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Museum · Matera, Basilicata
Palazzo Lanfranchi
17th-century palace, former seminary, which houses the national museum of medieval and modern art of Basilicata, featuring the large panel Lucania '61 by Carlo Levi.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palazzo Lanfranchi
The Palazzo Lanfranchi was built between 1668 and 1672 by the friar Francesco da Copertino, at the request of Archbishop Vincenzo Lanfranchi, to house the seminary. After Italian unification it became a liceo, where the poet Giovanni Pascoli taught from 1882 to 1884.
Since 2003 it has been the seat of the national museum of medieval and modern art of Basilicata, now part of the Musei nazionali di Matera. The sections bring together sacred art from the region, the painting collection of Camillo D'Errico and contemporary art.
The highlight is Carlo Levi's room, with the huge panel Lucania '61, made for the centenary of unification. Levi, a doctor and painter, was confined in Basilicata by the Fascist regime and described the region's poverty in the book Christ Stopped at Eboli, which drew the country's attention to the Sassi.
In front of the palace stands the sculpture La Goccia by Kengiro Azuma. The Piazzetta Pascoli next to it is one of the best-known viewpoints over the Sasso Caveoso.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1½ hours.
Best time
During the warmest hours of the day. On the first Sunday of the month, state museums usually have free admission; check before you go.
How to get there
It is located at the Piazzetta Pascoli, at the end of Via Ridola, about a 10-minute walk from the Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Tip
After the visit, go to the viewpoint at the Piazzetta Pascoli, right next door, to see the Sasso Caveoso.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo Lanfranchi
What is Lucania '61?
A large panel by Carlo Levi painted for the centenary of Italian unification, about life in Basilicata.
Who was Carlo Levi?
Doctor, painter and writer confined in Basilicata by the fascist regime. His book Christ Stopped at Eboli made the situation of the Sassi known.
Is it near any viewpoint?
Yes, from the Piazzetta Pascoli, next to the palace, with a view of the Sasso Caveoso.