Crypt of the Original Sin
Basilicata
The Crypt of the Original Sin is a rock-cut church located along the Gravina di Picciano near Matera in Basilicata, Italy. Dating back to the 8th-9th century, it is considered a masterpiece of early medieval religious art and is often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art' due to its extensive and well-preserved fresco cycle. The crypt was likely part of a Benedictine monastic community, as suggested by the iconography and style of the paintings. The frescoes were created by a single artist known as the Painter of the Flowers of Matera, whose work exhibits Lombard influences with subtle Byzantine and Roman artistic elements. The left wall features three niches depicting triads: the Apostles (Saint Peter, Saint Andrew, and Saint John), the Virgin Queens (including the Madonna with Child), and the Archangels (Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael). The rear wall presents scenes from the Old Testament, especially the Creation and the Original Sin, which gives the crypt its name. Latin inscriptions accompany the vivid images, and floral motifs complete the cycle. After centuries of abandonment, during which it was even used as shelter by shepherds, the crypt was rediscovered in 1963 and has since undergone restoration and conservation efforts. Today, it remains a significant religious and artistic site, attracting visitors interested in medieval art, spirituality, and the unique rupestrian heritage of southern Italy.
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Astuce: Visits to the Crypt of the Original Sin require mandatory advance booking, which can be made via phone or the official website. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, allowing for comfortable exploration of the surrounding area. Visitors should preserve their ticket, as it grants discounted access to nearby cultural sites like the MUSMA Contemporary Sculpture Museum and La Casa di Ortega within seven days of the crypt visit. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the rich iconography and historical context of the frescoes. Photography may be restricted to protect the delicate artworks, so check current policies before visiting.
Faits intéressants
- •The crypt’s frescoes predate Giotto by about 500 years, making them some of the earliest known medieval fresco cycles in Italy.
- •The artist known as the Painter of the Flowers of Matera is identified by the distinctive floral motifs present throughout the frescoes.
- •The crypt is sometimes called the 'Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art' due to the richness and quality of its fresco cycle.
- •The crypt was used as shelter by a shepherd and his animals before its rediscovery in the 20th century.
- •Latin inscriptions accompany the frescoes, providing explanations and religious context for the depicted scenes.
Histoire
The Crypt of the Original Sin was carved into the rock during the 8th or 9th century, likely serving as a place of worship for a Benedictine monastic community during the Lombard period.
Over time, it was abandoned and fell into obscurity, known locally as the 'Cave of the Hundred Saints.' It was rediscovered on May 1, 1963, by members of the cultural association La Scaletta and subsequently restored.
The frescoes inside date back to this early medieval period and represent one of the most important examples of rupestrian religious art in southern Italy, showcasing influences from Lombard, Byzantine, and Roman traditions.
Since its rediscovery, the crypt has been the subject of conservation efforts to preserve its unique artistic heritage.
Guide du lieu
Left Wall Niches8th-9th century
Three niches painted with triads: the Apostles (Saint Peter, Saint Andrew, Saint John), the Virgin Queens including the Madonna with Child, and the Archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael). These frescoes reflect Lombard artistic influence with expressive faces and rich garments.
Rear Wall Frescoes8th-9th century
Depicts scenes from the Old Testament focusing on the Creation and the Original Sin, which gives the crypt its name. The vivid imagery is accompanied by Latin epigraphs and floral decorations.
Contact
Téléphone: 320 334 5323
