Post-Byzantine Church Architecture in Cyprus, 1191-1571

Yioutani-Iacovides, M

Abstract

Post-Byzantine Church Architecture in Cyprus during the period 1191-1571is crucial in the history of the island's architecture. It was influenced by two different traditions: the eastern Byzantine and the western medieval Gothic-Renaissance This architecture has been undervalued and only briefly discussed by scholars and historians, whereas the firescoes in the monuments have been thoroughly studied. This thesis seeks to establish how Post-I]yzantine Church Architecture developed under the influence of the historic circumstances of that time. it deals with Post-Byzantine architectural styles, lljcantine and Franco-Býwantine, the churches' typology, and the construction technology employed throughout the island. The research method has pursued two lines: extensive recording by visits to the churches and a review of the relevant literature. The intention of this research was to consider and study all the Post-Byzantine churches (around 301 churches) that were built or altered in the period 1191-1571, and which have retained their Original characteristics until the present day. Extensive visits were only possible to 206 of them; the others were studied through the literature, earlier photos, drawings, engravings and historical maps. An additional valuable source of information has been the fivsco-icons that illustrate models of the churches. The method of analysis was based on the classification of the churches according to their architectural style, types and their chronology. The thesis is divided into three parts (seven chapters). The first part tram historical information from the survey of the literature and analyses the author's observations after an assessment of the structural condition of the churches. The second, and main part describes the historical value of the churches and examines the development of the churches' architectural styles and types, their characteristics and architectural details. It also looks at construction materials, methods and techniques, and examines the geophysical characteristics of the island. ne third part sets out the conclusions.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 1, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17638/03175061
• Award Date: 2003