Matera has once again become an international film set as production begins on the third season of Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints, the acclaimed docudrama conceived, hosted and produced by the Oscar-winning Italian American filmmaker.
Filming is scheduled from July 20 through July 30, 2026, across the Sassi districts and Matera’s historic center. Selected locations include Piazza Duomo, Via Fiorentini, Via Madonna delle Virtù, Via Bruno Buozzi, Via Muro, Vico Solitario, Rione Malve and Via Casalnuovo.
The new season will use Matera’s ancient stone architecture to recreate episodes from the lives of Saint Nicholas, Saint Christopher and Saint Augustine. The production is being handled in Italy by Rome-based Lupin Film, with filming also taking place in Rome.
The Saints combines dramatic reconstructions with historical and religious analysis. Scorsese serves as narrator and executive producer, bringing to the project his lifelong interest in Christianity, faith and spiritual transformation. The first season premiered on Fox Nation on November 17, 2024, and consisted of 8 episodes devoted to figures including Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Saint Sebastian, Maximilian Kolbe, Francis of Assisi, Mary Magdalene and Moses the Black.
Matera has repeatedly attracted major international productions because its caves, churches and limestone streets can convincingly represent ancient biblical and Mediterranean settings. The city previously hosted films including The Passion of the Christ, Ben-Hur, Mary Magdalene and No Time to Die.
Its UNESCO-listed Sassi now provide a natural stage for Scorsese’s exploration of faith, sacrifice and human resilience, further strengthening Matera’s position as one of Italy’s most distinctive cinematic locations.
