Memoriae of cruciform ground plan in Istria and Dalmatia
Pavuša Vežić
Generally speaking, paleochristian memoriae have emerged out of the funeral traditions pagan world Antiquity with its particular expression cult deceased, sustained culture that had come Christian theology and aesthetics. It came together new architectural forms some which were characterized cross-like forms, not only as a general symbol faith, but also spatial projection, model after one to build. is defined by two axes cross at right angle, framework overall composition, factor building’s extension in entire length width, well height building dominated marked dome. This structure expresses own essence, memorial use paradigm. Through form function, these buildings become distinguished phenomenon civilization, valued architecture from late antiquity Romanesque period. Mature space intended for particularly when small cruciform churches are question, remarkably expressed preserved chapel St. Lawrence, widely known mausoleum Galla Placidia, identical once located ends narthex Ravennate church Holy Cross. The lower Theodoric’s Ravenna cruciform, however should remember emperor Justinian’s tomb Constantinople Apostles. was demolished 15 century, whole complex, through historical sources. Together memoriae, such tombs could – directly or indirectly influence formation Adriatic cultural landscape Late paper elaborates group approximately fifteen demonstrate their funerary functions perseverance plan within ambiance. A numerous southern Istria, consists Pula cathedral baptistery, chapels basilica Sta Maria Formosa Mathew’s Pula, Catharine on nearby islet supposed Andrew an island front Rovinj. To concentration link early-mediaeval chapels, Clement Thomas’ near latter’s already commented Ivan Matejcic follow repeat features. Among features there three protruding apses similar those Catharine’s. Therefore, it seems measures pre-Romanesque taken Byzantine buildings, rather than distant Carolingian examples Italy France. Earlier later Istrian treated here typological emphasized regional continuity. Their differ less important details, e.g. facades being either flat articulated lesenes. common are, other hand, elementary four branches dome hidden drum, dimensions proportions. An element interest octagonal upper part Catharine’s Andrew’s These probably reconstructions older solution. Within supposedly construction, dome, trula, Pietro Kandler has named it, relating Longboard architecture. carried squinches. solution is, actually, tradition area influences. constructed above consecrated Mary Mater Domini (Theotokos), built next Felix Fortunato Vicenza, 6 century. same followed very Paduan San Prosdocimo, memory erected Santi Apostoli Verona. On Clement’s did type this yet another significant difference rectangular areas apses. Another example stands Euphemia Saline bay Lim channel. Early rear. Lateral reduced; they much shorter one, give impression transept branches, group. walls no evidence neither vaults nor Differently unity early mediaeval Dalmatia show variability theme, noticeable physiognomy earlier examples. For instance, baptistery Baska Krk orderly relatively short unarticulated walls, baptistery. ground Martin’s Cres considerably different. larger building, function related villa rustica. apse, like Pula. Its traces vaulted constructions. In phase, used parish church, Dalmatian triconchal churches. articulation different all Cyprian’s Gata. outside, while inside inscribed round outer surfaces narrow niches relief thickened angles. Memory Cross Nin apse body rear branch. However, flanked smaller apses, i.e. total. Other half-dome angular squinches below drum inside. Ivo Petricioli long ago suggested proportions indicate influences further corroborated shallow niches. do appear architecture, so be dated into 10th 11th Zadar - contemporary capitol Theme Vitus whose features, both building. Furthermore, compared Donatus Kornic Island. apparently plan, still consider type. rectangular, indications branch inscribed, similarly Nin. lateral sides chapel. them, spacious central section Miljenko Jurkovic plausibly 12th I believe confirms continuity Istria proven constructions, unknown title Crkvina Kasic, Biljani Donji, been period.  spite individual differences paper, groups assembled numerousness similarities plans functions. Also, centres, Ravenna, Zadar, characteristics ambiance Dalmatia, context long-lasting functions,