietro Barisano served as the primary cemetery for Matera residents, preserving archaeological records of local society.

The protected area features multiple hiking trails connecting various rock churches, with San Pietro Barisano, Santa Maria de Idris, and Santa Lucia delle Malve among accessible sites.

Medieval travelers described the urban layout of Matera as resembling a star-filled sky, with structures merging into the mountainous landscape without following rational design.

Location: province of Matera

Inception: April 3, 1990

Website: http://www.parcomurgia.it

Part of: The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

Website: http://parcomurgia.it

GPS coordinates: 40.63014,16.65205

Latest update: May 15, 2025 16:48