The Crypt of Original Sin is among the most representative rock churches of the territory of Matera; the pictorial complex that decorates the interior walls is a work of high artistic value.
It is found in the notes of the archaeologist Domenico Ridola at the beginning of the twentieth century and was identified in 1963 by some members of the cultural circle 'La Scaletta ' of Matera that followed the indications relating to a church, that of 'Hundred Saints', collected from the voice of a shepherd who had used it as a shelter for himself and his animals.
It is located along the side of the Gravina di Picciano and the current name of Crypt of Original Sin derives from one of the scenes represented by the frescoes; in recent years it has been restored and made accessible to visitors thanks to the activity of the Zetema Foundation. The restoration has returned splendor highlighting the artistic value.
Due to the neglect resulting from a long period of abandonment, it is difficult to grasp the original structure, currently consists of a single compartment that has three apse niches on the left wall. The pictorial complex that decorates the background wall depicts episodes of the Old Testament taken from Genesis. The apsidal niches contain representations of triarchies: the first is dedicated to the apostles Saint Peter, Saint Andrew and Saint John; the second to the Virgins, represents a Madonna with Child adored by two female figures; finally in the third are portraits of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
The pictorial scenes are embellished with flowers and other elements, so much so that the unknown artist who made these masterpieces of 'rock art' is known as 'the painter of flowers'.
