Crypt of the Original Sin

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The caves around Matera have been occupied for thousands of years, but this particular cave owes its renown to a group of 9th century monks who came to southern Italy from Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. One, known only as “The Painter of Flowers of Matera,” enlightened the cave interior with images from the Bible. Though the art is over 1000 years old, it wasn’t until the 1960s that a group of students tracked down the cave, transforming it from a shepherd’s shelter to a UNESCO World Heritage site. The back wall depicts the first chapters of Genesis, with the cave earning its name from the the image of Adam and Eve eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Three apses were carved into the cave walls, where images from the New Testament, such as the apostles, the archangels, and Mary and Baby Jesus accompanied by two saints are depicted. Please note: advance reservations are required. Booking is available through http://www.criptadelpeccatooriginale.it/