The Catholic of Stilo. Survey and analysis of a Byzantine monument.

• Main Authors: Marinella Arena, Daniele Colistra, Domenico Mediati
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of L'Aquila 2015-07-01
• Series: Disegnare con
• Subjects: calabria, byzantine architecture, quincuncial plant, instrumental survey, geometric analysis,tarsic decorations.
• Online Access: http://disegnarecon.univaq.it/ojs/index.php/disegnarecon/article/view/74

The Cattolica di Stilo, one of the greatest monu-ments of Calabria, is the most important example of the secular Byzantine influence on this region. The Greek cross inscribed in a square, with its five domes, denounces his connection with an archi-tectural style of oriental origin. Although built in a remote province of the Empire, the Catho-lic is not the expression of a poor art; all poetics typical of Byzantine architecture are manifested with originality. The first paragraph, written by Domenico Mediati, analyzes the geometries and correlates with contemporary buildings (X-XI cen-tury) and similar in size and shape. The second paragraph, written by Marinella Arena, highlights the differences of construction compared to the theoretical form. The third paragraph, written by Daniele Colistra, reviews some representations of the monument trying to identify those who most influenced the collective imagination.