The cross-shaped church
In Palaeologan times a free cross-shaped
church was founded to the east of the citadel of Rentina. The original height
is still evident, as a large portion of the dome has survived. The church was
erected in the east section of the fortifications, though they had ceased to be
effective from as early as the mid-12th century.
The floor plan is typical for this type of
cruciform church. An octagonal dome with a high cylindrical drum rests
on four vaults that form a cross; the vaults are in turn supported by a series
of rectangular blocks that function as corbels, protruding from the church walls.
There are four windows in the sides of the drum, alternating with niches full
of ceramic decoration. The arches and niches are framed by brick arches which
support the curved, indented roof cornice . The main structure has four
further windows, one in each wall and in the three-sided apse. The walls were
built of roughly hewn stones and bricks, most of which derive from older structures
in the castle. The ceramoplastic dome decorations resemble those in churches in
Thessaloniki
and Mount Athos, lending weight to the hypothesis
that the church was founded in the first half of the14th century.
Archaeologists have investigated a group
of children's graves by the southwest corner of the church.
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