Chiesa del Purgatorio (Church of Purgatory), Matera

Nestled in the historic heart of Matera, the Church of Purgatory stands as a striking testament to Baroque artistry infused with haunting symbolism. Constructed between 1725 and 1747 through the devotion and funding of the Confraternita del Purgatorio, this sculptural marvel immediately captivates with its facade-an arresting display of carved skulls and skeletal motifs that explore the fleeting nature of time and the universality of death.

Approaching the entrance, you’ll encounter a massive wooden portal divided into 36 panels. The upper tiers feature skulls of nobles and clergy; below them, the skulls of common folk-symbolically equalized in death. Above the doorway arches angels and penitents wreathed in flames, an evocative comment on redemption and the purgatorial journey of souls.

Inside, a Greek‑cross layout opens beneath an octagonal dome set atop a circular drum supported by Corinthian columns. The church houses richly painted altars from the mid‑18th century: the side altars bear scenes such as the Death of Saint Joseph and Saint Gaetano interceding with the Virgin for purging souls, while the main altar features depictions of the Madonna enthroned with Saint Nicholas of Tolentino overseeing souls in Purgatory.

Adding to the sensory and historical depth is the elaborately carved, mechanical pipe organ, crafted in 1755 by Leonardo Carelli. Perched above the entrance, it retains much of its original timbre and charm, having been restored over the centuries, most recently in 2006.