built heritage patrimoniu construit YEAR Vill, * 30" ISSUE ANUL VIll.* NUMARUL 30Archaeological Contributions to the History of the St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Alba lulia 1 Abstract: The article presents the main results obtained through the archaeologi- cal researches conducted between 2000 ‘and 2011, at the interior and the exterior of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Alba Julia during the historic building’ conser. vation. Regarded as a whole, the invest gations have brought new information on the cathedral’s history, especially on the ‘eastern side, thoroughly studiod even since 2000, both on the outside (2000-2007) and ‘on the inside (2000-2004 the interior of the sacristy, 2010-2011 the interior of the Choir. For the first time, the ruins of the Romanesque semicircular apse, the ruins ofthe Gothic choir and ofits sacristy on the southern side have been highlighted. W Keywords: Mediaeval cathedral, sac: isty, Romanesque apse, Gothic choir, Alba Tulia ® One of the most important historic buildings in the mediaeval Kingdom of Hungary and in nowadays Transylvania, the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cathe- ral in Alba lulia has been during the last decades through a rehabilitation and conservation effort. The conservation of the northern chapel, of the western tow: jaroque sacristy, and especially hhave been accompanied by the recon- figuration of the stepping level, through which, in a suggestive way, the aspect of the historic building has boon restituted.* Built mainly during the 13% century, in a moment of strong affirmation of the Catholic Archdiocese of Transylvania, the cathedral has suffered minor additions in the modern period, preserving until today its original substance in a ratio unpars leled for its time. Due to incomplete w: 1 Archasologst, PAD, DAMASUS Lid, Braor Ramen. 2 Avalant of this article: Daniela MARCU ISTRATE, “Régieze aaldboka gyulaohervii Sorat Mian ‘inn Os solretythnck trentthoa” in A gyulx Jere! sehesey hie fszniiy, od. PAPE Sze (Budapest, 2012), 2182 “RESEARCH * CERCETARE = KUTATAS ™ Daniela MARCU ISTRATE’ Contributii arheologice la istoria Catedralei Romano-catolice Sfantul Mihail din Alba lulia 1 Rezumat: Articolul prezinté principalele rezultate obtinute in cercetarile arheologice efectuate in anii 2000-2011 in interioral gi exteriorul Gatedra- lei Romano-catolice din Alba Iulia, in timpul restaurarii monumentului. Privite in ansamblu, investigatiile au adus informatii noi despre istoria ca~ tedralei, in mod special despre partea estica studiatéi aménuntit incd din ‘anul 2000, atat in exterior (2000-2007) cat si n interior (2000-2004 interio- ral sacristiei, 2010-2011 interiorul sanctuarului). Pentru prima data au fost evidentiate ruinele absidei semicirculare romanice, ruinele corului gotic si ale sacristiei acestuia de pe latura de sud. © Cuvinte cheie: Catedral medievala, sacristie, absida romanica, cor go- tic, Alba Tulia Unul dintre cele mai importante monumente din regatul medieval al Ungariei gi din Transilvania actuala, Catedrala Romano-catolica Sfantul Mihail din Alba Tulia s-a aflat in ultimele decenti intr-un gantier de rea- bilitare si restaurare. Restaurarea capelei nordice, a turnurilor de vest, a sacristiei baroce si mai ales aminuntita restaurare a sanctuarului au fost {insotite de reconfigurarea nivelului de célcare, prin care, in mod sugestiv, a fost restituit aspectul monumentului.* Construita in principal pe parcursul secolului al Xill-lea, intr-un mo- ‘ment de puternica afirmare a Episcopiei catolice a Transilvaniei, catedrala a suportat adaosuri minore in epoca moderné, paistrind pang astaizi sub- stan{a originara intr-o proportie fara egal pentru epoca sa. in conditiile ‘nei informatii scrise lacunare si unor cercetari directe niciodat exhaus- tive, istoria catedralei este inca in dezbatere, cu toate progresele notabile {nregistrate in ultimele decenii.’ Pe langi studierea partir vizibile de-ca- tre arhitecti ¢iistorici, arheologia a adaugat mereu ceva important - dacd a avut posibilitatea sa se apropie de cladire. {in toate cele trei mari santiere de restaurare prin care a trecut catedrala s-au facut cercetéri arheologice, mai mult sau mai putin extinse, Primul 1 Arheolog. dr, DAMASUS Stl, Brasov, Romania, 2 O varianta a acetuiartiol: Daniela MARCU ISTRATE, Régésrai adaliknko gyulafohérvar ‘Szont Midly-székesegyhie fscontéyéinek és sokrestvijénok ténethor, io PAPP Soilird (ced), “A gytlafohérvéri s2dkosegyaée dezentélys’, Budapest, 2012, p, 21-42 8 Autorii principal ai subiectalui: ENTZ Géza, A gyulafehérvéri szchosegyhaz, Budapest 1958.; Idem, La cathédrale de Gyulafehérvir (Alba Tulia) in .Acta Historiae Arti’, V. 1-2/1958, p. 1-40; Virgil VATASIANU, [storia ortt feurdae in Tarile Romine, Bucuresti 1050. Sinteza stadiului actual al cunogtinjelor despre catedrals: Daniola MARCU ISTRATE, A gyulofehérvdsi rémai katolilus sxihesegyhdz é pispiki palota régéseeti Jutatésa (2000-2002), Budapest, Teleki Lisel6 Alapstvény, 2008; SARKADI Marton, 3 folviatva moget a régi mivet” Tanulmanyok a gvulafehérviri szekesegyhdz és puspoki palota torténetéré, Budapest, Telok’ Liszi6 Alopitvény, 2010. LAL“= RESEARCH “= CERCETARE “= KUTATAS Transylvania Nostra 1 Foto 1. Vedere de ansamblu in timpul cercetdrlrarheologice din coral goic '§ Photo 1. Overview during the archaeological researches in the Gothic chor intro acestea a fost activ intre 1898-1917, presupunand sapaturi ample in interiorul navelor si transeptului bisericii, de asemenea interventii majore in exterior. Au fost dezvelite partial ruinele catedralei romanice si ale ro- tondei, iar in exterior s-a realizat un canal de aerisire in jurul fundatiilor si s-a coborit nivelul de calcare foarte aproape de cota secolului al XUII- lea. Coordonatoru! acestui gantier a fost arhitectul Istvan MOLLER, iar cercetarea arheologica a fost condusa de Béla POSTA. Ample cercetari au avut loc intre 1968-1977, in cadrul celui de-al doilea gantier de restaurare, sub conducerea arheologului Radu HEITEL: interi- orul catedralei, de la limita arculut de triumf spre vest, a fost decopertat integral si investigat prin mai multe sectiuni. Rezultatele au fost invocate frecvent in diverse articole, dar nu au fost publicate intr-un raport detaliat.* Cercetarile atheologice au fost reluate in 1997, sub coordonarea au- toarei acestor rinduri, desfigurindu-se cu unele intreruperi pana in anul 2011 ~in paralel cu ample lucrarile de amenajare a terenului exterior si de restaurare a turnurilor vestice, corului, sacristiei si capelei Léz6.* in acest context s-a realizat o cercetare aplicata, adaptaté lucrarilor de restaurare si limitata in general la descarcarea de sarcina istorica a anumitor supra- fete. (foto 1) Supravegherea arheologica a sapaturilor utilitare a alternat cu efectuarea unor sondaje de cercetare, in timp acumulandu-se un material 4 ENTZ Géza, A gyulafehérvéri szbkosogyhéz, Budapest, 1958, p. 72.; Redu HEITE! Principalele rezultate ale cercetdrilor arheologice din zona sud-vesticd a cet de la ‘Alba Talo (1968-1977) in 1. Stud cercetari de Istorle voche (gh atheologie), I ‘36/1985, p.218.;n0ta 10. 5 Rodu HEITEL, Archdologische Boitrige 2u den romanischen Baudenkmélem aus Sadsiebenbargen, in ,Revue Roumaine d'Histoire de I'Art", IX. 2/1972, p. 189-160. dem, Principalele rezultate ale cercetarilor arheologice din zona sud-vestica a cotati do a Alba Talia 1968-1977) in 1. Stud 1 oorcetri de istare veche (si atheologie”, IL 36/1985, p. 215-251.; Idem, Principalele rezuttato ale cercetéilor arheologice din zona sud-vestcd a cet de la Alba Iulia (1968-1977). I. Piesole de metal in Studi si ‘cercetaride storie veche (st arheologie), I. 37/1906, p. 239-248, 6 Corcotarle realizate din 1997 pénd in 2002 au fost publicate intr-un detaliat aport tehnic. aparut in anul 2008 in limba maghiars gi in anal 2009 in limba romans. (Daniela MARCU ISTRATE, A gvulafehérvéri rémat kotolikus sebkosegyhd 6s pispiki palota régészet kutatéisa (2000-2002), Budapest, Teloki Lasel6 Alapitvény, 2000; era, Catedrala romano-catolica Sfantul Mihail si palatul episcopal din Alba Iulia, Crcetri arheologice 2000-2002, Alba lulia, 2009), Un scurt rezumat al acestorcercotii anterior ‘anului 2000: Daniela MAKCU ISTRATE, Catedrala romano-catolica gi palatul episcopal din Alba Iulia, Arhoologio g storie, catalog de expocite, Alba lulia,2000.; Idem, Erdély ‘ozoréves puspokségo. A gyuilafehérvéri Seent Mihdly Seékesogyhdz. é¢ Erseki Polota régéscol hutaisa 2000-2008, Budapest, Toieki Lészl6 Alapitvény, 2010. 