Cathedral of Matera

The Cathedral of Matera, dedicated to Santa Maria della Bruna and Saint Eustace, majestically stands on the Civita, the highest point of the city, overlooking the famous Sassi. Built between 1230 and 1270, the cathedral is a perfect example of Apulian Romanesque style, characterized by sober and elegant lines that contrast with the baroque opulence of the interiors. The construction of the cathedral was commissioned by Andrea, bishop of Acerenza, with the support of local noble families, to create a place of worship that would dominate the historic center of Matera and be visible from every corner of the city and the surrounding countryside. The exterior of the cathedral is known for its sixteen-ray rose window, symbol of the wheel of fortune, and for the 52-meter high bell tower that stands to the left of the main facade. On the main facade, above the main portal, is the effigy of the Madonna della Bruna, patroness of Matera, celebrated every year on July 2nd with a spectacular procession and fireworks. On the south facade is the Porta di Abramo and the emblem of King Ferdinand I of Aragon, a testament to the historical importance of the city in the 15th century. The interior of the cathedral, renovated several times, is a triumph of stuccoes, paintings, sculptures, and gilded frames from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Latin cross plan with three naves is dominated by the central nave, higher than the side ones, separated by columns with stone capitals forming round arches. Among the artistic treasures preserved inside, stand out the carved wooden choir with sixty stalls, made by Giovanni Tantino in 1453, and a sculptural group of the Nativity in painted stone from 1534, by Altobello Persio. One of the main attractions is the Chapel of the Annunciation, with the sixteenth-century sculptures of the Annunciation and the Pieta, and the mysterious Chapel of the Nativity, where during restoration works two chapels with medieval frescoes were found. Another element of great interest is the magnificent golden ceiling and, near the entrance, a fragment of a medieval fresco depicting the Last Judgment, unearthed during recent restorations. The history of the cathedral is intimately linked to that of Matera, a city that has seen different civilizations succeed and has witnessed profound social and cultural changes. Its construction marked a period of prosperity and development for the city, which became an important religious and political center. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous restoration and consolidation interventions, the last of which required thirteen years of work, completed in 2016, restoring the cathedral to its ancient splendor.