Chiesa di San Domenico, Romanesque church in Matera, Italy

Chiesa di San Domenico is a Romanesque church on Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera, part of a 13th-century monastery. Its rebuilt facade has blind arches and pilasters, repeated on the side wall, and a rose window with a dog holding a torch. Inside, a Latin-cross plan with three naves holds 17th-century works, an octagonal Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, and a 17th-century organ above the entrance.

The monastic complex of San Domenico dates to 1230, when the Order of Preachers was established by Blessed Nicola Paglia da Giovinazzo; the church was not founded by him in Matera. The 13th-century structure remains visible outside, except for the facade rebuilt in Romanesque style.

The rose window displays a dog holding a torch, symbolizing the Dominican order's mission to spread faith. This symbol is rarely seen in Matera's other buildings and helps identify the church from the surrounding piazza.

The church stands on Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in the centre of Matera, and is entered from the piazza. The interior is a Latin cross with three naves; the right nave leads to the octagonal Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, the left nave holds the remains of the door that opened onto the convent. Look up above the entrance for the 17th-century organ.

The right nave holds the octagonal Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, while the left nave keeps the remains of the door that once gave access to the convent. The main altar is decorated with a papier-mâché group of the Madonna del Rosario and a 17th-century painting glorifying Saint Dominic.