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).

Type of Data Point - Publicly Available Information

Basilica A - Byllis - Public Info

Visit page of the element - Basilica A - Byllis

Inserted: 09-04-2023 05:04:54