Small Basilica, Plovdiv Explained

Small Basilica of Philippopolis
Map Type:Bulgaria Plovdiv city centre
Map Alt:Map of Plovdiv city center
Map Dot Label:Small Basilica
Map Size:250
Coordinates:42.1464°N 24.7579°W
Length:20 m
Width:13 m
Material:bricks, marble
Built:The second half of the 5th century AD
Abandoned:The end of 6th century AD
Excavations:1988, 2010
Archaeologists:Mina Bospachieva
Condition:Restored
Public Access:Yes

The Small Basilica of Philippopolis (Bulgarian: Малка базилика на Филипопол, Malka bazilika na Filipopol) is one of Plovdiv's most distinctive landmarks. The basilica is located on Maria Louisa Blvd in the central part of Bulgaria's second-largest city. The ruins of the early Christian church were found during construction works in the area in 1988. The three-nave basilica is an example of the exceptional skill of mosaic builders in ancient Philippopolis.

The basilica

The basilica was built in the second half of the 5th century AD and contained rich architectural decoration including a marble colonnade between the naves, a marble altar screen, a pulpit, and a synthronon in the altar apse. The total length of the building is 20 m and its width is 13 m. Originally, it was built as a three-nave basilica with one apse and a narthex. The floors are covered with colorful Roman mosaics with geometrical motifs. A small chapel is built against the south end of the basilica and a baptistery is attached to the northern part of the building. The total length of the church is 20 m and its width is 13 m. The baptistery has a square plan, and contains a cruciform baptizing pool and polychromatic mosaics. Deers, pigeons, and other Christian symbols were depicted on them.

Excavation and restoration

External links