Cattedrale di Matera (Matera Cathedral), Matera (must see)

Matera Cathedral is an Apulian-Romanesque edifice of the 13th century. It sits on the highest spur of the old city that divides the two Sassi (Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano). The Matera Cathedral was completed in 1270. Unlike the interior, which has experienced many changes, the outside has remained almost intact.

The facade is dominated by a rose window of sixteen rays surmounted by Archangel Michael Crushing the dragon. Below is an Atlas apparently supporting the window. Descending from the pediment are 12 lemons symbolizing the evangelists and apostles.

The bell tower on the left side of the church stands 170 feet high. It has four floors; three have mullioned windows. The fourth floor has single-light windows with a pyramid above.

The main entrance has a full-basket arch with a lunette. On the sides are statues of Saints Peter and Paul. At the ends are the reliefs of Saints Eustachius and Theopist. Two crouching lions flank the right door. The prophet Abraham stands guard on the left.

Matera Cathedral has a Latin cross plan and three naves. The aisles are divided by arcades supported by ten ornate columns. Inside are a 13th-century Byzantine fresco of the Madonna della Bruna and Child by painter Rinaldo da Taranto, relics of Saint John of Matera, 60 carved choir stalls, and the sculpture Nativity Scene by Altobello Persio.

The wooden ceiling is decorated with three paintings by Calabrian artist Battista Santoro. The stucco decorations are covered in gold leaf. Considerable restoration work has been done to strengthen the medieval trusses and cornices. In March 2016, the Cathedral was re-opened for worship.

The incredible Chapel of the Annunciation, dating back to the 16th century, should not be missed. It is near the last chapel on the left. It has a coffered ceiling and niched walls. The chapel houses the statue of the Virgin Mary and the Angel on the altar, flanked by Saint Roch and Catherine of Alexandria. Above all this is a lunette with a pieta.