Cripta del Peccato Originale
Discover ancient frescoes in a sacred 8th-century Benedictine cave church near Matera, a hidden gem of rupestrian art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful experience
Cripta del Peccato Originale
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient frescoes in a sacred 8th-century Benedictine cave church near Matera, a hidden gem of rupestrian art.
"A very special experience in a Rock Church, just 25 mins from Matera."
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The drive is rustic but manageable. No 4x4 needed! Arrive at the ticket office on time.
⏰ Be Punctual!
Visits are timed and group-based. Arrive at the ticket center on time for your slot.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 1,160 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
8th & 9th Century Frescoes
Inside the Crypt
Marvel at the stunning, well-preserved frescoes by the 'Flower Painter of Matera,' depicting biblical scenes and angels.
Benedictine Rock Church
Contrada Pietrapenta
Experience a sacred space that was once a Benedictine monastic site, offering a glimpse into early Christian art and devotion.
The 'Flower Painter's' Artistry
Throughout the Crypt
Discover the unique style of the anonymous artist, known for the beautiful red flowers that artfully connect the various frescoes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Prepare for a Remote Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The drive is rustic but manageable. No 4x4 needed! Arrive at the ticket office on time.
⏰ Be Punctual!
Visits are timed and group-based. Arrive at the ticket center on time for your slot.
📸 No Photos Allowed
Capture memories in your mind; photography is strictly prohibited inside the crypt.
🎧 Audioguides Available
Enhance your understanding with audioguides offered in multiple languages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The drive is rustic but manageable. No 4x4 needed! Arrive at the ticket office on time.
⏰ Be Punctual!
Visits are timed and group-based. Arrive at the ticket center on time for your slot.
📸 No Photos Allowed
Capture memories in your mind; photography is strictly prohibited inside the crypt.
🎧 Audioguides Available
Enhance your understanding with audioguides offered in multiple languages.
🍷 Local Wine Purchase
Consider buying the local red wine sold at the store; it's reportedly fabulous!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe the Cripta del Peccato Originale as a truly special and sacred experience, highlighting its beautiful, well-preserved 8th and 9th-century frescoes. While the remote location and bumpy road are noted, most find the journey worthwhile for the unique art and historical insight into Benedictine monastic life. The timed entry and no-photography rule are important to be aware of.
"This is a very special experience in a Rock Church, just 25 mins from Matera. But we almost didn’t go because of some bad reviews. The crypt is in a remote location, down a country road, so it is a bumpy ride but you don’t need a 4x4. It’s not as bad as some reviewers suggest.
The Crypt is an amazing place where the devotion of Benedictine Monks from the 8th Century is expressed in beautiful frescos. The Flower Painter of Matera is named as the artist due to the beautiful red flowers that connect all the different areas of the artwork. The visit lasts only 20 minutes, but that is long enough to take in the wonderful artwork and experience something truly sacred. Of note: no photos are allowed in the Crypt.
There is a ticked office about 750m from the entrance where we purchased our tickets. See photos. We were unable to buy online (PayPal only), but we knew that the time slot we wanted was not booked up, so we just drove there and bought the tickets on site. If you do this, be sure to check the website for availability especially in high season. We went in mid April and there were only 4 of us in our viewing. The cost was 11 euros per person.
BE ON TIME - this is a scheduled visit and all visitors are taken to the crypt together.
The staff were excellent - very friendly. And we also purchased the red wine they sell at their store for 10 euros, which was fabulous."
Margaret Paul
"Very special place in one of oldest cave churches of Meteora. Interesting documentation about the history of the Cave."
Maren Auer
"A little mistery accompanies this location in the middle of the beautiful countryside. 10 minute drive from Matera. they show this little cave church from IX century with a light show that helps understand the representations. The language of the show is Italian but they offer audioguides with all main languages.
You need to book your visit online and when you arrive to the visit centre you will need to drive to the location for 2 minutes following the shuttle.
It is worth a visit"
Echo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cripta del Peccato Originale is located about 10-25 minutes by car from Matera. The drive involves a country road that can be bumpy, but it's generally manageable without a 4x4 vehicle.
You'll need to go to a ticket office located about 750m from the entrance to purchase tickets and then drive a short distance to the actual site.
Public transportation options are limited due to the remote location. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport.
The road leading to the crypt is described as a country road and can be bumpy, but it's not overly challenging. Some reviewers mention it's not as bad as others suggest.
No, a standard car is sufficient. While the road is rustic, a 4x4 is not required.
The ticket office is situated approximately 750 meters before the actual entrance to the crypt.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is around 11 euros per person. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book your tickets in advance, especially during high season.
On-site ticket purchases may be possible, particularly in the low season. However, booking online in advance is strongly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Yes, booking your visit online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Yes, visits are typically guided and scheduled. All visitors are taken to the crypt together at their designated time slot.
Opening hours can vary, and visits are scheduled. It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date information and to book your timed entry slot.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the crypt to preserve the artwork and the sacred atmosphere.
A visit to the crypt usually lasts around 20 minutes, which is ample time to appreciate the artwork and the historical significance.
Yes, audioguides are available and offer explanations in multiple languages, enhancing the understanding of the frescoes and the history of the site.
This is the name given to the anonymous artist responsible for the frescoes in the crypt, known for their distinctive use of red flowers to connect the different scenes.
It's a significant rupestrian monument dating back to the Lombard period (8th-9th centuries) and was part of a Benedictine monastic settlement, showcasing early Christian art.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit