Convicinio di Sant'Antonio (St. Anthony Conviction Church Complex), Matera

Saint Anthony Conviction is a complex of four rock churches and a courtyard. It is located in the Casalnuovo district, an old working area of Matera. It is possible to find more than a few 17th-century cellars showing signs of activity. There are caves adapted to wine storage, millstones, and work surfaces.

The four churches are from the 12th and 13th centuries. An ogival arch opens to the courtyard overlooked by the rock churches of San Primo, Sant Eligo, San Donato, and Sant Antonio Abate. Around the end of the 18th century, they lost their status as churches and were adapted to the work systems of the area.

The first church after going through the arch is San Primo. It consists of two small chapels. There is a passage to the crypt of Sant Eligo. Here is a hall and a presbytery for the worshippers and celebrants. Three apses at the rear of the hall have walls with traces of frescoes dating from the 14th century.

The crypt of San Donato has a square plan layout. The vaults, adorned with fading decorations, add to the liturgical spaces of the faithful and the presbytery. Next to the entrance is a cistern used to collect rainwater. The face of San Donato in a miter can be seen in the remains of a fresco. Also discernible is a Madonna and Child.

The last church is a chapel room dedicated to Sant Antonio Abate. The space is divided into three apsidal naves. The apse caps have sculpted lily crosses.

Editor's Note: The sight is under renovations and temporarily closed.