The Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio

With its bell tower, the cathedral of Matera stands out on the landscape of the Sassi, occupying the highest point of the Civita, the noble nucleus of the ancient districts of the city.

With an imposing appearance, despite its linear aesthetics, the cathedral is dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio, both patrons of Matera.

Main place of worship in Matera, the cathedral was built in the 13th century, starting from 1230, in the Apulian-Romanesque style.

The interior, typically Baroque, is divided into a Latin cross plan and three naves, and preserves several artistic and architectural masterpieces.

On the beautiful high altar in white marble, the imposing and very valuable altarpiece by Fabrizio Santafede depicting the Virgin surrounded by Saints is set.

In the left transept, the sixteenth-century nativity scene in hard stone by Altobello Persio, an important Lucanian sculptor of the time, stands out.

Giulio Persio, son of Altobello, built the Renaissance chapel of the Annunziata, with a coffered vault and niche walls.

In the central nave stands the statue of the patroness, Maria Santissima della Bruna, which Matera celebrates on 2 July with a big party.

The splendor of the decorations and finishes combined with the richness of the paintings on the wooden ceiling envelop the visitor as if he were inside a casket containing a treasure.