Church of St John Aliturgetos, Nesebar, Bulgaria

The Church of St John Aliturgetos is located in Nesebar. The church was not consecrated, hence the name - aliturgetos is the Greek for 'not consecrated'. The legend says that one of the builders fell down and was killed. The church canon did not allow a place where a man had been killed to be used for worship, but according to some records services were held in it.

The church was badly damaged during the 1913 earthquake. Its ruins in the southern part of the peninsula show that it must have been one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Nesebar. It is a domed cruciform church with three altar apses and a narthex. It is 18.5 m long and 10 m wide. The base of the cruciform part of the church is almost quadrangular, shaped by four columns. It has mixed masonry: stone and brick; the facade walls are segmented by blind two-step niches decorated with various geometrical patterns from bricks and stone cubes (ceramic plastic style).

The church was built in the 14th century; it has two entrances, from the north and south, which is rare in the architecture of church buildings.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Bulgaria

User Reviews

Anca Serban (2 years ago)
A stunning monument and amazing place you definatelly need to see if you plan to visit Nessebar.

František Tulec (2 years ago)
A beautiful monument. One of the many must see places in Nessebar.

Mapo Papo (2 years ago)
Incredible piece of History ! The most ornated church built in the 13-14th centuries. Well preserved and stands out with its still visible glory !

Aleksandar Jović (4 years ago)
It was established in the 14th century. The church was not consecrated. According to the legend one of the workers lost his life during construction so this place cannot be used for worship.

Andy Sawford (7 years ago)
A lovely church over looking the sea. The views from here are stunning. A must for any trip.

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