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Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi — Matera
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Religious places 📍 Matera, Italy 310 views

Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The church of San Francesco D'Assisi overlooks a large square under which there is an interesting archaeological area that has elements in common with the entrenched villages; during the Middle Ages this area was used as a burial place. The first building dedicated to St. Francis...

Photo · Freyan B.

Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi — Matera, Italy.

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Matera
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Religious places
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About Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi - Matera | Secret World Trip Planner

The church of San Francesco D'Assisi overlooks a large square under which there is an interesting archaeological area that has elements in common with the entrenched villages; during the Middle Ages this area was used as a burial place. The first building dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, dates back to 1200 and was built on an underground nucleus dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, which can still be visited today by passing through a trapdoor located inside the present church. The façade took on its present shape in the eighteenth century and represents a further example of Baroque style. It is marked by pilasters and is divided into two parts defined by a stringcourse cornice that develops on the sides. In the lower part the portal and five windows are embellished with decorative elements of floral character; in the upper part there is a central niche in which there is a statue of the Madonna while at the ends of the cornice there are the statues of St. Francis on the right and St. Anthony of Padua on the left. The single nave interior includes several side chapels, there are also numerous paintings by Neapolitan masters that contribute to increase the artistic value of this place of worship. The most interesting works are a polyptych of the XV century articulated in 9 panels representing the Madonna and some saints, and a stoup of the XIII century carved in stone and placed near the entrance.

Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi - Matera | Secret World Trip Planner
Matera: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi - Matera | Secret World Trip Planner
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Frequently Asked Questions

Beneath the church lies an interesting archaeological area with an underground nucleus dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, which dates back before the current church's construction in 1200. You can access this underground area by passing through a trapdoor located inside the present church, making it a unique historical feature to explore during your visit.
The façade was redesigned in the eighteenth century and represents a fine example of Baroque style, marked by pilasters and divided into two sections by a stringcourse cornice. The lower section features a portal and five decorated windows with floral elements, while the upper section displays a central niche with a Madonna statue and statues of St. Francis and St. Anthony of Padua at the ends.
The church contains numerous paintings by Neapolitan masters, including a remarkable 15th-century polyptych with 9 panels depicting the Madonna and various saints, and a 13th-century stone stoup carved with decorative elements near the entrance. These artworks significantly enhance the artistic and religious value of this place of worship.
The church overlooks a large square beneath which lies an archaeological area that was used as a burial ground during the Middle Ages. This prominent location in the old town makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring Matera's historic center.
The first building dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi dates back to 1200, making it over 800 years old and built upon an even older underground nucleus from the time of Saints Peter and Paul. The church's current façade underwent its Baroque transformation in the eighteenth century while maintaining its historical significance.

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