4 LOI4/L ton Information and to never exhaustive diroct resoarch, the cathodral's history is still under debate, with all the remarke able progress ofthe last decades.” Beside the study ofthe visible areas by architects land historians, archaeology has always added something important ~ if it had the possibility to como close to the building. In all throo great conservation peti cds the cathedral has been through, more for less extensive archaeological research, has been conducted. The first of them ‘was between 1808 and 1917, with ample ‘excavations inside the church’s nave and. ‘transept, also with major interventions at ‘the exterior. The ruins of the Romanesque cathedral and of the rotunda were par- tially uncovered’. On the outside, a ven tilation channel was implemented around, the foundations and the stepping level ‘was lowered very close to the 13° century state. The coordinator of this conserva: tion site was architect Istvin MOLLER, the archaeological research being led by Bola POSTA. Extensive research took place be- tween 1968 and 1977, during the 2 con- ion sito, under the supervision of archaeologist Radu HEITEL: the interior Of the cathedral, from the limit of the tri ‘umphal arch tothe west, was fully uncov- ered and investigated in several sections. ‘The results were often invoked in various articles, but they were never published in ‘detailed report.” ‘The archaeological investigations ‘were resumed in 1997, under the super. vision of the author of these lines, being carried out with several. interruptions cuntil 2011 ~ parallel with the ample inte ‘ventions for the arrangement of the out- side area and for the conservation of the ‘westora towers of the choir, sacristy and 37 Mol authors on the subjects ENTZ. Gésn,A ‘gulaohérviisotlesegy has (Budapet 1988) ENT Gena, "La catbrale de Gyblaoheeve (Aba tli Ato Hsoroe Ari 12 (1838) 140; Virgll VATASIANU, stricta feudal In Tare’ Romine” (Bucuresti, 1950). ‘The fythasis of the present stage of knovlodge ‘on the cahedrel- Daniela MARCU ISTRATE ‘Apgoferece ria datos shes ( plspoki palts right! buttiva (2000— 12002) {Budapest Tolek Liss Alita, 3006), SARKADI Mérton. x forotea mgd (rig diet” Tanulnanyek 9 gustaria ‘edkesarhiz_ 6 paspakt pote ttéretér (Bucdapeet:Tloi Lassi Alpitvacy, 2010) 4 INTZ Gana, A gyuloohirart sadlasegrhs (Murlapst, i958) 72 Radu HEITEL, "Prin ipalelerezultate ale careirloe arhcologies ‘din zona sud-vetics a coi do a Aba Tula (3981077), 1 Std scored trie ve he (areal) 38 (1985): 218: not 10, 5. Red HETTEL, "Archioloische Beltage! 20 den romantachen Bendenkinalor aus S0de- stheabarpen” orue Noamaine dso de Tan 2 (1072) 10160: Nada HETTEL, “Pao ‘pulls rvaltte ale carer arholoiee ‘din zona sud-vesticd a cota da la Aba Tulle {3008-1077}, 1 Studi crete toro we. he (¢ arheoloie) 36 (1989): 215-231 Rada IMEITeL, “Principle rezulate ale cert lor acheologice din za sud-vestia et de Us Alb fli (1008-1077) Ih, Poole de ‘meta” Stud crest! de state veche( rheoingie) 37 (1980) 233-238.RESEARCH CERCETARE. “= RUTATAS EZ, aps rowan leva conl in epa gotick EE evan steristtgvice WH nisi’ potice Sera 1100 |N Fig. Plan genera cu evoltia pri de esto catedrolet |§ Figure 1. General plan with theevolution ofthe cathedrals easter side ‘of the L426 chapel’. In this context, an ap- plied investigation was conducted, adjust- fod to tho conservation interventions and generally limited to the archaeological discharge of certain areas. The archaco- logical supervision (Photo 1) of the utility ‘excavations alternated with conducting certain research surveys, over time accu ‘mulating an enormous material referring ‘bath to the cathedral and Episcopal Pal- ace, and to the general history of the Alba Tee resarch conducted between 1967 and 2002 were Published Ja ¢-dealed techn ‘al report, publlaed in 2008 in Hungarian fad in 2000 In Romanian. (Daniela MARCU STRATE, 4 gvulfehérn rmat datos sedkesegyhi 65 pspal pals regio! bu {aidsa (2000-2002) Budapest: elk Laszlo ‘Alapitviny, 2008); Daniela MARCU ISTRA. ‘Tk Comndrola mmano-cotaiea Sfntul boi) pola episcopal din Aba Ia Corea “rheologice 2000-2002 (Alb ula, 2000, Short summary of these eesarches price 1o ‘2000: Daniela MARCU ISTRATE. Catoralo Sun Atiy Senos tele alee nigce! kun 20002008 (adapt: Tn Hi Lisa Alaptvany, 2010) enorm referitor atat la catedrala gi la palatul episcopal, cat si la istoria generali a Cetatii Alba Iulia, material aflat in momentul de fata in diferite stadii de prelucrare. Arheologii au studiat fundatile catedralei, analizénd maniera de con- structie (materiale, combinatii, liant, modul de punere in opera) si contex- ‘ul stratigrafic in care se afla acestea (nivelul de constructie, straturile care s-au depus in conexiune cu anumite etape de constructie). De un mare folos in sistematizarea informatiilor au fost cele aproximativ 600 de mor minte descoperite in sipaturi, majoritatea datand din intervalul secolelor XEXUL, Pentru datarea structurilor zidite au fost esentiale numeroasele obiecte de inventar descoperite in sipaturi: fragmento ceramice, piese