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The Acropolis of Thessaloniki, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, has played a pivotal role in the region since its establishment in ancient times. Its enduring significance in the history of Thessaloniki, particularly during the late Byzantine period, was not merely as a residential neighbourhood but as a stronghold of ecclesiastical grandeur. This role was emphasized by the magnificent sacred temples within its confines, presided over by the Archbishop. Furthermore, the Acropolis served as a sanctuary for the city’s elite, as historical records suggest.
Architectural Unveiling
Recent excavations, conducted at 5 Stergiou Polydorou Street, have uncovered a hitherto unknown church from the Palaiologian era, situated a few metres north of the Acropolis’s exit gate. This archaeological discovery is of profound significance as it offers a unique glimpse into the ecclesiastical and cultural aspects of the late Byzantine Thessaloniki.
The excavation revealed approximately half of a multi-sided (pentagonal) sanctuary, believed to have been constructed in two distinct phases. The walls of the sanctuary are constructed from a combination of stones and bricks, with some of the bricks bearing crosses. The masonry work, however, displays an unconventional style, using earthen material as the binding agent. In close proximity to the mural-adorned sanctuary wall, archaeologists also unearthed the Holy Altar, a meticulously constructed cube-shaped edifice.
Iconographic Discoveries
Besides the architectural marvels, the excavation has brought to light valuable iconographic elements. Two construction phases have been identified, reflecting distinct artistic endeavours. It is in the sanctuary’s upper section that a pebble mosaic, featuring the depictions of St. John the Baptist and a military saint, was discovered. The placement of this mosaic, situated between the sanctuary wall and the Holy Altar, is indicative of a significant phase in the church’s history. The imagery offers an invaluable window into the religious art of the era.
A particularly noteworthy find was the remains of intricate wall paintings, several fragments of which boasted layers of gold leaf. These fragments have allowed scholars to partially reconstruct an image that represents Theotokos Platytera, a masterpiece that originated during the second decade of the 14th century (1310-1320). This artwork serves as a testament to the artistic excellence of the Palaiologan era in Thessaloniki.
The artistic significance of the discoveries in the church is remarkable, as they enrich our understanding of the religious art of late Byzantine Thessaloniki. They also underscore the spiritual and cultural dimensions of this historical period, particularly in the context of ecclesiastical architecture.
Chronological and Historical Significance
The temporal context of the church’s construction and use is of great historical interest. The excavation, along with numismatic evidence and the identification of Latin inscriptions, indicates that the cemetery and the church with its polygonal sanctuary were established in the mid-13th century. This temporal setting aligns with a tumultuous period in Thessaloniki’s history following the Latin conquest. The city was marked by power struggles, violent clashes within its walls, the coexistence of diverse rulers, and the crowning of monarchs within the city. Ultimately, this era concluded with Thessaloniki’s submission to the Ottomans.
The church, during its second construction phase in the early 14th century (around 1310-1330), exhibits a dynamic architectural development that speaks to the period’s artistic and religious changes. Subsequently, the church’s abandonment and destruction at the close of the 14th and commencement of the 15th centuries mark the end of its historical journey.
The church’s temporal history is a testament to the city’s transformations, serving as a valuable historical artifact and a point of reflection on the ever-evolving cultural landscape of Thessaloniki.
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