Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Cirigliano
Cirigliano (Matera)
Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Cirigliano is in Cirigliano, province of Matera. Opening hours: Open for worship; outside services it may be closed: check with the parish. Admission: Free.
- Free.
- Open for worship; outside services it may be closed: check with the parish.
About this place
The Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the main church of Cirigliano, in the historic centre, a short walk from the castello baronale (baronial castle).
History
It was built in the 16th century and was almost entirely rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century. Originally it was probably Latin cross-shaped and twice as long as it is today: the collapse of the rock on which it stood caused much of the central nave to give way. The bell tower has also been rebuilt several times; in 1973 two storeys were added to it. The current appearance is the result of a restoration completed in 2002.
What to see
• The three-aisled interior, with the presbytery that has a flat wall.
• The 17th-century wooden statues: the Immaculate Conception, Saint James, patron saint of the town, and Saint Mary Magdalene.
• The stone baptismal font, carved from a simply worked basin, dating from the 15th century.
Festivals
The patron saint, Saint James, is celebrated on 25 July. On the last Sunday of May, the statue of the Assunta sets off in procession towards the Madonna della Grotta and returns to the church on 15 August.
Useful information
• It is a church still in use for worship: visit quietly and dress appropriately.
• Next to the castle is the Addolorata Chapel, with 18th-century furnishings.
