Koimesis tes Theotokou-Chonika
| Department | Archive |
|---|---|
| Collection | Byzantine Research Fund |
| Reference No. | BRF/01/01/12/030 |
| Level | Item |
| Place |
Chonika |
| Dates | 1907-1908? |
| Donor/Creator |
Harvey, Mr William |
| Scope and Content | Upper row: 'West elevation (left) - East elevation (right), Lower row: North elevation. The drawing is entitled in ink:'Argolis Chonika Church of the Koimesis'. It is labelled in ink: 'West Elevation', 'East Elevation', 'North Elevation'. It is numbered in ink (no 3) in the upper right-hand corner. This drawing was part of the 1936 Exbhitiion at the Royal Academy and was panel 511 in the catalogue |
| Further information | The church at Chonika, which is dedicated to the Dormition (Koimesis) of the Theotokos, lies in the middle of present-day Chonika village. The impressive monument stands on a three-stepped crepidome. It is of the tetrastyle inscribed cross-in square type with dome and narthex. Two large crosses decorate the lower part of the walls. Regular cloisonné has been used for the walling. Dentil courses and pseudo-Kufic inserts enliven the exterior. The east façade up to the level of the windows is built exclusively of marble. The dome as well as the gable-windows have been destroyed. Thus the aesthetic impact of the church is considerably diminished. Based on specific features, research considers the monument to be of a relatively early date: the Chonika church has been dated to the 12th c. |