Palazzo dell'Annunziata, Matera

Historic Building, Library and Palace in Matera

Palazzo dell'Annunziata
Palazzo dell’Annunziata
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Superchilum

Palazzo dell'Annunziata is one of Matera's most recognizable historic buildings, anchoring the lively Piazza Vittorio Veneto at the gateway between the modern center and the Sassi. Even if you're not planning a long indoor visit, its grand façade, central arch, and clock make it an easy landmark to orient yourself while exploring town.

It's a natural stop on a walking tour: pair it with a stroll across Piazza Vittorio Veneto, then continue toward the Sassi viewpoints and the rock-hewn neighborhoods. The best views are often from the square itself and from nearby terraces as you move toward the historic core.

History and Significance of the Palazzo dell’Annunziata

Built in the 18th century, Palazzo dell'Annunziata was originally created for a religious community and later took on civic roles as Matera evolved. Its location on Piazza Vittorio Veneto reflects its long-standing importance as a public-facing institution at the heart of the city.

The building suffered major damage in the 1980 earthquake and was subsequently restored, helping preserve a key piece of Matera’s architectural identity. Today, it’s best known as the home of Matera’s provincial library, giving the palace an everyday cultural function rather than being a purely monumental site.

That mix of history and daily life is part of its appeal: you’re not just looking at a preserved shell, but a building that still serves locals—students, readers, and visitors—alongside the constant flow of travelers crossing the square.

Things to See and Do in the Palazzo dell’Annunziata

Start outside: the palace’s imposing façade and central archway are the headline features, and the clock above adds to the classic “city landmark” feel. Spend a few minutes in the square to appreciate the building’s scale and how it frames the surrounding city center.

If you go inside, the main draw is the Biblioteca Provinciale (provincial library), where you can get a sense of the palace’s current role as a cultural hub. Depending on what’s accessible on the day, you may also find small displays or events connected to books, local history, or community programming.

For a more relaxed experience, treat this as a “pause point” in your Matera itinerary: step into the library for a quieter interlude, then head back out to continue toward the Sassi, where the scenery shifts dramatically from elegant piazza to ancient stone neighborhoods.

How to Get to the Palazzo dell’Annunziata

The nearest major airports are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (often the most convenient), Brindisi Airport, and Naples International Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Matera on Booking.com.

Matera is reachable by rail connections via Bari (commonly using regional services and onward links), and once you arrive in the city you can continue on foot or by local transport toward Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you're traveling by car, aim for parking options around the city center and then walk to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, as the most historic areas are best explored on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Palazzo dell’Annunziata

  • Official website: https://www.bibliotecastigliani.it/
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 08:30–18:30. Friday – Saturday: 08:30–13:30. Closed on Sunday.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning or early evening is ideal for seeing the palace in good light and enjoying the atmosphere of Piazza Vittorio Veneto without the biggest tour-group rush.
  • How long to spend: Plan 15–30 minutes for photos and a look around the square, or 30–60 minutes if you want a calm break inside the library.
  • Accessibility: The square is generally straightforward to reach, but Matera’s center includes slopes and uneven paving; expect some steps or level changes depending on which entrances and interior areas are open.
  • Facilities: You'll find cafés, gelato spots, and services around Piazza Vittorio Veneto; inside, facilities depend on library access and any ongoing works or events.

Where to Stay Close to the Palazzo dell’Annunziata

Base yourself in or near Matera's city center around Piazza Vittorio Veneto if you want the easiest walk to both the palace and the Sassi.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel A splurge-worthy choice for travelers who want a refined stay in the historic fabric of Matera, with an atmosphere that matches the city's architectural drama.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa Included for its signature Matera experience—sleeping in beautifully restored cave rooms—plus the added comfort of a spa after long days of walking.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita A standout for design-minded travelers seeking an immersive, heritage-forward stay that feels deeply connected to the Sassi.

Hotel San Domenico al Piano A practical, comfortable option near the center that works well for travelers who want convenience and a straightforward base for walking itineraries.

Pianelle Resort Chosen for its balance of boutique comfort and location—ideal if you want to be close to the Sassi while still keeping easy access to central Matera.

Is the Palazzo dell’Annunziata Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially as part of a walking route through central Matera. It's a quick, high-impact stop: a handsome landmark on the city's main square with real historical weight, and it doubles as a living cultural space thanks to the provincial library.

Honest Pivot: if your time is extremely tight and you're prioritizing only the most iconic “Sassi-only” viewpoints and rupestrian churches, you can treat Palazzo dell'Annunziata as a photo stop from the square and move on. It's most rewarding for travelers who enjoy architecture, civic history, and the rhythm of local life alongside sightseeing.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (46)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors highlighting the palace's impressive, historic look and its prime location on Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Many appreciate that it's a living building with cultural uses (not just a monument), and some mention enjoyable on-site amenities like a cinema and places to eat or take a break. A few note that the experience can feel limited if you expect a fully curated interior attraction, and access or offerings may vary depending on what's open at the time.

A Mbl
3 years ago
"Very good 🍕 🍕 🍕!! Around 10 euro."
Sandro Nick
7 months ago
"The Palazzo dell'A unziata is located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in Matera. Built in 1735 to house cloistered nuns, it was severely damaged in the1980 earthquake and then restored in the late 1990s. Today, it houses the provincial library. In the same square, there is a war memorial and a belvedere...."
Paolo Maggiani
2 years ago
"The majestic Palazzo dell'A unziata is located in the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera (MT). It was built in 1735 to house the cloisterednuns of the Dominican order of Santa Maria la Nova until 1861, when it was suppressed and became a municipal property. Damaged by the 1980 earthquake, it has been restored and has housed the new Provincial Library since 1998...."

