Tetraconch - Megali Panagia Chruch

Abstract

~A 40 meters long structure, containing four apses, was found within the confines of the Library of Hadrian. Dated from the 5th century AD, this is one of the earliest architectural evidence of Christianity in Athens. Parts of the foundations and the lower walls are still visible. The structure had a central square room with four conches that were accentuated by interior colonnades, an interior corridor that surrounded the room, a simple east-facing apse and a large narthex and atrium on the western side, suggesting it was a church. The walls were covered by marble revetment and the floors were decorated with mosaics. To the west, a broad hallway gave access to the structure through three doors. The building had a centralized plan that was distinctive to Churches of that period. The expensive materials that were used, suggest it was an imperial building, the founder of which was probably either Herculius Governor of Illyriko (408 - 412 AD) or the Athenian Empress Eudocia (423 - 460 AD). The building was probably abandoned during the Slav Invasion of 582 AD. In the 7th century AD a large three-aisled basilica was built over the central building of Hadrian's Library. The eastern apse and part of the colonnade of this building are still visible. In the 11th or 12th century AD, the basilica was replaced by an aisle-less, domed and cross-shaped church that was called Megali Panagia. The structure was damaged by fire and subsequently demolished in 1885.