Church of Santa Maria della Valle

The Church of Santa Maria della Valle, also known as “La Vaglia”, is one of the most fascinating and ancient rock churches in Matera. Located on the outskirts of the city, this church represents an extraordinary example of religious architecture carved into the rock, a distinctive feature of Matera’s churches. Founded around the 9th century, the church reflects the influence of Benedictine monastic communities that settled in the region. The dedication to Santa Maria della Valle testifies to the deeply rooted Marian devotion in the local culture. During the Middle Ages, the church was an important center of worship and pilgrimage, attracting faithful not only from Matera but also from surrounding villages, who came to venerate a miraculous image of the Virgin. The facade of the church, carved into the limestone rock, is sober and austere, a perfect example of how rock architecture integrates with the surrounding natural landscape. The entrance is simple, but leads to a surprisingly spacious and richly decorated interior. The church has a central nave with two side aisles, separated by sturdy pillars and semicolumns. The barrel vaults and trapezoidal capitals decorated with angels and red flowers are distinctive elements that give the building a solemn and mystical atmosphere. Inside, you can admire splendid medieval frescoes adorning the walls and altars. These frescoes, dating back to the 14th century, depict Christ enthroned between Mary and a holy nun, with the inscription “Santa Maria de Valle Verde, San Giovanni Evangelista e San Giacomo”. Another notable fresco depicts Pope Gregory I the Great with the souls of Purgatory amidst flames, dated 1642. These works of art not only embellish the church, but also tell stories of faith and devotion that have spanned the centuries. The side chapels house minor altars and frescoes depicting biblical scenes and saints, offering a glimpse into the spirituality and religious art of the Middle Ages. The main altar, decorated with stuccoes and carvings, is the focal point of the church, where the faithful gather in prayer and meditation. Of great interest is the presence of noble heraldic crests, indicating the presence of private chapels belonging to local noble families. These crests testify to the connection between the church and the influential families of the area, who contributed to its maintenance and enrichment. An interesting anecdote related to the Church of Santa Maria della Valle concerns a miracle attributed to the Virgin, whose image was considered miraculous. It is said that during a plague in the Middle Ages, the local community prayed intensely before the image of the Virgin, and miraculously the plague ceased. This event further strengthened popular devotion and helped consolidate the church as an important pilgrimage site. Unfortunately, the church is located on private property and is not always accessible to the public. However, visitors who manage to visit it are fascinated by its beauty and the sense of spirituality that pervades the environment. Recent restoration works have preserved and enhanced the frescoes and architectural structures, making the church a valuable historical and artistic heritage.