The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Evaluation of Calcarenite Degradation by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis inside the Rupestrian Church of San Pietro Barisano (Matera, Southern Italy)

  X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals distinct degradation products on the calcarenite surfaces of San Pietro Barisano, a rupestrian church within Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi district. This study identifies biotic and abiotic degradation indicators, offering a diagnostic framework for preserving such heritage sites. By comparing degraded samples to reference calcarenite, researchers link findings to local environmental factors and historical context, enabling targeted conservation strategies under the National Smart Cities research project.

  Cardellicchio, F., Acquavia, M. A., Curcio, M., & Salvi, A. M. (2024). Evaluation of Calcarenite Degradation by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis inside the Rupestrian Church of San Pietro Barisano (Matera, Southern Italy). Sustainability, 16(11), 4634. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114634

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• La conoscenza per il recupero dei ‘valori’ del passato: il caso della chiesa della Madonna delle Vergini a Matera

  The Church of the Madonna delle Vergini, a 16th-century rupestrian church within Matera’s UNESCO-listed Park of the Rupestrian Churches, stands as a living testament to the region's historical and cultural evolution. This study highlights its role as a fragile yet invaluable repository of ancient traditions, now largely lost, which are critical for understanding the interplay between human settlement and natural landscapes in the Sassi district. By employing multidisciplinary analysis, researchers aim to recover these intangible and material values, offering new pathways for preserving and appreciating Matera’s religious and rupestrian heritage. The approach underscores the necessity of integrating historical, artistic, and archaeological perspectives to inform sustainable conservation strategies that balance past significance with contemporary enjoyment.

  Pagliuca, A., & D’Angiulli, G. (2023). La conoscenza per il recupero dei ‘valori’ del passato: il caso della chiesa della Madonna delle Vergini a Matera. Restauro Archeologico, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.36253/rar-14333

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• Application and Monitoring of Oxidative Alginate–Biocide Hydrogels for Two Case Studies in “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera”

  A novel biocide treatment using alginate–oxidizing hydrogels successfully removed biological colonization from the historic buildings of Matera, Italy, while preserving the original chromaticity of the surfaces. This approach, tested on two UNESCO World Heritage Site churches—San Pietro Barisano and Madonna dei Derelitti—demonstrated long-term efficacy, with no recolonization observed even after two years. The treatment minimized environmental impact by avoiding excessive biocide use and was followed by protective acrylic coatings to further prevent biological regrowth. Colorimetric and microscopic analyses confirmed the restoration of original surface characteristics without material grain loss.

  Gabriele, F., Bruno, L., Casieri, C., Ranaldi, R., Rugnini, L., & Spreti, N. (2022). Application and Monitoring of Oxidative Alginate–Biocide Hydrogels for Two Case Studies in “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera”. Coatings, 12(4), 462. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12040462

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• The Bio-Patina on a Hypogeum Wall of the Matera-Sassi Rupestrian Church “San Pietro Barisano” before and after Treatment with Glycoalkaloids

  A natural glycoalkaloid mixture derived from Solanum nigrum demonstrated significant biocidal efficacy against most bio-patina colonizers on the hypogeum wall of the UNESCO-listed Matera-Sassi rupestrian church 'San Pietro Barisano,' with visible and chemical changes detected within four weeks. However, fungal species capable of migrating into calcarenite porosities persisted, highlighting the need for integrated fungicidal treatments alongside surface consolidation to prevent recolonization. The study also identified biocalcogenic autochthonous microorganisms, suggesting potential for their isolation and reintroduction as bio-consolidants post-cleaning. This research underscores the promise of glycoalkaloids in cultural heritage conservation while emphasizing the complexity of achieving long-term bioremediation.

  Cardellicchio, F., Bufo, S. A., Mang, S. M., Camele, I., Salvi, A. M., & Scrano, L. (2022). The Bio-Patina on a Hypogeum Wall of the Matera-Sassi Rupestrian Church “San Pietro Barisano” before and after Treatment with Glycoalkaloids. Molecules, 28(1), 330. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010330

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• The Rupestrian Church of San Pietro Da Morrone (Matera, Italy): Insights and Photogrammetric-based Characterisation

  Photogrammetry emerges as a powerful tool for characterizing the complex geometry of rupestrian churches, such as San Pietro da Morrone in Matera, Italy. This study demonstrates its effectiveness in overcoming the limitations of conventional surveying methods by generating accurate 3D models that capture both architectural structures and integrated artistic elements like paintings or sculptures. The approach provides valuable insights into the building's geometry, serving as a reference for conservation efforts and future research on similar heritage sites.

  Ramírez Eudave, R., D’Amato, M., & Andrisani, G. (2021). The rupestrian church of San Pietro da Morrone (Matera, Italy) : insights and photogrammetric-based characterisation [JD]. Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage : 21, 2021, 21. https://doi.org/10.48255/1973-9494.JCSCH.21.2021.12

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• Multi-Scale Monitoring of Rupestrian Heritage: Methodological Approach and Application to a Case Study

  A significant correlation between indoor and outdoor environmental parameters was identified, offering new opportunities for the systematic monitoring of rupestrian heritage. The study applied a multi-scale methodological approach to analyze data from three platforms: indoor, close-range outdoor, and meteorological stations, including weather forecasts from the COSMO 5 model. This approach allowed researchers to characterize the relationships between microclimatic conditions inside and outside rupestrian churches, such as those in Matera, which host vulnerable wall paintings. By leveraging data from readily available sources, this method provides a robust framework for assessing the impact of environmental factors on these precious cultural assets.

  Sileo, M., Gizzi, F. T., Donvito, A., Lasaponara, R., Fiore, F., & Masini, N. (2020). Multi-Scale Monitoring of Rupestrian Heritage: Methodological Approach and Application to a Case Study. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 16(3), 469–484. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2020.1799261

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• Preliminary Studies on Fungal Contamination of Two Rupestrian Churches from Matera (Southern Italy)

  A study of fungal contamination in two rupestrian churches within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, identified six dominant fungal species: Parengyodontium album, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Lecanicillium psalliotae, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Botryotrichum atrogriseum. These fungi, with a 99–100% similarity to known species, pose risks to the structural integrity and aesthetic value of the churches, as well as to the health of visitors and guardians due to spore diffusion. The research employed genomic DNA extraction from fungal cultures, followed by PCR amplification and sequencing of ribosomal DNA (ITS) and β-tubulin gene regions, with sequences deposited in the EMBL database. This detailed characterization aims to inform future environmentally friendly restoration efforts.

  Mang, S. M., Scrano, L., & Camele, I. (2020). Preliminary Studies on Fungal Contamination of Two Rupestrian Churches from Matera (Southern Italy). Sustainability, 12(17), 6988. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176988

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