Saint Anne Church, Trabzon
The Church of Saint Anne (Greek: Ἁγία Άννα) is thought to be the oldest church in Trabzon city, Turkey, dating to the 6th or 7th century. It has not seen service in over a century, but has recently (2021-22) been thoroughly restored. With whitewash removed, all remaining fresco's have now become visible. The church is accessible to the public free of charge during daytime hours.
| Church of Saint Anne | |
|---|---|
 Exterior view of the church today | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Greek Orthodox Church |
| Rite | Byzantine Rite |
| Status | Publicly accessible landmark |
| Location | |
| Location | Trebizond, Turkey |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Monastery |
| Groundbreaking | 6th century AD |
| Completed | 7th century AD |
Architecture
The building is a small, early Byzantine-style structure, with a barrel vaulted nave and aisles,[1] and a sanctuary flanked by side-chamber formed from three curved apses.[2] Spolia is used in the building, with a classical sarcophagus used to form a tympanum over the main entrance door, showing a standing warrior and a winged Nike.[3]
It is possible the church was built around the 6th or 7th centuries AD. On a relief slab above the south door there is an inscription stating that St. Anne was restored during the joint reigns of Basil I, Leo VI and Alexander in 884/85.[4]
In 2021/22 the church was restored. Its exterior and interior cleaned. All whitewash was removed, making previously hidden fresco's visible. [5]
References
- Richard Krautheimer et al, Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992) p. 395
- A. G. Sagona, The Heritage of Eastern Turkey: From Earliest Settlements to Islam (London: Macmillan, 2005) p.170
- Antony Eastmond, Art and Identity in Thirteenth-Century Byzantium (London: Ashgate, 2004) p.20
- Anthony Bryer and David Winfield. The Byzantine Monuments and Topography of the Pontos. p. 218. ISBN 0-884-0212-2-X.
- Historic Little Quince Church welcomes its first visitors Anadolu Agency, July 7, 2022