Free Walking Sightseeing Tour #4 in Matera, Italy

The rock churches of the territory of Matera, founded mainly in the early Middle Ages, are buildings carved into the rock. Initially born as religious structures, over time they have undergone several transformations of use, becoming homes or shelters for animals. They are an important testimony of the presence of communities of Benedictine, Lombard and Byzantine monks.

Wikipedia: Chiese rupestri di Matera (IT)

The Madonna della Croce is a rock church located in the Murgia Materana, on the opposite side of the Gravina stream, from the Sassi di Matera.

Wikipedia: Chiesa della Madonna della Croce (Matera) (IT)

The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Tre Porte is a rock church in Matera, Italy.

Wikipedia: Santuario della Madonna delle Tre Porte (IT), Website

The church of Sant'Agnese, also known as the church of Santa Maria dell’Arco, is a religious building that stands in Matera.

Wikipedia: Chiesa di Sant'Agnese (Matera) (IT)

Santa Lucia alle Malve is a rock church located near the Sasso Caveoso of Matera, annexed to a Benedictine monastery dating back to the eleventh century.

Wikipedia: Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve (IT)

The rock church of Santa Maria de Armenis is a place of worship located within the Sassi of Matera.

Wikipedia: Chiesa di Santa Maria de Armenis (IT)

The Matera massacre, also known as the militia massacre, was a massacre that took place in Italy during the Second World War in which 15 people died, four of them unknown, carried out during the insurrection of the city on September 21, 1943; In the course of that day's insurrection, 11 other citizens lost their lives. Matera was the first city in the South to rise up against Nazi-fascism.

Wikipedia: Strage di Matera (IT)