Panagia Chalceon
The Church of Panagia Chalkeon ( Greek Παναγία των Χαλκέων Panagia ton Chalkeon , Virgin of the Coppersmiths ) in Thessaloniki is a Byzantine church from the 11th century. The church, located on Dikastirion Square north of Egnatia Street in the former quarter of the coppersmiths, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1988 ( early Christian and Byzantine buildings in Thessaloniki ).
history
The church, consecrated in 1028, goes back to the Protospatarios and Katepano (senior officer and governor) of Langobardia ( Apulia ) and his wife Maria Katakalis (donor inscription at the west entrance). The donor's inscription names the location in a "previously shameful place" (πρην βέβηλος τόπος), which suggests that a Greek temple used to be located here. During the Turkish occupation, the church was converted into a mosque (Kazancılar Camii).
In 1972, the Greek Post dedicated a postage stamp worth 4.50 drachmas to the Church.
Construction and equipment
The brick building (hence the "Red Church", Kokkini Ekklisia) was built according to the classic plan of a cross- domed church over a Greek cross and has four columns with trapezoidal capitals and three domes (one central dome with a high drum and two over the two-story narthex ). In the east the hieron is added with an apse closed on three sides and two adjoining rooms. The exterior with pointed gables is adorned with various arches and pilasters , in which the influence of the architecture of the capital Constantinople can be seen. Inside, the original furnishings with marble incrustations and frescoes have largely been preserved, although not in good condition. The painting program includes scenes from the Christological cycle.
Individual evidence
Web links
Byzantine bath | Hagia Sophia | Hagios Demetrios | Hagios Nikolaos Orfanos | Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior | Church of Agia Ekaterini | Church of the Holy Apostles | Church of St. Pandeleimon | Church of the Prophet Elias | Latomos Monastery | Panagia Acheiropoietos | Panagia Chalceon | Rotunda | City walls of Thessaloniki | Vlatades Monastery
Coordinates: 40 ° 38 ′ 13 ″ N , 22 ° 56 ′ 38 ″ E