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The church of Hagioi Sergios and Bakchos is one of the most important monuments of early Byzantine architecture. It was erected by Justinian between 527 and 536 at Hormisdas palace, below the Hippodrome, and stands, apart from minor modifications and the Turkish portico on the west façade, impressively intact to date. An octagon with a square is linked to the tradition of octagonal palace churches with galleries expanding the central nave on diagonal axes, colourful columns and the finest architectural sculpture. The earlier basilica of Hagioi Petros and Paulos, with which it shared narthex and atrium, was erected by Justinian too, probably between 518 and 520. Together they must have formed a complex liturgical plan of twin churches in the early Byzantine period. |
