Near Filippi in Kavala, Macedonia and Thrace, Greece — Ελλάδα (Southeastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula)
Basilica
It was built as a great three-aisled, timber-roofed basilica with a transept on the east side. Its dimensions are 130x50 m. There is a monumental semi-circular propylon with marble stairs that leads from the Forum to the columned courtyard of the temple. From the courtyard, two entrances lead to the four-sided atrium, which has galleries on its three sides (east, north and south) while its western side is shaped as a two level fountain.
The connection between the atrium and the vestibule (narthex) is achieved through three entrances. On the northwest side of the narthex, the Baptistery as well as the staircase which led to the women's quarters of the church are preserved.
From the vestibule, the faithful were entering the naos (nave) via three entrances, a central triple entrance (tribelon) and two simple ones on the side. Two colonnades with 15 columns each, divided the church into three aisles. In front of the bema (presbytery) the colonnades bent at right angles to the north and south respectively, forming the transept, a rectangular area perpendicular to the rest of the temple. As a result the temple opens up in its eastern part obtaining the shape of "T."
The church had a saddleback timber roof. The floor of the bema and the transept was paved with marble inlay (small pieces of marble that formed geometric shapes) while the floor of the naos was paved with marble slabs. In the central aisle, parts of the ambo (pulpit) are still preserved and in front of the bema the stylobate of the templon is maintained. There are also traces of the base of the altar as well as the synthronon with the seats of the priests. The aisles were separated by panels leaned on the pillars of the colonnades while panels from colourful marbles consisted the templon of the church.
This magnificent temple, which is distinguished by its size and impressive sculptural decoration (capitals, pilaster-capitals, panels), was built in the late 5th century AD, that is around 500 AD. After its destruction, probably by an earthquake, the church was not reconstructed. But in the southwest corner of the atrium, where there was a Roman cistern, at a place identified by tradition as the prison of Saint Paul, a chapel was built after the 7th-8th century from which there are scant remains today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 41° 0.767′ N, 24° 17.082′ E. Marker is near Filippi, Macedonia and Thrace, in Kavala. Marker can be reached from Agiou Christoforou west of Filippou, on the right when traveling west. This marker is located in the archaeological park, and is the last marker encountered before crossing the modern day roadway to get to the other side of the road where the Roman forum is located. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Filippi, Macedonia and Thrace 640 03, Greece. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Christian Philippi (within shouting distance of this marker); The Octagon at Philippi (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Annexes to Octagon at Philippi (about 120 meters away); Ancient Theater (about 210 meters away); Philippi (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Archeological Area Filippi (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Black Sea - Silk Road (approx. 11.5 kilometers away); Neapolis-Christoupolis-Kavala (approx. 13.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Filippi.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 27, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 28, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.