Balatlar Church

Balatlar Church is a rectangular basilica in Sinop with two cruciform chambers and thick stone walls bearing remnants of ancient frescoes showing religious figures. The structure sits within a large excavation site where archaeologists have systematically uncovered religious and everyday remains.

The structure started as a Roman bathhouse in the 3rd century and was transformed into a Byzantine church in the 5th century. This conversion reflects the shift in religious and social priorities that took place across the region during that transition period.

The frescoes on the walls show damaged depictions of Jesus, Mary, and various saints from different Byzantine periods, giving visitors a sense of how religious devotion was visually expressed. These images reveal the artistic traditions that shaped worship in this space over centuries.

Wear flat shoes for walking across the uneven excavation grounds with open areas and exposed foundations. Visit during warmer months when conditions are most comfortable for exploring the exposed structures and viewing the site clearly.

Excavations uncovered a stone chest that may contain a fragment of the True Cross, a discovery significant to believers worldwide. This finding places the site among locations of great spiritual importance beyond its archaeological value.