Byzantine architecture evolved over centuries from the architecture of late antiquity. Architects of the Eastern Roman Empire gradually developed their distinct style. They incorporated elements such as domes, pendentives, and elaborated new layouts to meet the needs of their era. These innovations reached their pinnacle in monumental structures, especially at the beginning of the Byzantine era, while resources were often more stretched in the following centuries. Nonetheless, our perception of Byzantine architecture is widely influenced by the monuments that have survived to this day.

And for many, Byzantine architecture is synonymous with church architecture. Indeed, religious structures represented a significant part of construction during this period and played a central role in Byzantine society. Despite the turbulent history of the region, the spiritual and cultural importance of these churches has helped them survive for centuries, allowing them to be visited today. Many still stand in prominent former Byzantine centers, such as Constantinople, Thessaloniki, Athens, Mystras, Trebizond, and Ohrid. Additionally, numerous monasteries that flourished in the countryside have also withstood the test of time, such as the Nea Moni in Chios. Among these monuments, the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is widely regarded as the masterpiece of Byzantine architectural achievement. This iconic edifice, with its vast dome, remained the largest Christian church in the world until the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in the 16th century.

In contrast, most of the civil buildings constructed by the Byzantines in their cities and villages—including fortifications, houses, palaces, hospitals, harbors, and bridges—have not survived. Nonetheless, the remnants of these structures, where they exist, along with historical sources, attest to Byzantine architectural prowess, even though they do not offer as comprehensive or well-documented a vision as the surviving religious buildings.

Let’s explore the different facets of Byzantine architecture across its millennium of existence – and beyond, with the neo-byzantine architecture.

Discover the legacy of Byzantine architecture through iconic or less well-known monuments.