Basilica A
Albania /
Mallakaster /
Ballsh /
World
/ Albania
/ Mallakaster
/ Ballsh
basilica, ruins
Basilica A constitutes a three aisled church, with a semicircular apse and a tripartite transept. The component parts of the basilica were arranged at various levels, with a gradual elevation from the portico (the sitting banks survived from the ancient stadium and adapted as a monumental entrance toward the interior of the basilica) towards the narthex and the nave. The maximum dimensions of this monumental ensemble are a length of ca. 38 meters and a width of ca. 23 meters. The state of preservation of this monument allows an accurate determination of its planimetric and volumetric elements. The separation of the aisles is accomplished by an arcade, supported by pillars and blocks linked with mortar, resting on a high stylobate. The spaces between the pillars are closed by parapets. In the base of the semicircular apse is backed the three-stepped synthronon. In front of the synthronon is preserved the base of the altar table and the reliquary pit having a cruciform shape. The sanctuary, nave and aisles, the northern part of the transept and the narthex are paved with colorful mosaics, decorated with rich geometric, floral and zoomorphic patterns. The archaeological investigation of the monument has brought to light a rich collection of decorative sculpture - capitals, impost capitals, cornices, mullions etc. - of fine local limestone material extracted from the quarry of Byllis. Only the altar table of the second phase of the building and the colonnettes are of marble. The basilica was built in the first half of fifth century AD and was destroyed during the Slavic invasions of the mid sixth century AD (547-548).
Jan 2022: i.imgur.com/BHLJzDx.jpeg
Jan 2022: i.imgur.com/BHLJzDx.jpeg
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 40°32'28"N 19°44'17"E
- Amantia 17 km
- Antigonea 64 km
- Archaeological Site of Hadrianopolis 72 km
- Ancient city of Phoenice 74 km
- Ancient Aiane 182 km
- Αncient Nicopolis 189 km
- Ancient Palairos 211 km
- Atrax Acropolis 235 km
- Fàrsala Ancient Field 264 km
- The ancient citadel (Acropolis) in the position of Island of Lake Xynias in the limits of the Village Koromilia 273 km
- Nikaia 2.2 km
- Ballaj 2.9 km
- Mallakastër District 4.9 km
- Reservoir Lake 10 km
- Bregas Lake 10 km
- Lake 12 km
- Berat District 23 km
- Vlorë District 24 km
- Fier District 25 km
- Tepelenë District 31 km