Introduction
The Cathedral of Matera, officially known as the Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna and Saint Eustachius (Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Bruna e di Sant’Eustachio), stands as the principal Catholic place of worship in Matera, Italy. This iconic church serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina. Located atop the highest point of the Civita, the cathedral overlooks the two distinct sections of Sassi di Matera — the ancient cave dwellings that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed in the Apulian Romanesque style during the 13th century, the cathedral combines intricate architectural features with significant historical and religious importance. Originally, it served as the seat for the bishops and later the archbishops of Matera. Today, it continues to function as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina, maintaining its role as a vital center of religious life for the people of Matera and the surrounding region. The cathedral is dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna, the patroness of Matera, and to Saint Eustace, a Christian martyr whose life story is intertwined with Christian symbolism. The church’s strategic position atop the Civita offers sweeping views of the city and its remarkable landscape, making it not only a center of worship but also a key cultural and architectural landmark in Matera.
The Cathedral of Matera, also known as the Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna and Saint Eustace, has a rich history that spans centuries and reflects the religious and cultural evolution of the city. The cathedral stands majestically on the ridge that separates the two sections of Sassi, the ancient cave dwellings of Matera. Its construction, starting in 1203, was a significant moment in the city’s history, linked to both the rise of Matera as an important ecclesiastical center and its connection to the Holy Roman Empire.
Early Beginnings and Construction
The cathedral was built on the site of a Norman castle and an earlier Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Eustace, the city’s protector. The monastery had been a significant religious site in the region, and Pope Urban II had even stayed there between 1093 and 1094. Construction of the cathedral began in 1230, following the elevation of Matera to the rank of an archdiocese by Pope Innocent III. This decision, made in conjunction with the city of Acerenza, further solidified Matera’s ecclesiastical importance. The cathedral was commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, the Holy Roman Emperor and Count of Matera, who wanted the new church to dominate the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, the rocky base of the site was raised by over six meters to ensure the cathedral towered over the two valleys of the Sassi and the rest of the city. The cathedral was completed in 1270, marking the culmination of several decades of construction. Initially, the cathedral was dedicated to Santa Maria di Matera, as evidenced by a notarial deed from the time. Over the years, the dedication evolved in response to both religious and political shifts.
Changes in Dedication
In 1318, a will indicated the cathedral was named Santa Maria dell’Episcopio, reflecting its role as the seat of the archbishops. By 1389, the dedication shifted to Santa Maria della Bruna, following the establishment of the Feast of the Visitation by Pope Urban VI, who was already the Archbishop of Matera at the time. This shift in dedication also reflected the deep veneration of the Madonna della Bruna, who was considered the patroness of Matera. In 1627, Monsignor Fabrizio Antinori, the archbishop of Matera, formally dedicated the cathedral to the Madonna della Bruna and Saint Eustace, a name that persists to this day.
Elevation to Basilica and Restoration
The cathedral’s status was further elevated on July 2, 1962, when Pope John XXIII declared it a minor basilica, recognizing its historical and religious significance. The cathedral continues to be a focal point of religious devotion and a symbol of Matera’s spiritual identity. In 1991, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral, further emphasizing its importance within the Catholic Church. More recently, the cathedral underwent extensive restoration work beginning in 2003. These efforts included the stabilization of medieval trusses and cornices that had previously collapsed. The restoration was supported by funding from the Lotto Game in accordance with the provisions of Italian Law 662/96. The cathedral was officially reopened on March 5, 2016, after major restoration works, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, presiding over the ceremony. He also opened the Jubilee Holy Door for the occasion, marking a significant event in the history of the cathedral.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Cathedral of Matera stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history, blending architectural styles from the Apulian Romanesque period and incorporating elements from various phases of Matera’s religious and cultural development. The cathedral’s position on the ridge between the two Sassi gives it a commanding view of the city, making it a key cultural and historical landmark. The cathedral remains a central site for the community, both for religious ceremonies and as a repository of Matera’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Architecture of Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary, Matera, Italy
Architectural Style : Romanesque art in Apulia
The Cathedral of Matera, dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna and Saint Eustace, is an architectural marvel that blends a mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Baroque styles. From its impressive exterior to the intricately decorated interior, the cathedral offers a testament to the historical and artistic significance of Matera.
Exterior Architecture
The exterior of the cathedral retains much of its original design, with minimal alterations over the centuries. The west façade is characterized by a rose window with sixteen rays, an extraordinary feature that adds to the majestic presence of the building. Above the rose window, a statue of Archangel Michael is depicted crushing the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. On either side of the rose window are two male figures, while at the bottom of the façade stands a figure acting as an Atlas. The rose window is flanked by four small columns, and from the pediment descend twelve hanging columns. These represent the four Evangelists and the twelve Apostles, and are supported by telamons, mythical figures used in architecture to support weight.
