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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this visit with other family-friendly activities in the Matera area, such as exploring the Sassi di Matera, which offers more space for children to move around and discover.
+1 Ensure you book your timed entry in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. 🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts
The audioguide is highly recommended to fully grasp the context and symbolism of the artwork. Take your time to absorb the atmosphere and the details of the frescoes. The remote location and the intimate setting contribute to a profound and contemplative experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Booking in advance is straightforward, and the relatively short visit duration makes it easy to fit into a day's itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the 'Flower Painter'
The imagery within the crypt includes biblical scenes and angelic figures, rendered with a unique blend of historical context and artistic expression.
The preservation of these frescoes is remarkable, allowing visitors to connect with the devotion and artistry of monks from over a millennium ago. The experience of viewing these ancient artworks in their original cave setting is profoundly moving. The intimate scale of the crypt and the raw beauty of the frescoes create a powerful sense of stepping back in time.
A Glimpse into Benedictine Monastic Life
This rupestrian church, carved into the rock, served as a spiritual center for monks who lived and worked in the surrounding area. Visiting the crypt offers a unique opportunity to understand the austere yet deeply spiritual lifestyle of Benedictine monks. The simplicity of the rock-hewn structure, combined with the profound religious art, evokes a sense of peace and contemplation.
The site provides valuable historical documentation about the evolution of cave churches and monasticism in the region. The presence of such well-preserved art in a natural cave setting highlights the ingenuity and dedication of these early inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit