The Chapel of Saint Matthew stands just outside the old city walls of Bitonto. Historical records about it are scarce, but one fact is inevitable: it belonged to the Bove family—later known as Bovio—who used it as their private place of worship.

The chapel was founded in 1270 by Sergio Bove, the family's forefather, and was dedicated to Saint Matthew, the patron saint of Ravello, the family’s town of origin.

The building has a simple layout, with a single nave and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Midway through the space, an arched structure juts out, following the vault curve—likely added for support. The apse is semicircular and faces east, following medieval liturgical tradition. Inside, the decoration is minimal. The altar, holy water font, and stair railing all display romantic-style details added during a late 19th-century restoration.

In the 1800s, the church underwent significant changes due to urban development. The street level around it was raised significantly, and the chapel risked being buried. To solve the problem, the front of the building was raised, preserving its medieval style and creating a connecting corner between the square and the adjacent road. This intervention is commemorated by a plaque inside the chapel.

One of the building's most distinctive features is the bell gable a single arched bell tower typical of churches built during the Angevin period. Another striking element is the hanging pulpit, which juts out from the wall with a bold, eye-catching design. On its front, a carved coat of arms reflects a 19th-century renovation.

These unique elements make the Chapel of Saint Matthew a singular example in Bitonto’s architectural landscape.