Cave churches in Matera, Archaeological site in Matera, Italy.
The cave churches of Matera consist of roughly 155 rock sanctuaries carved into limestone cliffs, scattered across the Sassi neighborhoods and Murgia Park, linked by ancient pathways and stone stairs. These spaces were hollowed directly from natural stone to serve as places of worship with simple, functional layouts.
Monks from Eastern Europe established these churches between the 8th and 13th centuries, creating a network of religious sites within the natural rock formations. The structures show how these communities lived and worked within cave systems for generations.
The rock churches display Byzantine frescoes and religious imagery painted directly onto the stone walls. You can see how Eastern and Western artistic traditions merged together in these decorated spaces.
You need sturdy footwear as the stone pathways and stairs are steep and uneven throughout the site. Guided tours typically begin at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you can get information about the best routes to explore.
The Church of Santa Maria di Idris sits atop a limestone cliff and contains two connected cave churches with different floor levels and distinct architectural styles. This remarkable location reveals two entirely different spaces that remain connected despite their contrasting designs.
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