Rock Church of Santa Maria de Idris

The Rock Church of Santa Maria de Idris, located in the Sasso Caveoso of Matera, is a fascinating testimony of the city’s rock religious architecture. Carved into the limestone rock of the Monterrone promontory, this church represents a unique example of the fusion between nature and human ingenuity, dating back probably to the 8th century. The name “Idris” derives from the Greek “Odigitria”, which means “she who shows the way”, a title attributed to the Virgin Mary venerated in Constantinople and introduced in southern Italy by Byzantine monks. The elevated position of the church offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the Gravina, making it not only a place of worship but also a privileged viewpoint.The structure of the church is characterized by an irregular plan, divided into two distinct parts: one part carved into the rock and one part built. The facade, rebuilt in the 15th century after a collapse, is simple and modest, made of tuff, and enriched by a small but elegant bell tower. The interior of the church consists of a single nave, with frescoes dating back to the 12th-17th centuries, although many of them have been damaged by time and neglect.The main altar is decorated with a 17th-century tempera depicting the Madonna and Child. On the side walls are paintings of Saint Anthony, the Holy Family, and the Conversion of Saint Eustace. Behind the altar, on the left, you can admire an Annunciation, while on the right a Crucifixion. One of the oldest and most significant frescoes is that of the Christ Pantocrator from the 12th century, visible on the left when entering the church.Adjacent to the church of Santa Maria de Idris is the church of San Giovanni in Monterrone, connected by a narrow corridor built in the 19th century, which unfortunately caused the destruction of several frescoes. This church, less imposing but equally fascinating, preserves frescoes ranging from the 12th to the 17th century, including paintings of Saint James the Greater, Saint Peter the Apostle, and an Annunciation.The church of Santa Maria de Idris is deeply intertwined with local legends and folklore. One of the most fascinating stories tells of an Arab princess named Idris, who, fleeing from a forced marriage, found refuge in a cave near Matera. Here she had a vision of the Virgin Mary who asked her to build a church on that spot. Inspired by the divine encounter, the princess oversaw the construction of the church, which took her name and became a place of worship revered by the local community. In the 1970s, the church and the adjacent crypt were subjected to acts of vandalism and degradation, leading to the removal of some frescoes for their protection. One of the most important frescoes, that of Saint John the Baptist, was detached in 1972 to be safeguarded by the Superintendence of the Galleries of Basilicata. Today, the church has been restored and protected, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historical and artistic heritage of inestimable value.