St. Erasmus in Isernia: a medieval cave church

Recent studies on the territory have rekindled interest in cave settlements. Thanks to the widespread use of digital technology and new architectural survey methods it was possible to perform a census of these underground structures identified by the local population. The structures were also classified and surveyed thereby helping to disseminate this data beyond our national borders. However, the general population is unfamiliar not only with the numerous caves located along the Apennine and sub-Apennine chain in the Molise region, but also with the paintings in underground places of worship which nevertheless do sometimes capture the attention of scholars. This article intends to contribute to the dissemination of the historical and architectural heritage of the Molise region and has taken as its emblematic case study the medieval cave church of St. Erasmus in Isernia. The study focuses on different aspects such as the architectural layout of the church and how it fits into the typological classification of the changes made to the natural cave. It then examines the liturgical area to understand the geometry of its spatial conformation, how it was modified, and its decorative features. Finally, the study also considers the relationship between the church and the new and old roads in the vicinity.