The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo: creating space by removing rock

Useful to know

The Ivanovo complex includes churches, chapels, monastery spaces and cells in the valley of Rusenski Lom. UNESCO connects the beginnings of hermit cells with the 12th century and highlights the 14th century frescoes. [1]

The architectural difference to a free-standing building is clear: here space is created by processing the rock. Therefore, the question "where is the facade?" does not exhaust the reading of the object.

When considering a scheme, separate the natural array of the formed premises. Then look for how the mural uses the particular interior surface. It's a way to connect the image to its place, not to perceive it as a portable picture.

Do not place all parts of the complex in a single moment. A hermitage beginning, development of the premises and picturesque decoration may belong to different stages. The source describes them separately.