Constanța, Romania, July 14, 2021
Photo: focuspress.ro
A 1,700-year-old basilica discovered under a school in the Romanian coastal city of Constanța will soon undergo extensive restoration.
Constanța City Hall issued an Urban Planning Certificate on Friday in order to obtain the building permit for the investment aimed at rehabilitating and enhancing the historical monument, reports the Basilica News Agency.
The Paleochristian basilica of the Roman-Byzantine era was discovered by chance in the inner courtyard of Mihai Eminescu National College in 1962, though to date, no steps have been taken to preserve the discovery.
According to historians, the basilica was home to the Diocese of Tomis, with hierarchs being buried in the rectangular crypt that was part of the archaeological discovery. Several walls of the former church, with a vaulted ceiling and three niches also survive.
Photo: focuspress.ro
The walls of the crypt are painted with geometric, floral, and plant motifs that could have disappeared permanently, being severely affected by moisture and water infiltration.
The crypt also has two pieces of marble from the episcopal altar, with the sign of the Cross depicted over an orb, and a bird, possibly a dove a symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
