Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
The origin of the Church of St. Peter and Paul at Caveoso has several elements of uncertainty. It is believed that its construction dates back to 1218; then, over the years the church has undergone modifications and changes that led to the current shape. The facade has undergone several renovations; It is very simple and has elements that recall the baroque; there are three portals on which are placed the same number of niches containing the statues: on the main portal Madonna, left St. Peter and St. Paul on the right. In the seventeenth century the bell tower with a square base which presents a balustrade adorned with geometric elements was built. In 1752 the church was reopened for worship Lanfranchi archbishop, on this occasion further changes were made: the bell tower was added a spire similar to that of the Cathedral, and it was placed inside a wooden ceiling decorated with remarkable paintings by local artists. The inside has three naves with a transept. In the nave it is placed in the main altar carved and gilded wood, realized in the eighteenth century by local workers; above there is a polyptych of the sixteenth century. The left nave is adorned by four chapels, while only the signs were in the right one: this side has suffered a heavy reworking when the church was detached from the cliff Monterrone to promote the construction of a chapel and a driveway to Malve and Casalnuovo districts. Inside there are many artistic elements of fine workmanship.