Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of San Bernardino da Siena, Bernalda
Bernalda (Matera)
Mother Church of San Bernardino da Siena, Bernalda is in Bernalda, 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 Bernardino da Siena is the main church of Bernalda. It stands next to the castle, in a square overlooking the valley.
History
It was built in the 1530s by Bernardino de Bernaudo, the feudal lord who founded the town, and originally had a single nave. A second nave was added in the 1600s. Beneath the choir was the cemetery for priests, and near the baptismal font was the burial place for children who died before the age of seven. The church was restored several times in the 1900s and after the earthquake, most recently in the 2000s.
What to see
• The façade on the square and the whole view with the castle, the most beautiful vista in Bernalda.
• The interior is well kept and bright, with good-quality works of sacred art.
The festival
The patron saint, San Bernardino da Siena, is celebrated on 20 May and 23 August.
Useful information
• It is a church open for worship: visit quietly, outside of services.
• After visiting the castle, it’s worth going into the church too, as they are just a few steps away.
