La Cattedrale di S. Maria Assunta a Cosenza e la cultura artistica del meridione medioevale, tra tradizione locale e influenze francesi

The research focuses on the historical and architectural study of the Cosenza cathedral in Calabria, a crucial 13th century building in southern Italy. Despite the importance of the structure, there is no scientific monograph on the subject. Consequently, many aspects remain problematic. Starting with a detailed analysis of the building a critical edition of the cathedral has been provided. This was made possible thanks to a laser scanner survey and to the retrieval of all unpublished documentation on the restorations. Hence it was possible to provide a relative and absolute chronology of the construction phases. This first part of the work centred on the cathedral is followed by chapters focused on framing the monument within the architecture of Calabria, southern Italy and Europe, especially France. Some particularly interesting case studies were then analysed in this regard. This led to the investigation of the cathedral's role within the architecture of the Frederician era. Particular attention was paid to the study of the two vis de Saint-Gilles found inside the building as well as to the mausoleum of the Queen of France Isabella of Aragon, which can be interpreted as a true Parisian element implanted in Calabria. In this general framework, the fundamental contribution of Cistercian culture has not been overlooked, as witnessed by the figure of Luca, archbishop of Cosenza at the time of the cathedral's dedication, already abbot of the abbey of S. Maria della Sambucina in Luzzi (CS) and monk in Casamari. The research, therefore, maintains a wider perspective on the architecture of southern Italy in close comparison with contemporary French architectural experiences.