The Basilica

The Basilica in Nessebar is one of the impressive old buildings in Old Nessebar, and originates back in the late 4th century AD. The building we see today was finished in the early 9th century AD.

The basilica is 19 meters long, and out of a total width of 13 meters, the center nave is 9,3 meters wide which is an impressive span for a building of its time.

The apsis is unusual in its construction - it is round on the inside, but is made up of 3 straight walls on the outside.

Two rows of five pillars each separate the side naves from the middle nave.

It is a testament to the power of the church that the basilica was actually part of the bishop's residence and not the town cathedral.