28.03.2006
Episcopal Temple in Polistilo

Georgios Tsigaras Source: C.E.T.I./R.C. Athena © Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace

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LOCATION:It is situated on the top of the hill.

THE MONUMENT:It is dated in the 9th century.There are posterior 11th century repairs.The temple was probably built on the foundations of a previous paleochristian basilica which subulated to three conchas.
It is divided with colonnades into three aisles.It has a narthex and big arches wich connect the columns.
During the first phase, the main temple was divided with a colonnade into three aisles.During the second phase the columns were replaced with walls.The central aisle subulates on the east to a trigon external concha, while the conchas of the north and south aisles are escribed on the eastern wall.Remains of frescos have been found at the central concha wich indicates that there used to be frescos inside the temple.
The entrance of the narthex is in the middle of the west side channels with the main temple through three entrances.Some remains of the floor have been found at the north section.According to the excavator the construction of the north-east wing of the narthex is the base of the well-hole wich was leading to the attic of the temple.
There is an eight-sided baptistery on the north-east side of the building wich was a part of the former basilica.Very intriguing is the cross-shaped stone baptistery which was situated on the eastern wall for people to move around conveniently.The windows on the west side of the north aisle indicate that the baptistery used to be used as a chapel or an accessorial room.

Several toombs have been dug up one of them which was found on the north side of the temple is quite interesting.It is a sarcophagous which was propably an object of adoration and honor to an unknown local saint.The tomb is prominently situated and over its cover there is an icon-stand where the Saint's icon was probably surjective.The αρκοσόλιο built tomb next to the baptistery is very ineresting.In the αρκοσόλιο there is a painted rosette cross which is like the ceramic decoration dated in the 11th century.

Coins,Ceramics and several architectural items had been found in the basilica during the excavation.

The existance of the basilica, the baptistery and the other monuments show that Polistilo was a lively town not like the majesty of Filippi, though.