Palazzo dell'Annunziata (Annunziata Palace), Matera
The Annunziata Palace on Vittorio Veneto Square is one of many valuable pearls of Matera. The Baroque-style building of the 18th century is a former cloistered Dominican convent. Designed by architects Valentino da Bitonto and Manieri da Lecce, it currently houses the Provincial Library of Matera and its cultural heritage of books.
The two architects did not work together. In 1739 Valentino was let go, cause unknown. Manieri took over in 1742. The change in viewpoints is evident. Valentino followed the traditional monastic concept with the church at the center and the monastery around it. Manieri's changes can be seen in the four side windows.
Manieri demolished the church, replacing it with an internal courtyard. In 1844, engineer Gaetano di Giorgio built the Annunciation Church in the central enclosure. The nuns had their church at last, but the monastery was suppressed in 1861, and the property went to the city. The complex housed the city judiciary and a school.
In 1900, the clock and its cornice were placed on the facade. In the earthquake of 1980, the former convent was damaged, and its tenants moved out. The building was fully restored in 1998, and the Provincial Library "Tommaso Stigliani" was installed. In addition to an extensive collection of books and manuscripts, there is an important numismatic collection.
The two architects did not work together. In 1739 Valentino was let go, cause unknown. Manieri took over in 1742. The change in viewpoints is evident. Valentino followed the traditional monastic concept with the church at the center and the monastery around it. Manieri's changes can be seen in the four side windows.
Manieri demolished the church, replacing it with an internal courtyard. In 1844, engineer Gaetano di Giorgio built the Annunciation Church in the central enclosure. The nuns had their church at last, but the monastery was suppressed in 1861, and the property went to the city. The complex housed the city judiciary and a school.
In 1900, the clock and its cornice were placed on the facade. In the earthquake of 1980, the former convent was damaged, and its tenants moved out. The building was fully restored in 1998, and the Provincial Library "Tommaso Stigliani" was installed. In addition to an extensive collection of books and manuscripts, there is an important numismatic collection.
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Palazzo dell'Annunziata (Annunziata Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo dell'Annunziata (Annunziata Palace)
Sight Location: Matera, Italy (See walking tours in Matera)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Matera, Italy (See walking tours in Matera)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Matera, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Matera
Creating your own self-guided walk in Matera is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Matera Introduction Walking Tour
Architectural historian Anne Parmly Toxey said the cave areas of Matera had been occupied for at least 3,000 years. There have been settlements in Matera since the Paleolithic era.
The town itself was founded in 251 BC by Roman consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus. He called it Matheola. Subsequently, the town was occupied by Longobards, Byzantines, Saracens, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The town itself was founded in 251 BC by Roman consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus. He called it Matheola. Subsequently, the town was occupied by Longobards, Byzantines, Saracens, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Matera's Ancient Cave Churches
Within the old city of Matera, there are more than 160 churches. Many of these are actually carved into the soft limestone cliffs lining the Gravina River. There are even some used for pagan rituals. The churches were carved from existing caves and tunnels. More than a few sanctified cave churches have been converted to storage and homes.
A good example to start with is the St. Anthony... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
A good example to start with is the St. Anthony... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles