Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano Matera - an old church with a bell tower and palm trees
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Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano Matera

4.6
·824 reviews·Matera, Italy

Matera's largest rock church, offering a journey through history with immersive multimedia and fascinating crypts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Softer light for photos

CrowdLow
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Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano Matera - an old church with a bell tower and palm trees

Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano Matera

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Softer light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Matera's largest rock church, offering a journey through history with immersive multimedia and fascinating crypts. TikTokReddit

4.6
(824 reviews)

"Out of the rock churches in Matera, this was the most fascinating one. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Nearby

Utilize public garages a short walk away for easy access to the church and surrounding Sassi. :car:

🎧 Multimedia Guide

Enhance your visit with the immersive multimedia guide for a deeper understanding. :iphone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Crypts

The Crypts

Underneath the main church

Explore the fascinating underground chambers, a unique and slightly eerie experience that reveals the church's deeper history.

Reddit
Immersive Multimedia Experience

Immersive Multimedia Experience

Engage with the history and spirituality of Matera through a captivating, narrated multimedia journey.

TikTok
Modern Crucified Christ Statue

Modern Crucified Christ Statue

Admire a powerful and modern artistic interpretation of the crucified Christ, leaving a lasting impression.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for a Deeper Dive

To truly appreciate the Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano, consider booking a guided tour or an immersive multimedia experience. This helps unlock the history and spiritual significance beyond just seeing the structure. TikTok

Explore the Crypts

Don't miss the 'basement' or crypt area; it's a unique and fascinating part of the church. Be aware that some historical elements were vandalized, but the modern art is also striking. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Softer light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Midday
Why
Less crowded, good for tours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎥 Vivi un'esperienza unica nella Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano! ⛪✨ Scopri i nuovi contenuti multimediali immersivi e sensoriali che ti condurranno in un viaggio emozionante nel cuore della storia e della spiritualità di Matera. Attraverso la voce narrante di Don Giovanni Ambrosecchia, sacerdote del XVII secolo, sarai guidato in un racconto coinvolgente che fa rivivere la Tela dell’Incarnazione tra...
oltrelartematera
58 likes • 1.2K views

🚗 Park Nearby

Utilize public garages a short walk away for easy access to the church and surrounding Sassi. Reddit :car:

🎧 Multimedia Guide

Enhance your visit with the immersive multimedia guide for a deeper understanding. TikTok :iphone:

③【マテーラ】Sasso Barisano Chiesa di San Pietro Barisanoからの景色をどうぞ〜💁🏻‍♀️ ちょうど12時の鐘が鳴り響いてきたので音楽なしで生のままお届け。 なかなか激しい鐘の音でした、そしてなぜか拍手も起こってました👏🏼 #プーリア #イタリアマイナー観光地 #イタリア地元情報 #プーリア情報 #アルベロベッロ #イタリア世界遺産 #イタリア好き #イタリア好きと繋がりたい #イタリア生活 #イタリア旅行 #イタリアグルメ #イタリア料理 #イタリア情報 #プーリア州 #プーリア旅行 #南イタリア #イタリアバカンス #マテーラ #italia #italy #puglia #pugliagram #italianlandscapes #italytravel #italytrip #italian_place #italy_vacation...
loveitalylovetravel
62 likes • 1.6K views
✨ 𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗢 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗢 ✨ Un gioiello rupestre nel cuore di Matera. La più grande chiesa rupestre di Matera, San Pietro Barisano, ti aspetta per un viaggio nella storia e nell’arte! ⛪️ Risalente al XII-XIII secolo, è stata ampliata tra il XV e il XVI secolo, arricchendosi di cappelle e affreschi di santi come Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, San Canio e Sant’Agostino. 🎨 Nel XVIII secolo, San Pietro h...
oltrelartematera
29 likes • 478 views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

Matera's streets are steep and winding; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Tips

Capture stunning photos during the 'golden hours' for softer, more dramatic lighting. Reddit :camerawithflash:

✨ Scopri Matera come non l’hai mai vista! ✨ Immagina di ammirare la Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano e altri luoghi straordinari di Matera attraverso un'esperienza immersiva a 360°. Grazie alle nostre video guide interattive, potrai vivere il fascino di questi spazi unici anche da remoto, accompagnato da una voce narrante che valorizza ogni dettaglio storico e culturale. Uno strumento innovativo pe...
oltrelartematera
26 likes • 824 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Nearby

Utilize public garages a short walk away for easy access to the church and surrounding Sassi. Reddit :car:

🎧 Multimedia Guide

Enhance your visit with the immersive multimedia guide for a deeper understanding. TikTok :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

Matera's streets are steep and winding; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Tips

Capture stunning photos during the 'golden hours' for softer, more dramatic lighting. Reddit :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(824 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano to be a fascinating and unique rock church in Matera, particularly praising its intriguing crypts and the emotional multimedia experience. While some historical elements have been damaged by vandalism, the modern art and the overall atmosphere leave a strong impression. It's considered a quick yet impactful visit. Reddit

"Out of the rock churches in Matera, this was the most fascinating one. The altars displayed are simply stunning (albeit vandalised in the 70s), the short video is quite emotional, and the basement is a truly unique experience (slight scary but nonetheless enjoyable).
Don't skip this one, a quick and fascinating visit! Loop"

Andreea Anghel

"Another beautiful church to admire. Make sure you go to the “basement”. It is fascinating. So sad that many items were vandalized in the 70’s"

Irene Estlund

"A church that is an example of the local vandalism of the 70s - heads of several statues are no longer there as well as the painting that used to hang above the altar. However, we were very impressed by the modern statue of the crucified Christ that is hanging on one of the walls of the church. It's impressive ragged beauty left us stunned. Regretfully, there was no name of the artist who created the statue and we found no info on it online as well. Whoever she or he is, it's the best image of Christ I've seen."

