Crypt of Original Sin

This is a very special experience in a Rock Church, just 25 mins from Matera. But we almost didn’t go because of some bad reviews. The crypt is in a remote location, down a country road, so it is a bumpy ride but you don’t need a 4x4. It’s not as bad as some reviewers suggest. The Crypt is an amazing place where the devotion of Benedictine Monks from the 8th Century is expressed in beautiful frescos. The Flower Painter of Matera is named as the artist due to the beautiful red flowers that connect all the different areas of the artwork. The visit lasts only 20 minutes, but that is long enough to take in the wonderful artwork and experience something truly sacred. Of note: no photos are allowed in the Crypt. There is a ticked office about 750m from the entrance where we purchased our tickets. See photos. We were unable to buy online (PayPal only), but we knew that the time slot we wanted was not booked up, so we just drove there and bought the tickets on site. If you do this, be sure to check the website for availability especially in high season. We went in mid April and there were only 4 of us in our viewing. The cost was 11 euros per person. BE ON TIME - this is a scheduled visit and all visitors are taken to the crypt together. The staff were excellent - very friendly. And we also purchased the red wine they sell at their store for 10 euros, which was fabulous.

Remember to book ahead of time on the internet and arrive 30 minutes before your timed visit. Sounds a hassle but it's well worth the bother. The frescoes are wonderful.

You need an appointment. So I didn’t actually get to see it. But this bridge above it is pretty cool but not worth the drive down the sketchy road.

Very special place in one of oldest cave churches of Meteora. Interesting documentation about the history of the Cave.

Visited without guide, but still got an little glimpse of all what's on offer. Pay attention to fossils above.

A little mistery accompanies this location in the middle of the beautiful countryside. 10 minute drive from Matera. they show this little cave church from IX century with a light show that helps understand the representations. The language of the show is Italian but they offer audioguides with all main languages. You need to book your visit online and when you arrive to the visit centre you will need to drive to the location for 2 minutes following the shuttle. It is worth a visit

A twofold experience: the site is undisputably stunning. The paintings are unique, and well restored. Our guide was kind and friendly, he is not to blame for a slightly underwhelmed feeling after the visit. But, the whole procedure is annoying, starting from the 'no foto' policy, to the fact that you have to wait in a room of overpriced tourist stuff for half an hour before being allowed into the crypt for 15 minutes, of course seated and with a kitschy Audioguide. By the way, selling prints on gypsum slabs as "oil painting on tufo" is borderline fraud.

It was much better than I thought - the presentation is quite impressive even though I would expected to be more dynamic. Drop by the vineyard next to it to get a bottle of wine with the pictures inside the cave. That wine is almost divine.