• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-126031767693
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/cathedral/1139251",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Cathedral

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

The main cathedral of the Italian city of Matera

Set high up on a spur between the two natural bowls of the sassi, the wan, graceful exterior of the 13th-century Pugliese-Romanesque cathedral makes the neobaroque excess within all the more of a surprise. Following 13 years of renovation, it's possible once again to admire the ornate capitals, sumptuous chapels, 17th-century frescoes, 13th-century Byzantine Madonna and two 12th-century frescoed crypts, uncovered in the works. Note the pediments mounted on the cathedral's altars, which come from Greek temples at Metaponto.

Book popular activities

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-201213528083
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/cathedral/1139251",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-956647294255
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/cathedral/1139251",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}