The Saint Michael’s Church is a 14th-century Byzantine Orthodox church built on a steep rock below the southern side of Berat Castle. Rising above the houses of Mangalem, the small domed chapel is one of the most strikingly situated medieval buildings in Berat. Constructed during the first half of the 14th century, the church follows a cross-in-square plan without internal supporting columns. A dome on an octagonal drum rises above the center, while a narthex occupies the western end. Its walls use the Byzantine cloisonné technique, with carefully arranged rows of stone separated by red brick. This patterned masonry gives the exterior much of its character. Only limited traces remain of the wall paintings that once covered the interior. The architecture is therefore the principal feature, particularly the balanced proportions of the dome, drum, apses, and small arched openings. Its compact design shows how a complete Byzantine church was adapted to an exceptionally restricted rocky site.
Unesco: Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
Thank you Lara!
Date: Sept 10
Post a Comment