Crypt of the Original Sin guided tour from Matera

Discover one of the most fascinating treasures of Matera: the Crypt of the Original Sin, an ancient rock-cut place of worship dating back to the Lombard period.

Enter a unique rupestrian environment once connected to a Benedictine monastic community and admire an extraordinary cycle of frescoes dating from the 8th to the 9th century. Learn about the artist known as the Painter of the Flowers of Matera and discover the distinctive features of Beneventan-Benedictine art. Admire the representations of the Apostles, the Virgin Queen and the Archangels, before discovering the impressive scenes dedicated to the Creation and the Original Sin. Your guide will explain the history, symbolism and artistic importance of this exceptional site, as well as the conservation work that has helped preserve its ancient frescoes.