---
title: Kemerli Church
slug: kemerli-church-6cbfd
url: /detay/kemerli-church-6cbfd
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Kemerli Church
  type: article
  disambiguation: Kemerli Church: Explore the 13th-century Byzantine church in Turkey, featuring stunning frescoes & architecture.
  categories:
    - name: General Knowledge
      slug: genel-kultur
      url: /kategori/genel-kultur
    - name: Architecture
      slug: mimari
      url: /kategori/mimari
    - name: Travel And Tourism
      slug: seyahat-ve-turizm
      url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm
  tags:
    - Kemerli Church
    - Panagia Pantobasilissa
    - Frescoes
    - Preservation
    - Architecture
author: Melike Saraç
created_at: 2025-06-23T08:46:58.182860+03:00
updated_at: 2025-06-23T11:31:58.721405+03:00
---

# Kemerli Church

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Kemerli Church" -->

## KURE Information Cards

### KURE Information Card: Kemerli Church (Panagia Pontobasilissa Church)

![Ek Açıklama 2025-06-23 085032.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/06/23/Trir1aDUUS6N0zhf8dVmnSdcM50jXGbF.jpg)
*T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı*

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Plan(lar) | Greek cross Domed Four columns |
| Feature(s) | First church with painted interior walls |
| Period(s) | Late 13th century |
| Usage | Storage, Private ownership Place of worship after restoration |
| Frescoes | 14th and 18th century (1723) Multi-layered |
| Dedication | Panagia Pantobasilissa |
| Location | Tirilye Mudanya,Bursa-Türkiye |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Kemerli Church" -->

## Article Content

[Kemerli Church](/en/detay/kemerli-kilise-0b2e1/llms.txt) is located in the town of Tirilye (Zeytinbağı), part of the [Mudanya district](/en/detay/mudanya-district-4176e/llms.txt) in Bursa Province, Türkiye. The structure is also known as the Panagia Pantobasilissa [Church](/en/detay/church-of-saint-john-kaneo-a10db/llms.txt). Due to its architectural features, frescoes, and historical documentation, it is considered a significant monument within the Orthodox Christian world.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/06/22/YQFo1XFGNhAPdBz5YNkGihWtG6mpgL5S.png)
*Kemerli Church (T.C. Mudanya Kaymakamlığı)*

### **Dating and Dedication**

Based on its masonry technique and architectural characteristics, Kemerli Church is estimated to have been constructed in the late 13th century. A manuscript prepared by traveler Dr. John Covel in 1676 refers to the church as being dedicated to Panagia Pantobasilissa (Virgin Mary). This dedication underscores the sacred function and religious context of the building.

### **Architectural Features**

The church is built in a Greek cross plan aligned along an east–west axis. It features a prominent dome supported by four columns, which are traditionally believed to have been brought from Alexandria. The capitals of these columns are ornamented. The external buttresses that support the structure include arches, which gave the church its name “Kemerli” (Arched) Church. Locally, it is also referred to as the “Little Hagia Sophia.” The walls and dome of the church remain structurally intact today.

### **Frescoes and Interior**

Kemerli Church is considered to be the first church with painted interior walls. The first layer of frescoes dates to the early 14th century, while the second layer is attributed to the 18th century (1723). The interior decorations include a soldier figure holding a sword, another figure with a globe and spear, the winged Archangel Michael, and various scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Compared to its relatively plain exterior, the church’s interior is significantly more elaborate in terms of decoration and iconography.

### **Usage and Preservation**

The church sustained severe damage during the earthquake of 1855, which resulted in the collapse of its bell tower and dome. Following the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye, the building passed into private ownership and was used as a storage facility. Having remained abandoned for many years, it was eventually purchased by Elpidophoros Lambriniadis, who was appointed by the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Metropolitan of Bursa. It has been reported that the structure will be restored and used again as a church.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Kemerli Church" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Mudanya Belediyesi. “Kemerli Kilise.” Mudanya Belediyesi. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://mudanya.bel.tr/yerler/tarihi-yapilar/kemerli-kilise.
2. Mudanya Kaymakamlığı. “Kemerli Kilisesi (Panagia Pantobasilissa - Bakire Meryem Kilisesi).” Accessed June 23, 2025. http://www.mudanya.gov.tr/kemerli-kilisesi-panagia-pantobasilissa-bakire-meryem-kilisesi.
3. T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı. “Panagia Pontobasilissa Kilisesi.” Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/bursa/gezilecekyer/panagia-pontobasilissa-kilisesi.