Palazzo Lanfranchi is a rewarding stop for anyone who wants to understand Matera beyond its famous Sassi. Built in the late 17th century as a seminary commissioned by Archbishop Vincenzo Lanfranchi, the Baroque palace is now a home of the National Museum of Matera. Its courtyard and vaulted rooms provide an atmospheric setting for art from Basilicata and beyond.
The museum’s best-known work is Carlo Levi’s monumental painting “Lucania ’61”, a panorama of life in the region. Levi, a writer and painter exiled to Basilicata under Fascism, brought the hardships of southern Italy to wider attention in his book “Christ Stopped at Eboli”. The collection also includes sacred art and paintings spanning several centuries, offering context for the churches, cave dwellings and landscapes outside.
Allow around 90 minutes for the museum, longer if you want to spend time with Levi’s work. The palace is near Piazzetta Pascoli, within walking distance of central Matera; wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone streets. Check current opening days and hours before visiting, as museum schedules can change.