Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Stigliano
Stigliano (Matera)
Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Stigliano is in Stigliano, province of Matera. Opening hours: Usually in the afternoon Monday to Saturday (16:00–18:00) and on Sunday morning; times may change. Admission: Free entry.
- Free entry.
- Usually in the afternoon Monday to Saturday (16:00–18:00) and on Sunday morning; times may change.
About this place
The Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the largest and richest church in Stigliano. It can be reached on foot through the historic centre and is famous for its large 16th-century polyptych.
History
The church has very ancient origins. During the pastoral visit of the Bishop of Tricarico in 1588, it is described as having five naves, eight stone columns and sixteen chapels, both public and private, filled with statues. In the 18th century it was enlarged and renovated, and today it presents a Baroque façade.
What to see
• The polyptych from the early 16th century (around 1518–1521), attributed to Simone da Firenze or to a northern-trained artist known as the «Master of the Stigliano Polyptych»: one of the largest in Basilicata, with a statue of the Virgin at the centre and paintings of saints and angels.
• The statue of the Virgin, donated in 1522, and the statue of Santa Maria della Neve.
• The organ from 1930.
• The Baroque façade and the view over the historic centre from the churchyard (sagrato).
How to get there
The church is on Via Chiesa, in the upper part of the historic centre. Cars are best left further down and you walk up through the alleyways; along the way you will come across several murals.
Useful information
• It is a church open for worship: visit quietly, outside of services.
• The entrance is not accessible by wheelchair.
• In the historic centre you will also find the Church of Sant’Antonio and the L’angolo della memoria museum.
