Palazzo Bernardini – patrician residence in the Sassi of Matera

History and description

Palazzo Bernardini, historically also known as Palazzo Ferraù or Giudicepietro, is a historic residence overlooking the Sasso Caveoso of Matera, whose origins date back to 1448, when the oldest part of the palace was built. Initially belonging to the patrician Ulmo family and later passing to the Ferraù, the palace underwent significant transformations towards the end of the 18th century, with the addition of neoclassical decorations, refined furnishings, white and gold stuccoes, mythological motifs, damask fabrics, mirrors, and marble consoles.

One of the most notable interventions took place in 1806, on the occasion of King Joseph Bonaparte’s visit: the entrance was moved towards Piazza Sedile, and the ballroom was festively decorated with white and yellow stuccoes and fabrics, along with mythological representations. Architecturally, the palace still preserves many period features, as it is composed of 17 rooms, most decorated with frescoes and original furnishings dating from the late 18th century to 1802. Among these, the ballroom is the decorative centerpiece, with a barrel‑vaulted ceiling, large mirrors, white‑lacquered marble consoles with gilded ornaments, mythological paintings on canvas, yellow‑gold damask furnishings, stuccoes, and frames.

From the hanging garden and the windows, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Sassi of Matera, the Rupe dell’Idris, and San Pietro Caveoso. In 1973, ownership passed from the Giudicepietro family to Aldo Bernardini, who, together with his wife Anna Rosa, restored and enhanced the building while preserving its originality and many of its decorative elements.

Curiosities

The ballroom preserves the “Favole de’ Falsi Dei” (“Fables of the False Gods”), twelve mythological canvases decorating the overdoors, as recorded in 19th‑century family inventories. Today, the palace is often chosen for artistic, cultural, photographic, fashion, and ceremonial events, thanks to the charm of its perfectly preserved period interiors.

Access

Palazzo Bernardini is currently active as an event venue, bed & breakfast, and is partially open to visitors.

How to reach it

Located in the historic center of Matera, in the Sassi district, the palace is easily reachable on foot from the city center, with parking areas nearby.

Thus, Palazzo Bernardini stands as a living testimony of the patrician residences of Southern Italy, with historical layers and artistic and architectural styles ranging from the late Middle Ages to Neoclassicism. Today, it is a place that combines hospitality, history, and culture in the unique monumental setting of the Sassi of Matera.

Photo credits: Isiwal (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0