de port si de podoaba, obiecte de uz casnic, dar mai ales cele peste 300 de ‘monede din secolele XXVIII. Privite in ansamblu, cercetarile arheologice au adus informatii noi des- pre istoria catedralei, in mod special despre partea estica studiatd ama- ‘unfit inci din anul 2000, atat in exterior (2000-2007) cat gi in interior (2000-2004 interiorul sacristiei, 2010-2011 interiorul sanctuarului). (fig. 1) Aceste investigatii au permis reconstituirea principalelor etape de con- structie si identificarea unor repere cronologice. Astfel, pentru prima dati au fost vizibile vestigiile absidei semicircu- lare din etapa romanica, Ruinele acesteia se pastreaza in interiorul sanc- 7 Prozentaroa dotaliatd a rozultalelorprivind paroa estics a catedralel Idem, Régéscoti ada- kok a gyulajohérvéri Scont Mibdly-sebhesogyhéz fiszontélvének és sokrostveinek trté- ‘etéhez, in PAPP Sailénd rod), «A gyulafehérvarl sz6kesegyhéz {6szomtdlye”, Budapest, 2012, p. 21-42 LOL‘ RESEARCH = CERCETARE Transsylvanin Nostra -xsiwss oto 2. Runa absdel semicrculareacatedaei (in jur de 1200) 'm Photo 2. Te run of the cathedrals semicrcular apse (around 1200) tuarului actual, cu o fundatie din bolovani de piatra si fragmente de cara- mids gio elevatie din blocuri de piatra. Construita foarte ingrijit, absida a avut forma unui segment de cerc usor aplatizat, cu deschiderea de 8 m si 1ajimea la nivelul de demolare de 1,74 m (foto 2) in legatura cu datarea primei etape a catedralei Sf. Mihail, cercetarile arheologice din anti 2000-2002 au indicat ca santierul s-a putut deschide spre finele secolului al Xil-lea, activand practic in intreg secolul al XIII- lea." Absida semicircular apartine primei parti a acestui interval, fiind fincheiata inainte de mijlocul secolului al Xill-lea. Demolarea absidei a fost explicata cel mai frecvent ca o consocinti a distrugerilor provocate de invazia titard din 1241. in stadiul actual al cercetarilor, este insd grew sa ne imagindm ca o cladire cu peretii grosi de 1,35 m (corul), respectiv 1,74 m (absida) a suferit avarii atat de mari incat a fost necesard demolarea ei Pare mult mai plauzibil ca aceasta operatiune si fi fost determinata de nocesitatea extinderii spatiulut util al sanctuarului (fig, 2). Corul gotic? a fost construit in jurul absidei semicirculare, prelungind spatiul sacral spre est cu o travee dreptunghiulara si o absida incheiata in cinci Jaturi dintr-un octogon. Constructia a fost pornita cu o fundatie foarte lata, care s& sprijine in egala masura gi contraforturile, $i o elevatie din blocuri de piatra fasonate, groasi de 1,40 m. Deschiderea maxima a sanctuarului era de 8,50 m la limita absidei pentagonale, a cArei nastere era deplasata spre est cu aproximativ 2 m fati de forma actuala. Pe baza mormintelor descoperite in spaturi putem considera aceasta parte a bi- sericii finalizata in primele decenii de dupa miflocul secotului al XIM-lea. (foto 3, 4) Desi infrastructura corului a fost foarte solida, in timpul constructiei ‘au apart tot felul de ezitdri pe care astizi nu le putem explica. Cercetarea atheologica a constatat litimea inegala a fundatiilor, descentrarea elevati- Daniela MARCU ISTRATE, Catedrala romano-catolicd Sfantul Minail si palatul episco- pal din Alba Iulia. Cercetéri arhoologice 2000-2002, Alba llia, 200, p. 123, 9 ENTZ Géza, principalul autor al subiectului,argumenteazd doschiderea gantierului la sfarstulsecolulut al XT gi dezvoltara acestula in prima jumftate a secolulué al XI lea, ENTZ Géza, La cothédrale de Gyulafehérvar (Alba luli), in Acta istoriae Artur’ V, 1-2/1088, p. 20, 24-35. Virgl VATASIANU plaseuz deschiderea gantioralui dups {nwvaziattar, in cea de-a doua jumtatea socolulu al XIf-ee. Virgll VATASIANU, Istoria ‘rei feudale in Tarile Romaine, Bucuresti, 1989, p. 44-48, 52, Scurta sinted a probleme: Daniela MARU ISTRATE, Catedrala romano-catolica Santa! Mibail si palatal episcopal din Albo Iulia, Cerctar arkeologice 2000-2002, Alba Tuli, 2009, p. 87-00. bh L04/Z Talia Fortross, material boing currently in different stages of processing, ‘The archaeologists havo studied the foundations of the cathedral, analysing the manner in which they were built (aterials, combinations, binder, and im- plementation techniques) and the stratl- ‘graphic context in which thoy are placed (construction level, the layers that were deposited In connection with certain construction phases). Of great use in the systematisation of information wore the approximately 600 graves found in the excavations, most of them dating from the interval