Matera's Ancient Cave Churches (Self Guided), Matera

Within the old city of Matera, there are more than 160 churches. Many of these are actually carved into the soft limestone cliffs lining the Gravina River. There are even some used for pagan rituals. The churches were carved from existing caves and tunnels. More than a few sanctified cave churches have been converted to storage and homes.

A good example to start with is the St. Anthony Conviction Church Complex (Convicinio di Sant'Antonio). This is a group of four carved-out spaces holding crypts. One is called the First Church. They are chapels with domes separated by pillars. There are crosses similar to those of the Knights Templar.

One crypt is dedicated to Saint Eligo, patron of farm animals. There is a 14th-century portrait of Christ Pantocrator ("all-Powerful"), sitting in judgment. The crypt of Saint Donato has frescoes of Saints Donato, Leonard, Dorothy, and a bishop slaying a dragon. The crypt of Saint Anthony was used for wine storage.

The frescoes of the Church of Santa Maria of Idris ("She Who Shows the Way") were removed in 1970 for restoration. The crypt has old water pitchers and a rough crucifix. A tunnel connects to the adjoining San Giovanni. The Church of Santa Lucia at Malve was carved out in the 8th century. It is the first female monastic Benedictine establishment.

Rupestrian Church of St. Peter Barisano is the largest rock church in Matera. Rock Complex of Madonna of the Virtues and Saint Nicholas of the Greeks are two churches combined with dwellings. They are perfect examples of Latin and Byzantine architecture together. The most monumental is Saint Mary of the Vaglia. The facade is from 1200. It has four Romanesque portals and frescoes.

Matera's cave churches are reminiscent of biblical times. They have been used as the locations for Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" and Pier Paolo Pasolini's "The Gospel According to Saint Matthew."