Small Church — Chapel

The Byzantine Chapel inside the Castle

Walking the stone streets of Amasra Castle, one place where you can feel the layers of the past: the remains of a small Byzantine-period chapel. This structure was used actively throughout the Byzantine period as a renowned place of worship, but fell into neglect during the Ottoman period and was largely destroyed over time.

What Remains?

The part of the building still standing today is quite limited, but academic archaeological surveys have established the original plan:

• Plan type: A cross (Greek cross) plan incorporating a narthex, corner rooms and apses
• Size: Relatively small, on the scale of a monastic chapel
• Floor: Known to have had mosaic paving; however, the floor mosaics and foundation stones were removed by clandestine diggers (treasure hunters)

Connection to Büyükada Monastery

Researchers associate this chapel with church structures on Büyükada (the island 150–200 metres off Amasra). Both structures are thought to have formed a monastic complex together. The rock-cut steps climbing from the south-western slopes of the island to the summit also support this connection.

Visiting

On the old town walking route, right beside Amasra Castle and Fatih Mosque. The remains may appear quite modest; but for anyone wishing to understand Amasra’s Byzantine layer, this is an indispensable stop.