Church of Prophet Elijah (Thessaloniki)

The Church of the Prophet Elias (Greek Ναός Προφήτη Ηλία ) is a Byzantine church from the time of Palaeologus in Thessalonica. It is located south of the Olimpiados Street in the Upper Town and is since 1988 part of the UNESCO World Heritage ( Early Christian and Byzantine buildings in Thessaloniki ).

History

Some researchers assume that it is the monastery church of the monastery of Nea Moni in the Elias Church, others identify them as Church of Akapníou Monastery. After conversion into a mosque, it was referred to as Saraylı Camii. The designation as Elias Church is recent. In the years 1956 to 1961 were carried out reconstructions, where the " mighty outer pillars " have been removed.

Construction and Equipment

The domed epiphany from Athostyp and four small domes on the corner spaces in the interstices of the apses is unique in Thessaloniki. The large dome has a diameter of 5.5 meters. The three arms of the naos are closed by polygonal apses, which are organized on the outside through windows and arcades in two stories. To the west is an almost square narthex closes, whose cross vault werdenm supported by four columns and is presented to an open hall. The masonry ashlar and brick layers does not correspond to the usual in Thessaloniki, but has the church in Constantinople Opel.

In the narthex and fragmentary in the main room and in the chapels murals are obtained, which are dated to the period around 1360 and show miracles of Christ, scenes from the life of Jesus and saints.