Matera Cathedral

Coordinates: 40°40′00″N 16°36′41″E / 40.6668°N 16.6113°E / 40.6668; 16.6113
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Matera Cathedral
Matera Cathedral, west front
Religion
AffiliationCatholic Church
RiteRoman Rite
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusCathedral
StatusActive
Location
LocationMatera, Basilicata Italy
StateItaly
Architecture
TypeChurch
Groundbreaking1230 (1230)
Completed1270 (1270)
Specifications
Length40 metres (130 ft)
Width55 metres (180 ft)
Height (max)60 metres (200 ft)
Spire(s)one
Spire height90 metres (300 ft)

Matera Cathedral (

Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina
.

History

Matera Cathedral, panoramic view with the Sassi.

The cathedral was built in

Archdiocese of Acerenza and Matera
, and was completed in 1270.

The original dedication was to Santa Maria di Matera, as recorded in a contemporary notarial document. Then, on the evidence of a will of 1318, it was entitled Santa Maria dell'Episcopio, and from 1389, the year in which Pope Urban VI (already Archbishop of Matera), instituted the feast of the Visitation, it was dedicated to Santa Maria della Bruna, also a protector of the city. Finally, from 1627 Monsignor Fabrizio Antinori, archbishop of Matera, dedicated the cathedral to the Madonna della Bruna and to Saint Eustace.

Description

The west front is dominated by the

round arches
supported by columns with stone capitals. Much of the interior received a Baroque-style decoration in the 17th and 18th century, including gilded stuccoes and frames.

The interior has an

high altar has an altarpiece by Fabrizio Santafede
depicting The Virgin with Saints.

References

  1. ^ Baedeker's Italy. Automobile Association. 1996. p. 106.
  2. ^ La Città del'Uomo.it: Life of San Giovanni di Matera
  3. better source needed
    ]

Sources and external links

40°40′00″N 16°36′41″E / 40.6668°N 16.6113°E / 40.6668; 16.6113