Dmitry N

What People Like

Fascinating crypts
Immersive multimedia
Unique rock architecture

What People Dislike

Historical vandalism

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in the Sasso Barisano district of Matera. It's best to park in one of the nearby public garages, such as the one about an 8-minute walk away, and then explore the ancient streets on foot. Reddit :car:

Yes, it's accessible by foot, but be prepared for steep, winding streets typical of Matera's Sassi districts. Comfortable shoes are a must! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

While public buses serve Matera, the most practical way to reach the church is often by parking nearby and walking, as the Sassi are largely pedestrianized. :bus:

Using a map or a GPS app on your phone is helpful. The church is a prominent landmark within the Sasso Barisano. :world_map:

No, private vehicles are generally restricted in the Sassi districts. Parking in designated garages is the recommended approach. :noentrysign:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, tickets are typically required, especially if you wish to experience the immersive multimedia content or explore the crypts. Booking in advance is often recommended. TikTok :ticket:

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date times before your visit. :clock1:

Admission fees usually cover access to the main church, the crypts, and the multimedia experience. Prices can be found on the official ticketing platform. :moneybag:

You can explore the main church area independently, but the immersive multimedia experience and guided access to the crypts often require a specific ticket or tour. TikTok :walking:

Check for potential discounts for students, seniors, or family packages when purchasing tickets online or at the venue. :discount:

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the main church area, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions, especially in sensitive areas or during multimedia presentations. Reddit :camerawithflash:

The early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' offer softer, more atmospheric light, ideal for capturing the church's unique architecture and the surrounding Sassi. Reddit :sunrise:

The views from the church's exterior, the intricate details of the altars, and the atmospheric crypts offer excellent photographic subjects. :art:

Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging the site. It's advisable to inquire on-site or check their policy beforehand. :tripod:

The crypts can be dimly lit, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial. Consider using a wider aperture to capture more light. :low_brightness:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the historical and spiritual aspects of Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano might be more appreciated by adults, families can still find elements of interest. The 'basement' or crypt area can spark curiosity with its unique, slightly mysterious atmosphere. Reddit The immersive multimedia experience, with its narrative storytelling, might also engage older children. TikTok Remember to emphasize comfortable walking shoes, as exploring Matera's Sassi involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano offers fantastic opportunities for photographers. The early morning or late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' provides a soft, dramatic illumination perfect for capturing the church's rock-hewn architecture and the surrounding Sassi. Reddit The crypts, though dimly lit, offer a unique, atmospheric subject. Reddit Consider bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod for best results in these areas. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, San Pietro Barisano is a must-visit. Its origins in the 12th-13th centuries and subsequent expansions offer a tangible connection to Matera's layered past. Instagram The rock-hewn architecture itself is a testament to ancient building techniques. Instagram Pay close attention to the remnants of frescoes and the historical context of the vandalism, which also tells a story of the site's journey through time. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of San Pietro Barisano

The Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano is one of Matera's most significant rock churches, boasting a history that stretches back to the 12th-13th centuries. It was later expanded between the 15th and 16th centuries, incorporating new chapels and artistic elements. Instagram The church is carved directly into the calcarenite rock, a characteristic feature of Matera's ancient Sassi districts. Its architecture reflects a blend of Romanesque and later Renaissance influences, showcasing the evolution of religious spaces in the region. Instagram

Visitors can explore the main nave, adorned with remnants of frescoes depicting saints like Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and San Canio. Instagram A particularly striking aspect is the presence of a modern statue of the crucified Christ, noted for its raw beauty and emotional impact, even amidst historical vandalism. Reddit The church's unique structure, with its subterranean levels, offers a glimpse into the complex and layered history of rock-hewn settlements. Reddit

Experiencing the Immersive Multimedia

Beyond its historical architecture, Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano offers a modern, immersive multimedia experience designed to transport visitors through time. TikTokInstagram This innovative approach uses narration, likely featuring historical figures like a 17th-century priest, to guide visitors through the church's spiritual and historical narrative. TikTok The aim is to create a sensory journey, allowing guests to connect with the site's profound significance in a dynamic and engaging way. Instagram

This multimedia layer enhances the understanding of the church's role in Matera's history and its spiritual heritage. It's a way to bring the ancient stones to life, offering context and emotional depth that might be missed through a purely visual inspection. TikTok Travelers have found this experience to be unique and moving, making the visit more than just sightseeing but a true exploration of the past. TikTok

The Impact of Vandalism and Preservation

Unfortunately, the Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano has suffered from historical vandalism, particularly in the 1970s. Reddit This resulted in damage to several statues, including the loss of heads, and the removal of a painting that once hung above the altar. Reddit This aspect of the church's history is a somber reminder of the challenges in preserving ancient sites. Reddit

Despite these losses, efforts have been made to preserve what remains and to introduce new elements that complement the historical context. The modern statue of Christ is a testament to this ongoing engagement with the site's artistic and spiritual legacy. Reddit Visitors are often moved by the resilience of the church and the juxtaposition of its ancient structure with contemporary artistic expressions. Reddit

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