The Space-Way and the Conquest of Heaven
The Space-Way and the Conquest of Heaven

Summary/Abstract: An ancient preoccupation with the organisation of the space dedicated to bringing sacrifice to God is demonstrated by all Holy Scriptures and by the archeology of the antiquity.Symbolic plastic elements can be easily identified in the architecture and iconography of medieval Moldavian churches. The present study demonstrates that these symbols are not used at random rather they constitute an integrated system, a coherent cultural ensemble. This testifies to the centrality of metaphysical issues in Moldavian culture in the 15th and 16th centuries.Geometric shapes are used in Moldavian art due to their symbolism connected to man’s journey from earth to heaven. This symbolism is easily accommodated by the structure of the sacred place. These shapes are also used to decorate ceremonial or funerary objects. This shows that Moldavian culture was highly creative, and did not employ these geometric images at random or mimetically. We can see in the organization of the sacred space, in the utilization of the ritual items a way of education that conveys the deep sense of existence to the believers.

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