Chiese Rupestri, Matera

Basilicata

The Chiese Rupestri (rock churches) of Matera are a UNESCO World Heritage component — 150 cave churches carved into the tufa walls of the gravina between the 8th and 13th centuries. The most important are the Madonna delle Virtù, San Nicola dei Greci (both 11th century) and the Cripta del Peccato Originale (8th century, with extraordinary Byzantine frescoes). The gravina circuit accesses many on foot. Dogs on leash.

Duration

2 hours

Distance

4 km

Elevation

+50 m

Best season

Year-round

Highlights

150 cave churches — UNESCO World Heritage component
Cripta del Peccato Originale — 8th-century frescoes considered finest Byzantine art in Italy
11th-century cave churches with frescoes still intact