These frescoes are part of the rupestral settlements which include the masseria ("farmhouse") of Jesce, the Masseria of Carpentino, the Masseria of Fornello, the Crypt of San Michele delle Grotte, and Grotta dell' Angelo dating from the 14th to 16th century.
In these rural settings, the ipogei settlements represented important centers of social and religious activities. The communities of this area created their own cultural identity, finding artistic expression in works of religious iconographic art.
Between the 8th and the 12th centuries, small monastic and lay communities emigrated to Southern Italy. The high Murgia was one of the places of major activity due to it being the point of contact between two religious currents: the Latin Monastic tradition and the Basilian monks from Cappadoccia (Turkey) and Armenia, of Greek Orthodox origin.
Participants will also create their own frescoes employing traditional techniques and materials- from making the plaster,' sinopia' underdrawings, and painting with natural pigments.
