Le fasi duecentesche della chiesa abbaziale di San Giovanni Battista a San Giovanni in Fiore

The study of the Florense Abbey has long been focused on finding architectural correspondence to the theories of the renowned abbot Gioacchino da Fiore, founder of the order. However, the recent discovery of the Florense protocenobium in the locality of Jure Vetere has overturned the prevailing orientation on the chronology of the church, allowing the reopening of the topic with a particular focus on the material aspects of the structure. The analysis of the construction leads to new considerations about the building’s construction phases and their relative and absolute chronology. The new interpretation of the building and the correct framing of its phases allow for an examination of the church’s role in the culture of its time. Far from being an isolated and provincial manifestation, the building is deeply rooted in the Cistercian tradition with close ties to the Cathedral of Cosenza and the world of Frederickian architecture.