Byzantine Architecture

If you are interested in Byzantine Architecture, a great place to see many churches of this style, is Greece. Due to the Turkish and the influence of Constantinople, many of Greece’s churches are built in the Byzantine Architectural style.

In Peloponnese, there are several road side churches with beautiful and ancient Byzantine features. This architecture is also greatly influenced by the Roman Emperor, Constantine, and his empire after A.D. 330. This was called “New Rome” later to be named Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul.

The early byzantine architecture was basically an extension of later Roman Architecture. Brick, plaster and stone are used in this architecture as well as interior decoration. This architecture is very popular in Greece with byzantine churches in Athens, Peloponnese and Naxos Island.

The byzantine chapels on Naxos Island date back as far as the 9th and 15th centuries. The restoration of these chapels has revealed many frescoes and paintings not seen for many centuries. On the road to Sangri there is an 8th century Byzantine Cathedral called Ayios Mamas. This Cathedral fell into disrepair during the Venetian period, but has been partially restored.

In Sangri, another church Ayios Nikolaos, dates back to the 13th century. It has been very well preserved and is wonderful to visit. Another great Byzantine style chapel is the Kaloritsa chapel near Halki. It has a cave inside the hilltop ruins of the chapel. The frescoes in this chapel date back to the 10th century.

These are just a few wonderful examples of Byzantine Churches where one can witness amazing architecture in Greece.