Sacred Architecture & Art of Four Byzantine Capitals

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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.