Megali Panagia, southern conch. (Photograph by I. Liakoura)

Area: Roman Agora, Athens
Type: Basilica
Date: 6th century

Description:

It is the Tetraconch in the yard of Adrianos Library in the Roman Agora. Nowadays, it is totally ruined. It was built in the middle of the 5th century, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in Athens. It had a central square hall with conches in its four sides – hence, it was named Tetraconch. Marble revetments and rich decoration characterize the building, which was associated with the Athenian empress of Byzantium, Eudokia. It seems that the monument was converted into a three-aisled basilica in the beginning of the 6th century, and in the following centuries it became known as Megali Panagia.

For further information see ODYSSEAS