Bziza

There are many Roman sanctuaries between the Nahr Abu Ali, which empties itself into the Mediterranean Sea near Tripoli, and the Nahr al-Jahwaz, which has its delta near Batrun: for example at Amioun, the temple was replaced by a church that is still in use, and at Aïn Akrine, where two sanctuaries were beautifully placed on a hilltop. The temple of Bziza, which was built in the second century, is more modest.

Built in the Ionic building order, it is has been well-preserved because it was converted into a church in the early Byzantine age. Inside, you can still see the niches in which statues must have stood.

When the temple was converted into a church, its orientation, which used to be from the northwest to the southeast, was changed. A new entrance was made in the southwest, while the northeast wall was replaced by an unusual double apse.

Bziza, Roman temple

Bziza, Roman temple, Capital

Bziza, Roman temple, Lintel

Bziza, Roman temple, Apse