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Apollonia: Churches

Unless otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jona Lendering. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes, but you have to acknowledge Livius.
The Western Basilica of Apollonia, seen from the east. We visited the site late in the afternoon, when the sun was in the west; this explains the deep shadows that make it almost impossible to see the apse. The Western Basilica is the smallest of the three churches of Apollonia; still, it has three aisles.
The same church, now seen from the east. Behind it was a little room that served as a baptistery.
The capitals of four columns of cipollino.
Some of the mosaics are left in situ. They were made from natural stone that was found elsewhere in the city.
The Central Basilica, seen from a distance, is a real forest of columns. This used to be the main church of Apollonia; it is mentioned by Synesius of Cyrene. The apse is in the eastern part of this basilica.
A part of the church. Behind the apse was a baptistery, which is quite interesting because there was an oven next to it: the water was not cold, but warm.
A capital.
In front of the apse, the ancient mosaics are still visible, and betray something of the splendor of this monument.
And a photo with backlight.
Constructed in the fifth century, the Eastern Basilica is one of the oldest churches in the world built in the shape of a cross. It was built over an older house that was built in the first century BCE, which explains why its entrance is to the north: you enter this church from the main road.
The apse, with a charming bema. It is in the eastern part of the church.
The apse again. The columns are from the stage of the theater.
The baptistery, from the sixth century.
And finally, a flock of seagulls.
© Jona Lendering for
Livius.Org, 2006
Revision: 19 June  2006
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