between 11" and 13% cen- turies. Vory useful for the dating of the Dbuilt structures were the many inventory ‘objects found in the excevations: ceramic fragments, pieces of costume and jewol lery, household items, but especially the ‘over 300 coins from the 11°13 century. ‘As a whole, the archaeological re- search brought new information on the Cathedral's history, especially regarding its eastern side, thoroughly studied even since 2000, both on the exterior (2000: 2007) and on the interior (2000-2004 the Interior of the sacristy, 2010-2011 the in terior of the sanctuary)’ These investiga- mas (Figure 1) have allowed the recon- struction of the main building stages and the identification of several chronological landmarks. ‘Thus, for the first time the remains of the semicircular apse from the Ro: manesque period were visible. are preserved inside the current sanctue ary, with a foundation of stone boulders land bricks and a protrusion of blocks of stone. Very carefully built, the apse had the shape of a slightly flattened segment of a circle, with a span of 8 metres and the width at the demolition level of 1.74 metres (Photo 2) Rogarding the dating ofthe first period ‘of the St. Michael's Cathedral, the archao- ological research between 2000 and 2002 has indicated that the construction might have opened toward the end of the 12% contury, activating practically during the entire 13° contury.? The semicircular apse belongs tothe first part ofthis inter. val, being finished bofore the middle of the 13 century. The apse's demolition has ‘been most frequently explained as a con: sequence of the de the Tartar invasion of 1241. In the current state of research hove difficult to Imagine that a building with walls 1.85 metres thick (the choir), respectively 1.74 metres thick (the apse) has suffered dam= age so great that it was necessary to do- rmolish it, More plausible seems that this ener santaacm ana sate ‘Seca Sree te Sorat ae emo serait eros‘operation was determined by the need to fextend the used space of the sanctuary (Figure 2). The Gothic choir? was built around the semicircular apse, extending the sa- cral space eastwards with a rectangular bay and an apse closed in five sides of an ‘octagon. The building was started with ‘ very wide foundation, which would ‘aqually support the buttresses and a pro- ‘usion of ashlar stones, with a thickness of 1.40 motres. The maximal span of the sanctuary was of 8.50 metres at the limit ff the pentagonal apse. whose spr was shifted eastward by approximately 2 metres from the actual shape. Based on the tombs discovered in the excavations, we may suppose this part of the church to have been finished in the first decades from the second half of the 134 century (Photos 2, 4. Although the choirs infrastructure was very solid, during construction all sorts of hesitations, which we cannot explain today, have appeared. The ar- cchacological investigations have noted the uneven height of the foundations, the misaligament of the elevations (only partly resting on the foundation), the lack of correlation between the intersection of the apse's sides and the placement of the buttresses, as well a tho incorrect assess meat of the interior stepping level, which ‘caused in the end a part of the elevation to remain buried. The discrepancies started at the baso were surely found up to the roof top in a way or another, generating 3 ENTZ Gira, the Tea author on tho subj goes the opening of the sia at tho end of the 12° cotury and ts development the frst half of the 13" century. ENTZ Géra, “La ital de. Gyultohéreér (Alb Il) ‘ta Hiri Arum 1-2 (1958): 20, 34-35. ‘ing VATASIANU places the opening o the tear th tartar invasion, he soot hal! Of the 19" cantar. Vin VATASIANU, Io ‘arte fadle in ole Romine Backrest 400) 4,52. Shor synessof te iste Daniela MARCU ISTRATE, Gtedrala romano Callicd Stal thal poate episcopal dn ‘ia ala. Creer) erheolgice 2000-2002 {Aba tala, 2000), 87-90. 1 Foto 3 Elevoria cor go (ante 1277) ‘Photo 3. Gothic choir protrusion ante 1277) ‘ss RESEARCH = CERCETARE KUTATAS Transylvania Nostra [aie nt ene nt =| nasi iene r 1 Fig 2. Sectine nord-sudin interiors cor actual cu runa abide romanice 1 Figure 2. North-south section in the present chor wit the ruin ofthe Romanesque apse ci (sprijinita doar partial pe fundatii), lipsa de corelare intre intersectia la- turilor absidei gi dispunerea contraforturilor, precum si aprecierea eronata ‘a nivelului de calcare interior, ceea ce a facut ca in final o parte a elevatiei si rimAna ingropata. Dezacordurile pornite de la baza se regiseau cu si- ‘gurant pnd la varful acoperigului intr-o forma sau alta, ceea ce a generat problemele de structura pe care aceasta parte a cladirii le-a avut deseori Cercetirile arheologice din partea de est a catedralei au condus la descoperirea unui compartiment ce rémasese necunoscut specialistilor: sacristie datand din secolul al XItI-lea, adaugata la putind vreme dupa construirea corului gotic, pe latura sudicd a acestuia. Sacristia gotica® a 10 tbidem, p. 100-104. 