The Compound of Basilica belongs to the 5th-6th century A.D. and it is located in the center of Onhezmi Castle in the eastern part. Architecture: the nave is 24.10 meters long and it is divided in three compartments by three arcades constructed above the pilasters. The central compartment measures 24.10 x 8.15 meters. A very rare case is that the apse on the eastern side has a radius of 2.60 meters and is inside the perimeter walls of the Basilica. The northern compartment measures 24.10 x 4 meters while the southern one is undiscovered. The floor of the basilica offers three-stage mosaic panels. The early phase presents mosaics of the Roman type (two sea lions) of a Roman villa. The second stage of the floor is mosaic with geometric decoration. The third phase represents later mosaics with geometric decor. The most prominent symbols of the mosaics are circles, quadrilaterals, hexagons, fish scales, fish, various figures of birds, goats, etc. The Synagogue is located in the western wing of the Basilica. This expresses the existence of a Jewish community in Onhezmus in the Vth century A.D. Of interest is the mosaic floor that has a seven-branched candlestick (menorah). It includes an Etrong (tasteless but fragrant citron) along with a shofar (ram's horn) which are two important Jewish symbols that usually accompany the menorah.

Type of Data Point - Publicly Available Information

Early Christian Basilica and Synagogue - Saranda - Public Info

Visit page of the element - Early Christian Basilica and Synagogue - Saranda

Inserted: 10-04-2023 19:04:25