The CHRIMA project: Investigating the rupestrian architecture in the Mediterranean area

Abstract: The architectures carved into stone, realized in a subtractive process starting from the natural environment are a typical human realization of the early times of our civilization. This rich, suggestive patrimony spreads all around the Mediterranean area and it is mainly made of human built caves, sometimes easily mistaken for natural phenomena, sometimes showing a clear architectural aspect in their façade or in the overall shape. These spaces were used in time as churches, cemeteries, depots, recoveries, houses and their remains show the remembering of a past based on hard living conditions but also of faith and relationship with nature. All these creations have common features, the clear persistence of solutions linked to material needs, but at the same time they show specific and local solutions according to the kind of stone, to the behaviors and to the climate of the area. The whole world of these settlements creates a sort of continuity in time and space, extending its presence in a common ancient language around the Mediterranean area starting from the prehistoric age to our days. The intention to document, survey, read, understand and divulgate the rupestrian architecture in the Mediterranean area is at the base of the CHRIMA project (Cultural Rupestrian Heritage In The Circum-Mediterranean Area). Starting from the works and researches from five University partners and three non-academic partners, based on the support of the “Cultural Program” from the European Community and the efforts of a large group of scholars, the project started in October 2010 and closed its first phase in June 2012, developing an huge digital and traditional documentation about various aspects of this particular patrimony. The paper proposed here want to present the CHRIMA project in the results achieved in two years of intense research activity and the contribution it can offer.