19 Foto 4 Fragment din pardoseotaoxiginard acorulgtic 1m Photo 4 Fragment ofthe origina or ofthe Gothic heir L04/L“RESEARCH “ CERCETARE Transylvania Nostra -miias | Usa sfpristiei 4] | | Fae ra Kae | Zook rhc a cArhid 9 enc zagrtvitd ae : era fun! om hese | ar 7 x ‘ont =o _} Fundatfa pomdnicd “Pc ine roam y ym — ba i . D _ Fundatia corului gotic Nygag ‘Contravortall ‘cofului ot 1m Fig. 3. Poromentu peretelul sud al catedrae vedere din interior sors ‘8 Figure 3. The facing ofthe cathedrat’s southern wol, seen from te interior ofthe sacristy fost o cladire rectangulara cu dimensiunile interioare 6,50 m x 6,20 m, latura sa de est prelungind primul contrafort al sanctuarului gotic spre sud, Elevatia acestei cladiri, cu 0 létime de 0,90 m, a fost construita in sistem emplecton, cu paramente exterioare din blocuri de piatra ecarisate {multe refolosite) si miezul din pietre de diferite dimensiuni gi fragmente de caramizi romane, legate cu mult mortar. Colturile dinspre sud au fost sprijinite prin doua contraforturi agezate oblic. Cercetarile de parament au aratat ca sacristia a avut doud nivele, ambele acoperite cu bolti ogivale ale ciror amprente au fost vizibile pe elevatia peretelui sudic al catedralei. Accesul la parter se realiza din biserica, iar accesul la etaj il presupunem din exterior, printr-un corp de scara ale cArui ruine au fost identificate la extremitatea sudica a peretelui vestic (fig. 3). joard a corului gotic nu cunoastem aproape nimic. lin caramida sugereaza existenta unor altare laterale, dar dominanta acestui interior o constituie numeroasele cripte de fan orientate in toate directiile si intersectate dezordonat ~ cele mai vechi da- tand probabil din secolul al XVI-lea. in timp, s-a ajuns la 0 aglomerare far ‘margini sila cereri care nu mai puteau fi satisfacute, ceea ce a dus la decizia dezafectaril intregii suprafete si construirii unei ample incaperi funerare sublerane. in interventiile enorme facute cu acest prilej, este absolut re- ‘marcabil faptul ci acele cripte vechi care mai erau intregi au fost golite cu ‘maxima atentie, astfel c& nimic din continutul lor nu a ajuns pana la noi, Cercetarile complexe realizate in anti 2010-2011 au confirmat faptul c& Ja mijlocul secolului al XVIIF-lea sanctuarul gotic a fost demantelat ap ximativ la nivelul de calcare din interior, cea ce insemna cu aproximativ 0,50 m deasupra nivelului exterior. Pe ruina astfel formatd a fost reagezatt elevatia, cu citeva modificiri de traseu pe care le-am amintit mai st Umarul sanctuarului gotic a fost anulat, limita fiind marcata de pilast baroci cu profil semicircular agezati pe umplutura rezultata din demolare. {in timpul acestei operatiuni este posibil ca pardosoala gotica din lespezi de piatra si nu fi fost demontata, deoarece coloanele baroce sunt ageza- 95 L04/L tho structural problems this side of the building often had, ‘The archaeological research conduct fed on the eastern side of the cathedral have led to the discovery of a compart: ment that had been unknown by the spe- clalists:a sacristy dating from the 13° cen- tury, added shortly after the Gothic choir ‘as built, on its southern side. The Gothic sacristy" was a rectangular building with the interior dimonsions of 6.50 metres x 6.20 motres, the eastern side prolonging the first buttress of the Gothic sanctuary to the south. The elevation of this bui ing, having a width of 0.90 metre, had em- plecton walls, with the exterior of ashlars (many of thom reused) and the interior of, stones of differont sizes and fragments of Roman bricks, bound with alot of mortar. ‘The southern corners were supported by two oblique buttresses. The building ar- cchaeology studies have shown that the sacristy had two levels, both covered by ‘cross vaults whose prints were visible on the elevation of the cathedrals southern ‘all. The access to the ground floor was made from the church and to tho socond ‘wostorn wall (Figure 3) We know almost nothing about the subsoquent history of the Gothic choir. ]MARGU