The anthropized hypogean structures of Molise, a case study: the church of Sant’Antonio Abate at Pietracupa,

The natural limestone of the Molise’s hills together with tectonic and erosive activity have favoured the creation of areas that are difficult to access, which in time became the sites of fortified settlements but also hermitages. Today, the function of these spaces has changed and they are now the subject of various types of research. Compared to other Italian regions, in Molise these sites have only recently come to the fore in academic discussion, immediately followed by the realisation of the need to identify, catalogue and record them. Therefore, research has begun and the results will be entered in a geographic information system (GIS), which in addition to georeferencing the sites will also facilitate a complete investigation of the phenomena of anthropized rock-cut structures, research that will also be of use with regard to tourism. The first results show some differences in the function of these underground structures. Residential settlements can be recognised by the presence of wells, cisterns, hearths, and steps, while cult sites are identified by altars, aedicules and sacred images. Naturally, the co-existence of elements from both types indicates an alternation in function, as is the case at Pietracupa. Investigations undertaken here have identified about twelve sites used for cult and/or residential purposes. The uncertainty of the number or function is due to the fact that the study is ongoing and that it is not always possible to identify evidence that shows the structures were used as dwellings. However, in some cavities, the research has been successful and now their location, history, and spatial configuration are known, as is the case of the church of Sant’Antonio Abate.