Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of San Nicola, Accettura
Accettura (Matera)
Mother Church of San Nicola, Accettura is in Accettura, province of Matera. Opening hours: Open for worship; outside services it may be closed: check with the parish. Admission: Free entry.
- Free entry.
- Open for worship; outside services it may be closed: check with the parish.
About this place
The Mother Church of San Nicola is the main church of Accettura. It stands in the highest part of the historic centre, in the Scarrone district, and its dome dominates the town.
History
It was built in the 16th century and was remodelled several times in the centuries that followed. The stone portal of the façade dates from the 19th century. It has been restored and is still open for worship.
What to see
• The wooden Crucifix, carved and painted, from the 15th century, the oldest work in the church.
• The wooden statues from the 16th to the 18th century, including those of Sant’Antonio, San Pasquale, Santa Filomena and San Giuliano, the patron saint celebrated with the Maggio.
• The paintings: a Magdalene from the 17th–18th century and an Assumption from the 17th century.
• The bell of 1611, cast by Gaspare di Missanello.
• The view over the town’s rooftops and the woods of the Parco di Gallipoli Cognato.
How to get there
From the centre, you climb on foot through the narrow streets of the Scarrone district, along via Salita Bastione. Just below are the Church of the Annunziata and the Church of Sant’Antonio.
Useful information
• It is an active place of worship: visit quietly and dress appropriately.
• During the Maggio di Accettura (the Maggio, a traditional spring festival), between Pentecost and the feast of San Giuliano, the historic centre comes alive with processions and music: it is the most atmospheric time to visit.
• To understand the tree ritual, visit the Museum of Tree Cults.
