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A medieval basilica

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alexander stefanatos

Premium (Pro), thessaloniki

A medieval basilica

Greece
West Macedonia
Region of Prespes Lakes, at the fronters with Albania and FYROM
Medieval remnants of St Achilles basilica

The remnants of the great basilica of St Achilles is the most photographed monument on the lake Mikri Prespa. St Achilles was a large basilica built between 983-986 by the Bulgarian Tzar Samuel when himself and other nobles tried to resist to the Byzantine empire expansion and keep this long disputed area as an independent Bulgarian territory. After the Christianization of Bulgaria several Orthodox churches have been built on that territory with St Achilles the most imposing. Therefore traces of early medieval Bulgarian painting and sculpture appear in the ruines and in the inner side of the apse are written names of bishops. All these are presently housed in the museum of the nearby greek town of Florina. The basilica was eventually destroyed by Latin mercenaries in 1073.
The visit of the remnants is particularly impressing in winter time when the view through the three arches of the sanctuary over the surrounding lake and the snowcovered mountain peaks, pops like a film on a screen.

Comments 14

gilles Boisset 18/03/2016 15:28
un magnifique N&B qui met parfaitement en valeur ces vieilles pierres chargées d'histoire.
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s. sabine krause 10/02/2016 17:03
WOW, what a show! hard to find words for the magnificence radiating from this image! the spectacular light falling on the ancient ruins, creating some very dramatic, almost operatic shadows – very impressive in an almost acoustic way: i imagine the walls literally ring with glory and grandeur… in a way, the sense of roundness adds an amphitheatrical ; ) feel to it! fascinating details in the rock, too! my mind is playing tricks on me, as i'm suddenly seeing hints of human shapes in the dilapidating walls. greetings, sabine.
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Vera Shulga 19/01/2016 20:15
very nice presentation of this ruin with interesting historical info to it
well done in monochrome
greetings, vera
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Mirjam Burer 18/01/2016 12:16
Most impressive picture with a lot of drama due to the great light and tonal range...I always like the textures in your images Alexander..
big compliment and thank you for the explanation..
liefs
Mirjam
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Mi P. 17/01/2016 23:26
klasse SW Umsetzung, sehr gut!
LG Micha.
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mike snead 17/01/2016 20:59
wunderbar.

did you use a red filter?
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sparkling light 17/01/2016 13:56
Very nice point of view / composition, giving the photo great depth. Lovely contrasts, fine exposure and details.
gr. Jost
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artphot36 17/01/2016 10:53
superbe réalisation tout en nuance, merci pour l'explication, amitiés
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Harold Thompson 17/01/2016 9:36
Strong detail in the ruins of the famous buildings
:-)) Harold
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Sue Thompson 17/01/2016 9:28
A superb photograph of a very impressive ruin. The details and tones are excellent.

:))
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Johanna C. 17/01/2016 8:02
Beautiful this basilica, a great mood and rendering image, compliments
Best regards, Jo
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adriana lissandrini 16/01/2016 23:25
a magnificent photo of the ruins of a beautiful basilica, made with strong contrasts and great definition in an excellent b / w. Perhaps little known, but truly worthy of admiration. Compliments, Alexander!!!!
cari saluti Adriana
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Adele D. Oliver 16/01/2016 22:57
a very picturesque view at these old ruins, excellent composition, exposure and toning ... great details and splendid sky and very interesting information !!
greetings, Adele
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Cameraqueen 16/01/2016 22:12
A perfect b&w of this special place. Compliments, Alexander!
Greetings,
Sabine
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