Crypt of the Original Sin

Crypt of the Original Sin tickets: which one to buy

The Crypt of Original Sin is a cave church in the countryside a few kilometres outside Matera, in Basilicata, southern Italy, and it can be visited only on guided tours, which must be booked in advance, with a ticket. It is sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of rock church art, because of its remarkable early medieval frescoes. The cave is on private land and is managed by a foundation, which organises tours at set times;

the meeting point is usually a farm near the site, reached by car. Visitors often combine the crypt with Matera's Sassi, the ancient cave dwellings of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the rock churches of the Murgia park across the ravine. The tour lasts about forty-five minutes and includes a light and sound presentation. Photography is not allowed inside. The booking confirmation gives the meeting point, which is a short drive from the centre of Matera.

Visiting Crypt of the Original Sin: what to see

The cave, dug into the limestone of a small valley, was used as a chapel by Benedictine monks in the Lombard period, probably in the eighth or ninth century. Its walls are decorated with a cycle of frescoes painted by an anonymous artist known as the Painter of Flowers of Matera, because of the red flowers scattered on the backgrounds. The frescoes show scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the creation of light and darkness, the creation of Adam and Eve, and the original sin, with Eve taking the fruit from the serpent, as well as the apostles Peter, Andrew and John and the Virgin Mary. The paintings are in a vivid style, with strong colours.

The cave was later used as a shelter for sheep, and it was rediscovered in 1963 by a group of young people exploring the area. The frescoes were restored in the early 2000s, and the crypt opened to the public. The frescoes are arranged in three niches, each with its own group of figures. The creation scene shows light and darkness as two female figures. The Virgin is shown as a queen, holding the Child. The red flowers painted across the walls give the cave its gentle character. The cave's shape follows the natural rock, with an irregular floor and ceiling. A light and sound presentation explains the scenes before visitors look at them. The cave's small size means that groups are limited.

Crypt of the Original Sin opening hours and the best time to go

Guided tours run several times a day, with fewer tours in winter, and booking is essential, especially in summer and at weekends. Matera is busiest from spring to autumn, and the Sassi are beautiful at sunset and when lit at night. Summer is hot, and the tours are in the cool of the cave. Spring and autumn are ideal. The feast of the Madonna della Bruna in Matera on 2 July brings a famous procession. Allow about an hour and a half including the drive and the tour, and spend the rest of the day in Matera's Sassi. The rock churches of the Murgia Materana park, across the ravine from the Sassi, can be reached by footpath and suspended bridge.