Neo-Byzantine architecture is rooted in the architectural style of the Byzantine Empire, most notably in the construction of religious buildings such as the Hagia Sophia. During the 19th century, as Romanticism spread across Europe, there was a renewed interest in historical styles, including Byzantine architecture. This movement drew from the aesthetic elements of the original Byzantine style—prominent central domes, rounded arches, intricate mosaics, and cross-in-square plans—while incorporating contemporary engineering techniques.

The architecture is marked by its use of polychrome brickwork, large domes, and extensive use of mosaics and frescoes. Elaborate ornamentation, including complex geometric patterns and religious icons, was used to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere within religious spaces. While predominantly applied to churches, Neo-Byzantine architecture was also used in secular public buildings, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Emergence of Neo-Byzantine Architecture: A Historical Context

Neo-Byzantine architecture arose during the 19th century as part of a broader architectural revivalism that swept across Europe and other parts of the world. This period, often referred to as the Romantic era, saw a strong interest in reviving historical styles, particularly those with strong cultural, religious, and imperial connotations. Neo-Byzantine architecture drew from the grandeur and spiritual depth of the Byzantine Empire, which flourished from the 4th century until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This revival was characterized by its use of domes, intricate mosaics, and the lavish ornamentation that had defined Byzantine ecclesiastical and imperial buildings.

The 19th Century: A Time of Architectural Revivalism

By the 19th century, Europe was experiencing a strong wave of historical revivalism across various artistic and architectural movements. Romanticism, with its emphasis on emotion, history, and nationalism, influenced architects and artists to look back to earlier architectural styles. Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Classical revivals were prevalent across the continent, as nations sought to draw on their cultural heritage. However, in the Eastern Orthodox world, and parts of Central Europe, there was a particular interest in Byzantine architecture due to its association with early Christianity and the legacy of the Byzantine Empire.

The Byzantine Revival, or Neo-Byzantine movement, began in the mid-19th century, influenced by political, religious, and cultural factors. It was a symbolic style that aligned closely with the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as national movements that were seeking to evoke the glory of their ancient pasts. For example, the newly independent Balkan nations, such as Bulgaria and Serbia, adopted the style in an attempt to reassert their historical connection to the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Russia also embraced the style, as the Byzantine tradition had a significant impact on Russian Orthodox religious architecture dating back to the Christianization of Kievan Rus’ in the 10th century.

The Spread of Neo-Byzantine Architecture in Europe

The true revival of the style began in the 19th century with the construction of new churches and cathedrals inspired by ancient Byzantine models in most of the European countries.

One of the most prominent examples is Westminster Cathedral in London (built between 1895 and 1903). This cathedral’s polychrome brickwork, grand domes, and interior mosaics reflected a conscious effort to revive Byzantine aesthetics. The architect, John Francis Bentley, sought to create a space that combined the spiritual symbolism of the Byzantine style with modern functionality.

In France, the importance of the Neo-Byzantine influence finds its illustration in its three main achievements in the three main French cities: Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, through iconic religious monuments. In Paris, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, designed by Paul Abadie and built between 1875 and 1914, stands as a monumental example of Neo-Byzantine architecture, with its distinctive white domes, rounded arches, and stunning mosaics, crowning Montmartre as a spiritual and national symbol. Moving south to Lyon, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, constructed from 1872 to 1896 by Pierre Bossan and Louis Sainte-Marie Perrin, features richly decorated interiors and domes that dominate the skyline, blending Byzantine and Romanesque styles to evoke both spiritual grandeur and historical reverence. In Marseille, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, completed in 1893 by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea with its polychrome stonework, domes, and lavish mosaics, becoming a symbol of protection for sailors and the city itself. The spread of Neo-Byzantine architecture in France was not limited to these three buildings, and many other examples can be seen throughout the whole country.

Neo-Byzantine Architecture in Russia and the Balkan states.

In Russia, Neo-Byzantine architecture took root with vigor, partly due to the longstanding connection between the Russian Orthodox Church and Byzantine religious traditions. Russia’s own adoption of Christianity from Byzantium played a significant role in its embrace of this architectural style.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexander II, Russia saw the construction of numerous Neo-Byzantine buildings, including churches, cathedrals, and even civic structures. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, completed in 1883, is a monumental example, though it was later demolished during the Soviet era and subsequently rebuilt after the fall of communism. Russian architects fused traditional Byzantine elements with Russian ornamentation, giving rise to a distinct “Russo-Byzantine” architectural style.

Similarly, in the newly established Balkan states, Neo-Byzantine architecture flourished. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria (built between 1882 and 1912), became a prime example of the style. Its grand dome, interior frescoes, and mosaics were all reminiscent of Byzantine design, blending the past with nationalist aspirations of a newly independent Bulgaria. In Eastern Europe, where the byzantine architecture legacy was still vivid, the movement also found great resonance. The Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia (construction started in 1935 and resumed after World War II), is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and exemplifies the grandeur of Neo-Byzantine design with its massive domes and lavish use of ornamentation.

The Neo-Byzantine Movement in the Americas

While the style was less prominent in the Americas, it still found expression, particularly in the United States, where it was applied to religious buildings. One of the finest examples of Neo-Byzantine architecture in the U.S. is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (built between 1920 and 1959). Its vast domes, Romanesque arches, and intricate mosaics pay homage to the Byzantine tradition while incorporating modern engineering techniques.

Another notable example is the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City, which features Neo-Byzantine elements in some parts of the church, alongside Gothic Revival influences. The adoption of the Byzantine style in these projects was often driven by a desire to convey spiritual grandeur and create a sacred space that transcended time.

In South America, the style appeared sporadically, often in the construction of monumental churches. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in São Paulo, Brazil, is one such example, where the style’s domed roof and decorative interiors echo the Byzantine tradition.

Decline and Legacy

The peak of Neo-Byzantine architecture occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, with the advent of modernism in the early 20th century, there was a general move away from historical revivalist styles in favor of more streamlined, functional designs. As a result, Neo-Byzantine architecture gradually fell out of favor.

Despite its decline, the movement left a lasting legacy in modern religious and public architecture, particularly in the religious architecture of Eastern Europe, Russia, and the United States. Neo-Byzantine buildings remain cultural and historical landmarks, symbolizing the enduring appeal of the Byzantine Empire’s artistic and architectural heritage.