Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Church of the Annunziata, San Mauro Forte
San Mauro Forte (Matera)
Church of the Annunziata, San Mauro Forte is in San Mauro Forte, province of Matera. Opening hours: Open for worship; times vary: check with the parish. Admission: Free entry.
- Free entry.
- Open for worship; times vary: check with the parish.
About this place
The Church of the Annunziata stands in Piazza Marconi, in the upper part of San Mauro Forte. In the village it is also known as the chiesa del Monastero (Monastery church), as a convent once stood alongside it.
History
The church was built by Franciscan friars from the late 15th century, together with a large convent. Later the complex housed a community of women, which is where the name “Monastero” (Monastery) comes from.
What to see
• Il Cristo alla colonna (Christ at the Column) by Angelo Bizamano, a 16th-century painter from Crete: a panel of great tenderness, with Jesus’ face framed by wavy hair. It is one of the very few works signed by this artist in southern Italy.
• The interior and the church’s sacred furnishings.
• The view from the square, in the highest part of the village.
Useful information
• It is an active place of worship, so to see the Bizamano panel it is best to check with the parish first.
• In the historic centre you can combine your visit with the torre normanna (Norman tower) and the Mother Church.
