Saint Maria of Palomba
Built in the late 16th Century, on the edge of the Gravina di Matera, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba is an important place of worship. A much older, stone church occupied this location and has been incorporated into the newer, Romanesque-Renaissance style structure. Its history, which alternates between periods of splendour and of abandonment, is linked to some miraculous events which have apparently occurred while in the presence of an indoor fresco known as “Madonna with Child”.
The church’s facade has numerous carved stone decorative details, the most notable being a work by Giulio Persio, which represents the Holy Family. Entering, along the right wall of the church, some niches house other statues by the same artist.
Twin-headed LED projectors (3W per spot) illuminate the unique nave of the church. Wide beams of light underline the vault’s back and side frescoes, and statues.
The lighting design illuminates with a precise uniformity, enhancing the single nave, the presbytery and the important architectural details. Among the objectives of the design, was the wish to also lower energy consumption while simultaneously creating the best combination of light that is comfortable and increases visibility.
PRODUCTS USED
Exenia: Museo and Museo Small, equipped Medium and Wide optics (40W CRI 85 – 3000K); M4 projectors on Eurostandard Track, equipped with aiming, locking optics (all are Medium, CRI 85 – 3000K).
Summary
Built in the late 16th Century, on the edge of the Gravina di Matera, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Palomba is an important place of worship. A much older, stone church occupied this location and has been incorporated into the newer, Romanesque-Renaissance style structure. Its history, which alternates between periods of splendour and of abandonment, is linked to some miraculous events which have apparently occurred while in the presence of an indoor fresco known as “Madonna with Child”.
The lighting design illuminates with a precise uniformity, enhancing the single nave, the presbytery and the important architectural details. Among the objectives of the design, was the wish to also lower energy consumption while simultaneously creating the best combination of light that is comfortable and increases visibility.
