The Crypt of Santa Marina

Nestled on the southeastern slopes of St. Mark’s ravine in Massafra, the crypt of Santa Marina, considered one of the largest churches of the Basilica type, is part of a settlement of considerable dimensions frequented from the early Middle Ages up until the 19th century, a theory confirmed by the presence of a monastery and numerous burial sites.

The presbytery terminates by three apses, each one accommodating an altar, two wall altars of the Latin rite, and one of the Eastern rite.

The layout shows clear oriental influence and the crypt’s dedication, devoted to a saint belonging to the Byzantine tradition, is a further confirmation of it.

At one time, the walls were completely covered with frescoes, as testified the traces of the images of Santa Margherita, Santa Marina and Christ the Judge, dating from the 14th century.