Overview
A place of spirituality in Matera
On the remains of an ancient rock church dedicated to the “Madonna di Cava” – traces of which remain in the frescoed image of Mater Domini above the altar – stands the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba in Matera, built following a miracle on 4th July 1579.
The façade features a portal surmounted by a high relief of the Holy Family, an elegant rose window and a niche containing a statue of the Archangel Michael, in the centre of a tripartite space of pillars and blind arches. The building has a single nave with six niches either side, containing statues of saints. The triumphal arch pillars feature frescoes of the Crucifixion and San Biagio, while the upper register houses mid-17th-century medallions of the twelve apostles.
The presbytery leads, on the right, to a side aisle of the church, completely cut into the rock and built shortly after the foundation of the sanctuary, used to welcome pilgrims.
Contrada Pedale della Palomba, SS7, 75100 Matera MT, Italia