At the center of the façade lies the main door, which is framed by a round arch with a statue of the Madonna della Bruna in the lunette. The statues of Saints Peter and Paul are placed on either side of the entrance. On the far ends of the façade, there are seventeenth-century high-relief statues of Saints Eustace and Teopista. On the right façade, facing Piazza Duomo, two additional doors are located. The most notable is the “Lions’ Door”, named for the two stone lions sculpted in a crouching position, holding up columns on either side. Above the other door, the “Piazza Door”, is a bas-relief of Abraham, the patriarch of the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which were all present in the city at the time of the cathedral’s construction.
On the left side of the cathedral is the bell tower, which stands at 52 meters tall. This tower, built contemporaneously with the cathedral, has four floors, with three of them featuring double lancet windows and the fourth floor showcasing single lancet windows. The tower is topped by a pyramid structure added in a later period.
Interior Architecture of Matera Cathedral
The interior of the Cathedral of Matera follows a Latin cross plan with three naves. The central nave rises above the two side naves and is divided by round arches, supported by ten columns, each crowned with stone capitals. Over the centuries, the interior has undergone significant transformations, especially starting in 1627, with the addition of stucco and decorations. By 1776, the cornices and stucco coverings were gilded, adding an opulent appearance to the space.
Lighting and Ceiling
The central nave is illuminated by ten windows, five on each side, which flood the interior with natural light. The wooden false ceiling, added in 1719, features three canvases painted by the Calabrian artist Battista Santoro during the 19th century.
Left Nave Artworks and Altars
The left nave of Matera Cathedral is home to several remarkable altars and artworks, each holding significant historical and artistic value. The first altar features a Byzantine fresco of the Madonna della Bruna with the Child Blessing, dating back to 1270 and attributed to Rinaldo da Taranto. The second altar is dedicated to Saint John of Matera and houses his sarcophagus, containing his relics. The third altar, known as the Altar of Saint Anne, displays a 1633 canvas painted by Francesco da Martina, a friar. Further along, beyond the Chapel of the Sacrament, is the Renaissance-style Chapel of the Annunciation, designed by Giulio Persio. This chapel is beautifully adorned with a coffered ceiling and walls featuring decorative niches. At the far end of the left nave stands a stone nativity scene (Pesebre), crafted by Altobello Persio and Sannazzaro di Alessano between 1530 and 1534. This imposing nativity scene is one of the cathedral’s most notable works, reflecting the unique artistic elements of the city of Matera.
Main Altar and Apse
The main altar, restored in 1627, is dominated by a grand altarpiece painted by Fabrizio Santafede, depicting the Virgin Mary surrounded by various saints. The apse features an impressive wooden choir made of walnut, carved in 1453 by Giovanni Tantino of Ariano Irpino. The choir contains 60 stalls, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Organ and Additional Artworks
Above the choir, to the right of the presbytery, stands the cathedral’s organ, built by the Fratelli Ruffatti. This electric organ features 35 registers and plays a significant role in the cathedral’s liturgical music.
Right Nave Artworks and Altars
In the right nave, several noteworthy artworks and altars can be found. One of the key features is a painting of the Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace), created by Domizio Persio in 1592, which is displayed between Saint Ilario and Saint John of Matera. Another significant piece is the canvas on the Lions’ Door, painted by Carlo Rosa in 1652, which depicts Saint Gaetano. The third altar on the right side is home to a 17th-century wooden crucifix, and the final altar displays a polyptych by Vito Antonio Conversi. These artistic and architectural elements contribute to the rich heritage of the cathedral.
Last Judgment Fresco
Near the main entrance, a Last Judgment fresco, dating from the end of the 13th century, was discovered during restoration work. This fresco, attributed to Rinaldo da Taranto, is the only surviving example of the cathedral’s original painted decoration.
Feast Day
Feast Day : 02 July
The feast day of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Bruna e di Sant’Eustachio in Matera, Italy, is celebrated on July 2nd. This date honors the Madonna della Bruna, the cathedral’s dedication to the Virgin Mary, and Saint Eustachius, the patron saint of the city of Matera. The feast is marked with religious ceremonies and festivities, including processions and cultural events in the city.
Church Mass Timing
Monday : 7.30 am.
Tuesday : 7.30 am.
Wednesday : 7.30 am.
Thursday : 7.30 am.
Friday : 7.30 am.
Saturday : 7.30 am.
Sunday : 11.00 am.
Church Opening Time:
Monday : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Tuesday : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Wednesday : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Thursday : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Friday : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Saturday : 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Sunday : 9:00 am – 10:30 am., 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Contact Info
Address :
Piazza Duomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy.
Phone : +390835332908
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary, Matera, Italy, to Our Lady of Graces Hospital, Contrada Cattedra Ambulante, distance between 9 min (2.8 km) via Via Madonna delle Virtù and Via Lucana.
Railway
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary, Matera, Italy, to Matera Sud Via delle Tamerici, 75100 Matera, MT, Italy, distance between 9 min (2.5 km) via Via Lucana.
