The rupestrian church complex of the Madonna delle Virtù and San Nicola dei Greci in the Sasso Caveoso is the most extensive cave church site open to visitors in Matera — two superimposed church spaces cut directly from the tuff rock of the Gravina ravine wall, with Byzantine frescoes that have survived in fragments across the raw stone surfaces. The lower church, the Madonna delle Virtù, is the older; the upper church of San Nicola dei Greci was added in the 11th century. The floors, ceilings, and altars are all carved from the same continuous rock. The complex is typically used as a contemporary art exhibition space, which creates an unusual conversation between the ancient carved surfaces and temporary installation work. The walk into the Gravina to reach it is part of the experience.
Sasso Caveoso, Matera, Italy