Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista, Grassano
Grassano (Matera)
Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista, Grassano is in Grassano, 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 Giovanni Battista (Mother Church of St John the Baptist) is the main church of Grassano. Its history is linked to the Knights of Malta, the Order of St John of Jerusalem, who ruled the town from the 14th century until 1810.
History
It was originally the chapel of the castle of the Knights of Malta commander, lord of Grassano. It is already mentioned in the bishop’s pastoral visit of 1588. In the 18th century the church was enlarged with a side aisle and, according to tradition, its orientation was reversed.
What to see
• The 18th-century organ.
• The church clock, whose mechanism was restored in 2023.
• The streets of the historic centre around the church, with the Palazzo Materi, Palazzo Ruggiero and Palazzo Ferri.
Useful information
• This is a church still in active use for worship: visit quietly, outside of services.
• The patron saint, Sant’Innocenzo, is celebrated on 22 September.
• Nearby is the Church of the Carmine, home to the nativity scene (presepe) by Francesco Artese.
