Chiesa degli Ottimati, Byzantine church in Reggio Calabria, Italy.
Chiesa degli Ottimati is a Byzantine church in Reggio Calabria with a square floor plan defined by four columns at its core. These support a series of domes of varying heights and widths, creating distinct compartments that shape how light and space flow through the interior.
The church was built in the 9th century when Calabria was under Byzantine rule, which shaped its architectural design. This early medieval period left a lasting mark on how the building was constructed and decorated.
The name refers to wealthy merchants who supported and maintained the building over generations. Walking inside, you notice how ordinary people over many centuries shaped this place as a spiritual center through their devotion.
The church sits in central Reggio Calabria and is easy to find on foot through the city streets. Inside, the columns and domed sections create a sense of separate zones, so take time to look around each area.
Inscriptions inside show Arabic texts mixed with Christian elements, suggesting that different groups of worshippers used the space across different periods. These marks remain visible and offer a rare glimpse into the region's complex past.
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