Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, San Mauro Forte
San Mauro Forte (Matera)
Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, San Mauro Forte is in San Mauro Forte, 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 San Mauro Forte. It stands behind the Norman tower, on the ruins of the former feudal palace, and is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta di Episcopia.
History
Work began in 1553 and progressed slowly. To move it away from a landslide, the church was built further north than the earlier buildings, partly reusing the walls of the feudal palace, as can still be seen on the eastern façade; the palace’s underground rooms became a burial place. Severely damaged by the earthquake of 1857, it was restored: the central nave was rebuilt and decorated with stucco. The crypt was restored after the earthquake of 1980.
What to see
• The three-aisled interior, with large side chapels, stucco decoration and the wide dome above the apse.
• The crypt, with a fresco of San Mauro Abate, the town’s patron saint.
• The processional cross from the 16th century and an 18th-century canvas.
• The remains of the feudal palace built into the external walls.
Useful information
• It is an active place of worship: visit quietly and dress appropriately.
• In the upper part of the town there is also the Church of the Annunziata, with a precious panel painting by Angelo Bizamano.
