Art, Liturgy and Symbolism in Early Christian Churches
A comprehensive survey, from the age of Constantine to the fall of Constantinople, of the nexus between buildings, worship and art.
Byzantine churches stand out for their unique integration of architecture, art, and liturgy, rich with symbolism. This photographic record showcases selected churches from four Byzantine capitals: Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Thessaloniki, Mystras, and Mount Athos. These capitals represent the heart of the Byzantine Empire, with Constantinople as its major city, Thessaloniki as a co-capital, Mystras as a medieval center, and Mount Athos as a spiritual hub for Eastern Orthodox monasticism. The book aims to visually illustrate the architecture and iconography of 69 significant churches across these capitals, featuring mostly one-page descriptions alongside color photographs. The author has personally visited all but five of these churches, each accompanied by a floor plan and a total of 391 color images among the 476 illustrations. These churches are crucial as they served as models for structures built throughout the Byzantine world. Remarkably, the Byzantine-style church continues to be constructed in Greek and Eastern Orthodox communities worldwide, even after the fall of the Empire, highlighting its enduring legacy.