Church of Virgin Mary (Council Church)

Located north of the Harbor Gymnasium-Baths complex, this church was probably the first known church in history dedicated to Virgin Mary as well as being the Ecumenical Council's meeting places where the principals of Christianity were discussed circa 431-439 AD. Built in the 2nd Century AD, this 260 by 30 meters monumental structure was initially a Museion, an academy for higher education that was later probably used for commercial purposes. This basilica-like structure was converted into a Church at the beginning of the 4th Century AD, during which an eastern apse was added, a columned atrium was built in the west and a circular baptistery was built to its north. The church had a wide nave and two side aisles, decorated with columns and plates. The Atrium floor's slabs were decorated inscribed. Small priestly rooms were located near the western apsidal wall. The main hall had a domed roof. During alterations circa 527-565 AD (reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I), a small domed church was built between the Basilica's apse and the narthex, with wide arched doorways giving access into the church and an exonarthex at the west side. Restorations to the church began in 1984.