Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Mother Church of Santa Maria dell’Episcopio, Montalbano Jonico
Montalbano Jonico (Matera)
Mother Church of Santa Maria dell’Episcopio, Montalbano Jonico is in Montalbano Jonico, 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 Santa Maria dell’Episcopio (Mother Church of Santa Maria dell’Episcopio) is the main church of Montalbano Jonico, in the neighbourhood known as Chiesa Madre or Cupolone, next to the Terravecchia.
History
The church was dedicated to Santa Maria dell’Episcopio in the 16th century and rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century.
What to see
• The wooden statue of the Madonna and Child, from the 12th century, the oldest work in the church.
• The pipe organ dating from 1785, above the high altar.
Useful information
• It is an active place of worship, so visit quietly and outside of services.
• On Good Friday, the procession organised by the Confraternita del Purgatorio (Purgatory Brotherhood) sets off from the centre.
• From the church, you can enter the Terravecchia through the Porta dell’Orologio (Clock Gate).
