"The Indelible Armenian Legacy in Apulia: History, Architecture, and Faith (Casale Fazioli and San Bartolomeo di Padula)" by Carlo Coppola
During the Byzantine domination (6th–11th centuries), Armenian communities settled in Apulia (Puglia) as part of imperial repopulation policies. Soldiers, officials, and colonists from Armenia were strategically deployed to strengthen Byzantine control and revitalize the rural economy. These settlers introduced crucial agricultural expertise, construction techniques, and cultural traditions that left a profound and lasting imprint on the region. The presence of Armenians in Medieval Apulia is a key chapter in its history.
Siponto: The Casale di Fazioli and Architectural Synthesis
An emblematic example of this settlement is the Casale di Fazioli (or Faziosi), founded in the 10th century near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Siponto, situated between Manfredonia and Foggia. A Jewish community also coexisted in this area, underscoring its cosmopolitan nature, and the Port of Siponto became a bustling hub for trade and pilgrimages.
The Armenians, celebrated for their mastery of religious architecture, introduced the use of domes and vaults in local churches. The Basilica of Siponto, erected in the 11th century, clearly reflects these influences: its square plan, the dome resting on four pillars, and the column decorations echo Armenian architectural traditions, blending seamlessly with the Apulian Romanesque style in a unique example of cultural fusion.
In 1219, Pope Honorius III formally recognized the Armenian presence at Fazioli, sanctioning their coexistence with the Jewish community while clearly prioritizing the stability of the Christian community. Beyond religion, the Armenians of Siponto also introduced significant agricultural innovations, transforming local farming practices—particularly viticulture and olive cultivation—through advanced techniques.
Castellana Grotte and the Cult of St. Bartholomew: An Armenian Hypothesis
In the territory of Castellana Grotte, the Contrada of San Bartolomeo is notable, named after the rock church of San Bartolomeo di Padula. This dedication carries particular significance: Saint Bartholomew the Apostle evangelized Armenia and serves as patron saint of the Armenian Church, the world’s first Christian nation (301 AD).
Due to the distinctive orientation and residual original features of the rock church, Professor Cosma Cafueri is currently conducting studies exploring whether this church may have been previously connected to a synagogue structure.
It is worth noting that Castellana was founded in 901 through monastic colonization, in a territory rich with caves and rock settlements ideal for communities accustomed to troglodyte life. However, unlike Siponto, direct documentation of an Armenian presence in Castellana is currently lacking. The indirect evidence—the dedication to Saint Bartholomew, the 10th-century Byzantine context, and the rock settlements—makes the hypothesis plausible, but only rigorous archival research and thorough archaeological investigation can provide confirmation.
Enduring Legacy: From Textiles to the Nor Arax Settlement
The Armenian legacy in Apulia extends beyond architecture to encompass agricultural techniques, the textile arts, and Eastern liturgical traditions. In the 20th century, Armenian refugees fleeing the genocide arrived in Bari, founding the village of Nor Arax and perpetuating the tradition of Oriental carpet weaving.
Medieval Apulia was truly a cultural crossroads, and the Armenian community has left indelible traces in the region's landscape, art, and traditions.
Original Italian article: In Città Giovinazzo.
Tags: Armenian Legacy, Fazioli, San Bartolomeo di Padula, Siponto, Bari, Architecture
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