ISTRATE, Catedral romano calcd Sftal Mia, 100-108Several brick foundations sugges texistence of lateral altars, but the domi- rant of this exterior is constituted of the many family crypts oriented in all direc tions and disorderly intersected ~ the old est dating probably from the 16% century. Over time, they became overly crowded fand the requests could not be satisfied ‘anymore, which led to the decision to de- ‘commission the whole area and to build a large underground funerary the enormous interventi ‘at this time, it is remarkable 1 crypts that wore still whole were emptied ‘with maximum cate, so that nothing of their content has reached us. ‘The complex research carried out {im 2010-2011 have confirmed that at the middle of the 18% century the Gothic sanctuary was dismantled to approxt- mately the inside stepping level, which was with approximately 0.50 metre above the exterior level. On the ruin thus formed, the walls were replaced, with several alterations that were mentioned above. The shoulder of the Gothic sanct ary was annulled; the limit being marked by Barogue pilasters with a semicircular profile placed on the filling resulted from the demolition. It is possible that during this operation the Gothic stone floor was not dismantled, because the Baroque col- te direct pe ea. Singura interventie pe care am observat-o la nivelul de calcare a fost transferarea scarilor de la limita umérului sanctuarului go- tic spre vest, aproximativ la limita fostului cor romanic. in concluzie, la ‘mijlocul secolului al XVIl-lea sanctuarul, aflat intr-o stare de conservare foarte proasta, a fost de fapt demontat si reconstituit, cu folosizea aceloragi materiale: un santier att de prudent incat clidirea a pastrat aerul gotic riginar, si doar foarte minufioase studii asupra paramentului au lasat si se vada o interventie atat de radical’." (ig. 4) La un moment dat, dupa reconstruirea sanctuarulut, sacristia gotica a fost si ea inlocuita cu o constructie noua, corespunzand sacristiei baroce actuale.” fn ce stadiu se afla sacristia goticd atunci cand a inceput con- structia baroca actuala? Era aceasta in picioare, partial ruinata sau demo- lata aproape complet? Putom spune doar 4 perimetrul era cunoscut, ast- fol ci latura de sud a sacristiei baroce s-a asezat pe latura corespunzitoare a sacristici gotice, iar peretele de est a fost agezat in exteriorul peretelui estic al sacristiei gotice, probabil lipit de acesta. Pe partea de nord a fost folosit peretele bisericii, ca gi in etapa anterioara, elevatia fiind tencuiti si zugrivita, iar acolo unde planul nu era regulat, in dreptul pilastrului si al usii, au fost realizate cimaguieli mai mult sau mai putin consistente, inclusiv profilaturi din tencuiala. Spre vest sacristia baroca a fost mai lata cu 1 m fata de forma actuala: ruina porotolui s-a observat la realizarea sistemului de canalizare din anul 2007, la o distanta de cca. 1m fata de absidiola sudica. Ti Dosbateroa detaliaté a acestui moment istoric in: PAPP Szilérd (rod), A gyulafehérvdni seéhesegyhz foszontélve, Budapest, 2012, p. 21-42. 12 Analiza paramentulu lari estice a sacristio a aritat cla faptul aceasta mu poste fi anterioard reconstruisli sanctuarului dela mijlocul secolului al XVIFea. cae) Elona to==- pee Coser EE pan ae i a 18 Fig 4 Sectune nord sud in Inerorl coral actot, cu evdentiereatnciperifuneraresubterane {Figure 4. North-south ection nthe present choi withthe marking ofthe underground burial chamber LAL‘RESEARCH * CERCETARE Transsylvania Nostra -xsinas i Rezultatele enuntate succint in aceste pagini au la baza studierea ami- nuntité a ruinelor descoperite in interiorul si exteriorul catedralei, in co- relatie cu mormintele, cu obiectele de inventar si mai ales cu depunerile stratigrafice. Desi aceste informatit si artefacte au fost recuperate intr-un santier de restaurare, in conditit deseori improprii unet cercetari arheolo- szice propriu-zise, insumarea lor contribuie esential la rescrierea istoriei monumentului, Bibliografie/Bibliography WENTZ, Géza, A gyulafehérvéri székesegyhdz, Budapest, 1958. WENTZ, Géza, La cathédrale de Gyulafehérvér (Alba Iulia), in Acta Historiae Artium”, V. 1-2/1958, p. 1-40, WHEITEL, Radu, Archéologische Beitrige zu den romanischen Bau- denkmalern aus Sidsiebenbiigen, in ,Revue Roumaine d'Histoire de Art’, IX. 2/1972, p. 139-160. MHEITEL, Radu, Archdologische Beitrige zu den romanischen Bau- denkmalern aus Sadsiebenbargen. Il (in Zusammenhang mit der ze- itlichen Bestimmung der ditesten Rotunda Ecclesia” Ruméniens und