Diocesan Museum

The Diocesan Museum of Matera, inaugurated in 2011, is located in the ancient premises of the former Seminary, built in 1906 by Archbishop Raffaele Rossi. This museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich religious and artistic history of the city, thanks to its vast collection of sacred works ranging from the 11th to the 20th century. The museum consists of three large exhibition halls, inside which numerous artifacts are displayed, testifying to the devotion and sacred art that developed over the centuries in Matera. The collection includes a series of sacred silver pieces from the treasure of the Matera Cathedral and the church of Santa Chiara. These objects, dating from the 11th to the 19th century, represent some of the most precious pieces of the local ecclesiastical heritage. One of the oldest and most fascinating objects displayed in the museum is the enkolpion, a pectoral cross of Byzantine manufacture dating back to the mid-11th century. Probably made in the prestigious workshops of the Tiraz in Palermo, this artifact testifies to the cultural and commercial ties between Basilicata and the Byzantine world. The refinement of its workmanship and its historical importance make it one of the most valuable pieces in the collection. The Diocesan Museum of Matera also houses numerous wooden and polychrome stone statues dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. These works, depicting saints and religious figures, are characterized by high artistic quality and deep expressiveness. Among the most famous sculptures are those of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Biagio, whose detailed craftsmanship reflects the skill of local artisans. One of the main attractions of the museum is the Bible of Federico da Montefeltro, one of the twenty copies remaining in Italy of the famous manuscript. This precious book, whose original is preserved in the Vatican Library, represents an important testimony of medieval book production and the patronage of the dukes of Montefeltro. The Bible is displayed in a special case that ensures its preservation and allows visitors to admire its meticulous details. In addition to the permanent collection, the Diocesan Museum of Matera periodically organizes temporary exhibitions and cultural events, enriching the visitors’ experience and promoting knowledge of the local religious heritage. Among the recent exhibitions, one of the most relevant was dedicated to Raphael’s “Madonna of the Veil,” an oil painting that attracted numerous visitors and scholars. The Diocesan Museum of Matera is located on an area that, at least a thousand years ago, housed the Benedictine abbey of Sant’Eustachio. Of this ancient monastic complex, it is possible to visit the crypt, an underground area that preserves the remains of the abbey and offers a glimpse into medieval monastic life. The discovery and enhancement of these archaeological remains represent an important contribution to the knowledge of Matera’s religious history. The museum has a well-stocked shop, where visitors can purchase books, postcards, and replicas of artifacts, taking home a piece of Matera’s history. In addition, a cozy café offers a place of refreshment where visitors can relax and reflect on the museum experience.