ROCK GARDEN MADONNA DELLE VIRTÙ-SAN NICOLA

A monastic complex from the 10th and 11th centuries, whose antiquity and artistic value make it one of the most important vestiges of Matera, especially because it represents an exceptional example of construction "in negative", that is to say entirely dug into the rock to reproduce a built architecture, in the Romanesque style. During the 13th century the monastery was occupied by Benedictine monks of Palestinian origin. Among the major sites of the Sasso Barisano, the Churches of the Madonna delle Virtù and San Nicola dei Greci together form a fascinating rock complex of about ten caves spread over two levels and about 1,300 square metres.

The visit begins with the rock church of the Madonna delle Virtù, restored in the 17th century, which hosts important exhibitions of contemporary sculpture in the summer. It consists of three naves divided by six pillars. The vaulted ceiling of the central nave is carved with bas-reliefs reminiscent of arcade galleries, while the left nave is covered by three small domes. A Crucifixion is painted in one of the apses. Built above it, the church of San Nicola dei Greci has two naves and is notable for its numerous frescoes, in particular a triptych painted in the left apse with Saints Nicholas, Barbara and Pantaleon, in the Byzantine style of the 13th century, and a Crucifixion with the Virgin and St. John of the 14th century in the right nave.