der Kathedrale I in Alba Iulia), in Revue Roumaine d'Histoire de art’, I. 12/1975, p. 3-10. WHEITEL, Radu, Principalele rezultate ale cercetarilor arheologice din zona sud-vestici a cetdtii de la Alba Iulia (1968-1977) in ,1. Studii si cercetari de istorie veche (si arheologie)", Il. 36/1985, p. 215-231. MHEITEL, Radu, Principalele rezultate ale cercetérilor arheologice din zona sud-vestica a cetatii de la Alba Iulia (1968-1977). Il. Piesele de metal in ,Studii $1 cercotari de istorie veche (si arheologio)’, I. 37/1986, p. 233-248. M MARCU ISTRATE, Daniela, A gyulafehérvari rémai katolikus széke- segyhdz és piispoki palota régészeti kutatdisa (2000-2002), Budapest, Teleki Lészl6 Alapitviny, 2008. M MARCU ISTRATE, Daniela, Catedrala romano-catolicé Sfantul Mi: hail si palatul episcopal din Alba Iulia. Cercetari arheologice 2000- 2002, Alba Tulia, 2008. @ MARCU ISTRATE, Daniela, Catedrala romano-catolicd si palatul episcopal din Alba Iulia. Arheologie gi istorie, catalog de expozitie, Alba Iulia, 2008. MMARCU ISTRATE, Daniela, Erdély ozeréves piispoksége. A gyu- Jofehérvari Szent Mihdly Székesogvhdz és Erseki Palota régészeti kr tatésa 2000-2008, Budapest, Teleki Lészl6 Alapitvany, 2010. Ml MARCUISTRATE, Daniela, Régészeti adalékoka gyulafehérvéri Szent Mibdily-székesegyhdz fészentélyének és sokrostyéjének torténetéhe: in PAPP.Szilérd (red.), ,A gyulafehérvari székesegyhéz fészentélye", Budapest, 2012, p. 21-42. MMARCU ISTRATE, Daniela, Régészeti adalékok a Szent Mihélyrél nevezett, gyulafehérvari rémai katolikus székesegyhdz térténetéhez, in KNECHT, Tams (szerk.), ,A gyulafehérvari Szont Mihdly-széke- segyhéz és érseki palota”, Kolozsvér, 2012, p. 77-82. PAP, Szilérd (rod.), A gyulafehérvdri székesegyhdz fOszentélye, Bu- dapest, 2012, p. 21-42. MSARKADI, Mérton, ,s folylatva magat a régi mtivet” Tanulményok a gyulafehérvari székesegyhdz és puspOki palota térténetérél, Buda- pest, Teleki Lészi6 Alapitvany, 2010. MVATASIANU, Virgil, Istria artei feudale in Térile Romine, Bucu- resti, 1959. VATASIANU, Virgil, Studi de arta veche romaneasca si universali, Bucuresti, 1987. 100 2014/2 uumns are placed directly om it, The only. Intervention we have noticed at stepping, lovel was the transferring of the stairs from the limit of the Gothic sanctuar shoulder to the west, approximately at the limit of the former Romanesque choir, ‘Asa conclusion, at the middle of the 18" century the sanctuary, ina very bad pres: cervation stato, was infact demolished and rebuilt, using the same materials: a con struction site so careful thatthe building has preserved its original Gothic air, and only very detailed building archaeology studios havo shown such a radical intor- vention.” (Figure 4) At a certain point, after the sanctu- ary’s reconstruction, the Gothic sacristy was also replaced with « new building, to tho present Baroque sacristy.” At what stage was the Got sacristy when the current Baroque build ‘ng was started? Was it standing, partially ruined of almost completely demolished? We can only say that its perimetor was Known, so that the southern sido oft Baroque sacristy was placed on the corre- sponding side of the Gothic sacristy, a the eastern wall was placed outside the jn wall of the Gothic sacristy, prob- ably adjacent to it. The wall of the church was used on the northern side, as in the ‘ious period, the wall being plastered whitewashed, and where the plan ‘was not regular, next to the pilaster and to the door, more or loss consistent coatings ‘wore made, including plaster profiles, To the west, the Haroque sacristy was 1 me- ‘re wider than the current plan: the ruin fof the wall was noticed during the im- plementation of the the sewage system in 2007, ata distance of approx. 1 motre from the southern apsidiole ‘The results succinctly statod in those pages haveat their base the thorough study of the ruins discovered atthe interior and exterior of the cathedral, in correlation ith the tombs, the inventory items and especially with the stratigraphic deposi Although this information and these ar- tefacts were recovered in « conservation ite, in conditions often unsultable for at- chaeological research, their summing up ‘contributes essentially to the rewriting of the historic building's history. Tr Tie Goallod tate ofthis histori building In: PAPP Sullisd ed. A gyulafhervart sess cexvdefazantlye (adapt, 2012), 21-42 12 Tho building archaslogy stady ofthe sac ‘yseastrn sido as clay shown that eal ‘not have bee bal befor he sanctuary ec ‘trcton at the ddl of the 1 coaty.