For Different Travelers

Palazzo dell'Annunziata works best as a flexible stop you can scale up or down. You can keep it simple with exterior photos and a short pause in the piazza, or turn it into a quieter cultural moment by stepping into the library when it's open.

Families with Kids

For families, the square setting is the main advantage: it's easy to reach, and you can keep the visit short. Kids often enjoy the “big building + clock” landmark feel and the lively energy of Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

If you pop into the library, treat it as a calm reset between more demanding Sassi walks. Pair the stop with a snack break nearby to keep the pace comfortable.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate how naturally this fits into a golden-hour stroll—Matera’s central streets and nearby terraces can feel especially atmospheric in the evening. The palace makes a classic backdrop for photos without needing a big time commitment.

Use it as a transition point: start with an aperitivo around the piazza, then wander toward the Sassi for the more cinematic views and dinner plans.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong budget-friendly stop because the best experience is simply enjoying the architecture and the square. You can build a satisfying self-guided walk around it without paying for a ticket.

If the library is accessible during your visit, it’s also a great place to take a quiet break without needing to buy anything—handy in peak season.

History Buffs

History lovers will enjoy the building’s layered story: religious origins, later civic use, earthquake damage, and restoration. It’s also a useful anchor point for understanding how Matera’s “modern” center connects to the older Sassi districts.

To deepen the visit, look for any on-site notices about exhibitions, cultural events, or special collections access. Even a short interior visit can add context beyond the exterior façade.

FAQs for Visiting Palazzo dell’Annunziata

Getting There

Yes—Piazza Vittorio Veneto is a major connector between the city center and routes leading toward the Sassi. Walking is usually the simplest option.
Yes, Matera’s center is walkable, and most visitors reach Piazza Vittorio Veneto on foot from central hotels. Taxis can help if you’re arriving with luggage.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto itself is the key reference point, and the palace’s clocked façade is hard to miss once you’re in the square.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is needed to appreciate the exterior and the square. Interior access depends on which areas are open and what’s operating that day.
Not as a standard “palace museum” experience; it functions primarily as a library and cultural space. Any special exhibits may have their own rules.
For a simple visit, no. If you’re hoping to join a guided walk that includes it, booking can be helpful in high season.

Visiting Experience

Stand back in Piazza Vittorio Veneto for the best look at the façade and central arch, then continue your walk toward the Sassi.
If it’s open and you enjoy quieter cultural spaces, yes—it adds a different texture to your Matera day. If you’re focused on panoramic viewpoints, the exterior stop may be enough.
The square can be busy, especially midday, but the visit is easy to time around crowds since it’s not a single-file attraction.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s a natural checkpoint between the modern center and the Sassi. Many self-guided routes pass through Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Combine it with a piazza stroll and then continue toward Sassi viewpoints and rock churches for contrast. It also pairs well with a café stop.
Not necessary for enjoying the architecture, but a guide can add context about the building’s religious origins and later civic role.

Photography

The best wide shots are from across Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you can capture the full façade. Side streets leading off the square can also frame the building nicely.
Early morning and late afternoon tend to be most flattering, and the square feels more atmospheric. Midday light can be harsher but works for crisp architectural detail.
It depends on which interior areas are open and any library rules in effect. If in doubt, keep it discreet and follow posted guidance.

Accessibility & Facilities

Piazza Vittorio Veneto is one of the easier central areas, but Matera overall includes slopes and uneven paving. Plan a route that minimizes steep descents toward the Sassi.
Facilities are most reliably found in nearby cafés and restaurants around the square. Interior availability depends on what’s open.
Yes, the square and nearby cafés make this a convenient rest stop. It’s a good place to reset before heading into the more demanding Sassi walks.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, Piazza Vittorio Veneto is surrounded by cafés and casual dining options. It’s a convenient spot for a quick coffee or a longer break.
Yes, the central location makes it easy to build into an evening stroll. It’s a pleasant place to pause before dinner in the Sassi.
Generally yes—look for simple cafés, pizza-by-the-slice, and takeaway options around the central streets off the piazza.

Safety & Timing

The central square is typically active in the evening with locals and visitors. Use normal city awareness, especially in crowded areas.
Earlier in the morning is usually calmer, and late afternoon can be pleasant as day-trippers thin out. Midday tends to be busiest.
Yes—use it as a starting point for an evening route toward lit-up viewpoints and the Sassi. Just wear good shoes for uneven surfaces.

Nearby Attractions to the Palazzo dell’Annunziata

  • Piazza Vittorio Veneto: Matera's central square and a natural meeting point for walks toward the Sassi.
  • Sassi di Matera: The UNESCO-listed cave districts with iconic stone streets, homes, and viewpoints.
  • Palombaro Lungo: A vast underground cistern area associated with the piazza, offering a different perspective on Matera's infrastructure.
  • Cattedrale di Matera: The hilltop cathedral with sweeping views over the Sassi.
  • Casa Noha: A compact interpretive stop that helps you understand Matera's modern history and transformation.

The Palazzo dell'Annunziata appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Matera!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 08:30-18:30.

Friday - Saturday: 08:30-13:30.

Closed on Sunday.

Price:

Free.

Address: Palazzo dell'Annunziata, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 1, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Matera: 0 km
Official Website

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