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Crypt of the Original Sin

Matera's finest rock-cut fresco cycle, likely 9th-century, hidden in a ravine and strictly booked.

  • Matera
  • Church
Plan your visitBuy tickets
Where
Matera
Best for
"Sistine Chapel" of cave churches
Allow
1 hour
Tickets
From €8
Checked September 2026

Tucked into a ravine outside Matera rather than within the Sassi themselves, this cave church holds what specialists have called the Sistine Chapel of rock-cut churches: a fresco cycle likely painted in the 9th century, its Old Testament scenes, including the temptation of Adam and Eve that gives the crypt its name, attributed to an anonymous artist known only as the Flower Painter for his decorative floral borders.

Careful modern conservation has stabilized colors that stayed hidden and protected for over a thousand years precisely because the site was so remote, and visits are strictly controlled to keep it that way.

Sources and citations (2)
  1. Ministero della CulturaSepolcri di Matera: Cripta del Peccato OriginaleCatalogue title and site descriptionRead source
  2. UNESCO World Heritage CentreThe Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of MateraProperty scopeRead source

Four things worth finding

If you see nothing else, see these.

  1. The Creation and Original Sin scenes9th-century frescoes by the Flower Painter

    Old Testament scenes from Genesis, including the temptation of Adam and Eve that names the crypt, are painted on the far wall.Back wall of the crypt

  2. The three triads in the nichesApostles, Virgin Queens and Archangels

    Peter, Andrew and John; the Virgin and two other women; and Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are each painted in a niche.Left wall, in three niches

  3. The floral bordersSignature of the Flower Painter

    The anonymous artist gets his nickname from the flowers that frame his scenes.Along the frescoed walls

  4. The Latin inscriptionsCaptions to each scene

    Every scene comes with a Latin caption describing it, which helps read scenes that are badly worn.Beside the frescoes

Plan your visit

Everything you need before you go.

Tickets
From €8
Booking
Book ahead
Time needed
1 hour
Best time
A morning slot on a weekday, when small-group visits feel closest to private
Getting there
The crypt is a short drive from central Matera, on the far side of the gravina; there is a small car park at the site, and no public transport runs directly there.
Accessibility
Access involves an unpaved path and steps down into the crypt; not wheelchair accessible.

€6.50 reduced for groups over 20; €4 for school groups; free for journalists and children up to 10 accompanied by a parent. Reservation is compulsory, online or by phone, and without it there is no entry even on quiet days. Last updated September 2026. Prices change, so check the official site before you go.

Book at least a few days ahead in high season: each guided slot takes a maximum of 20 people, and walk-up visitors are turned away even when a tour is scheduled within the hour.

Official website
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Before you book

How long should you spend at the Crypt of the Original Sin?

About an hour, including the guided visit. The site is small, but the tour is slow and the frescoes reward close looking.

Do you need to book the Crypt of the Original Sin?

Yes, book a timed slot ahead online in the high season. Visits are in small controlled groups to protect the frescoes.

Is the Crypt of the Original Sin worth visiting?

Yes, it is often called the Sistine Chapel of rock-cut churches. It is outside the Sassi on the far side of the ravine and was rediscovered in 1963, which helps explain why the colors have lasted.

More to see nearby

Same city first, then the nearest across the region.

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