The synergy of architectural, cultural, and natural elements in the formation of the medieval Armenian st. Mary rock church in Matera

The article delves into the historical and cultural intersections between Armenians and Italians in Matera, a city in the southern Italian province of Basilicata, during the 10th-11th centuries. The focal point of the study is the St Mary Armenian Rock Church of Matera (Chiesa Santa Maria degli Armeni di Matera), an original monument attributed to Armenian monks and utilized by the local Armenian community in that specific historical period. The church is considered a part of the ancient Benedictine monastery of Armenian monks, underscoring the significant authority and role held by the Armenian clergy and community during that era. The primary objectives of the research include a chronological examination and structural analysis of the St Mary Armenian Rock Church. The study aims to explore the development of a distinctive spiritual environment within specific topographical constraints and shed light on the historical timeframe of Armenian presence in this region. Notably, the church is the first religious structure to be constructed on the outskirts of the city. The structural analysis relies on existing medieval documents, and the study delves into the unique multi-premise structure and compositional solutions characteristic of the site. Despite the limited availability of source data, the author conducted field research to gain insights into the historical and cultural milieu of the time. The findings allow for a comprehensive understanding of the rock-hewn complex, revealing typical architectural and artistic solutions employed in its design.