The basilica of Bishop Sophronios is an important early Christian monument, which is located east of Nikiti; it dates in the late 4th or early 5th century A.D. The church was built as a three-aisled, wooden-roofed basilica. In the apse of the sanctuary is preserved the synthronon with the bishop’s throne, while traces of the altar were also found.
The basilica of Bishop Sophronios is an important early Christian monument, which is located east of Nikiti; it dates in the late 4th or early 5th century A.D. The church was built as a three-aisled, wooden-roofed basilica. In the apse of the sanctuary is preserved the synthronon with the bishop’s throne, while traces of the altar were also found. The area of the sanctuary is also adorned with an opus sectile floor and is separated from the nave by a marble low iconostasis. The aisles of the nave are separated by colonnades.A mosaic floor was constructed in the central aisle where an inscription with the name of the donor, Bishop Sophronios. On the walls are preserved traces of frescoes. To the west of the basilica there is an atrium and a baptistery. The basilica was destroyed by an earthquake. The ruins of the atrium were repaired and re-inhabited, as evidenced by the abundant pottery, the existence of a cookhouse, a wine press and other agricultural facilities.
Today the basilica is partially restored with special care to the mosaic floor and is covered with a protective shelter.
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Monasteries of Mount Athos
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