Rinaldo D'Alessandro

L’abbaziale di Santa Maria di Fontelaurato: cronologia, architettura e inquadramento nell’ambito delle prime fondazioni florensi

Introduction

L’abbaziale di santa maria di fontelaurato: cronologia, architettura e inquadramento nell’ambito delle prime fondazioni florensi. Esplora l'abbazia florense di Santa Maria di Fontelaurato: cronologia, architettura medievale e il suo ruolo cruciale nel XIII secolo, confrontata con San Giovanni in Fiore.

Abstract

Riassunto Il contributo affronta la fase medioevale dell’abbazia florense di Santa Maria di Fontelaurato, importante fondazione florense. Partendo dallo studio delle fonti documentarie si è potuto meglio specificare il periodo di costruzione del monastero. L’esame autoptico dell’edificio, inoltre, ha concorso in maniera decisiva al chiarimento di alcuni aspetti essenziali alla sua comprensione ed al suo inquadramento nella cultura architettonica del XIII secolo. Si sono dimostrati particolarmente rivelatori, a tale riguardo, l’esame dell’originaria funzione dei vani sopraelevati affaccianti mediante piccole finestre sulla crociera centrale e l’approfondimento dell’articolato sistema di illuminazione dell’area presbiteriale. Lo studio della chiesa e la ricostruzione della sua della morfologia medioevale, letti alla luce dei dati sulla sua cronologia, hanno consentito un confronto con le altre architetture dell’ordine florense. Si è così potuto specificare il ruolo assunto dalla fabbrica in oggetto. Essa, infatti, anche grazie alle più attuali acquisizioni sull’abbaziale di San Giovanni in Fiore, casa madre dell’ordine, non può più essere letta come l’adattamento del modello sangiovannese a un più modesto episodio fortemente condizionato da preesistenze, ma costituisce un importante precedente per il seriore cenobio.   Abstract The paper addresses the medieval phase of the florians abbey of Santa Maria di Fontelaurato, an important florians foundation. By analyzing documentary sources, it has been possible to more precisely define the construction period of the monastery. The autoptic examination of the building has also contributed decisively to clarifying some essential aspects for its understanding and its placement within the architectural culture 13th-century. Particularly revealing in this regard have been the examination of the original function of the elevated spaces, which overlook the central crossing through small windows, and the reconstruction of the complex lighting system in the presbyterial area. The study of the church and the reconstruction of its medieval morphology, when considered alongside chronological data, have allowed for comparisons with other florians architectural works. This has led to a more precise understanding of the role played by this particular structure. Thanks to recent studies on the abbey of San Giovanni in Fiore, the motherhouse of the order, this structure can no longer be viewed simply as a modest adaptation of the San Giovanni model constrained by earlier structures. Instead, it emerges as an important architectural precursor for the later development of San Giovanni’s church.

Review

The paper, "L’abbaziale di Santa Maria di Fontelaurato: cronologia, architettura e inquadramento nell’ambito delle prime fondazioni florensi," offers a compelling and timely re-evaluation of the medieval phase of the Florinese abbey of Santa Maria di Fontelaurato. The authors embark on a comprehensive investigation to more precisely define the monastery's construction period and firmly embed its architectural characteristics within the 13th-century cultural landscape. The study commendably combines robust historical documentary analysis with meticulous on-site autoptic examination of the building, providing a solid methodological foundation for its significant findings. The strength of this contribution lies in its capacity to unearth nuanced details critical for a deeper understanding of the abbey. Particularly revealing are the clarifications regarding the original function of the elevated spaces overlooking the central crossing and the intricate reconstruction of the presbyterial area's lighting system – aspects that significantly enhance our grasp of the building's liturgical and functional design. By integrating these specific architectural insights with refined chronological data, the paper facilitates a sophisticated comparative analysis with other Florinese architectural endeavors. This meticulous approach culminates in a fundamental re-appraisal of Santa Maria di Fontelaurato's architectural significance and its relationship to the broader Florinese building tradition. Ultimately, the paper’s most impactful revelation is its re-positioning of Santa Maria di Fontelaurato. Leveraging new scholarship on San Giovanni in Fiore, the motherhouse, the authors convincingly argue that Fontelaurato should no longer be viewed as a modest, derivative adaptation of the San Giovanni model, constrained by prior structures. Instead, it emerges as an "important architectural precursor" that significantly influenced the later design and development of the San Giovanni church itself. This challenges established narratives and provides a more sophisticated understanding of architectural evolution within the Florinese order, making this an invaluable and insightful contribution to the study of medieval monastic architecture.

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