The Red Church

The Red Church of the Holy Mother of God, also known simply as the Red Church, is an ancient Christian place of worship that functioned from the fourth to the fourteenth century. Situated near Perushtitsa, Bulgaria, it is now ruined but retains its historical and cultural significance. It was designated a national antiquity in 1927 and a cultural monument of national significance in 1966. Its unique architecture has a central tetraconch hall at its highest part. Each of its four ends contains semicylindrical niches covered by domes. The building has projecting chambers on its northern and southern sides. The northern chamber contains a pool lined with pink marble, originally a thermal bath and later a baptistery where new Christians were baptised. The church was built in the fourth century or at the beginning of the sixth century during Emperor Anastasius I's reign and is one of Europe's oldest churches. It originally served Roman legionaries as baths and a mithraeum, or temple of Mithras. As the cult of Mithras spread, the temple was erected and enriched with religious features. Approximately one kilometre from Perushtitsa in the Rhodope foothills, the Red Church is distinguished by its unique legend. Its location was carefully chosen near an old pagan sanctuary and a Byzantine town. According to tradition, the church was known for the healing relics of a Christian martyr who died to establish the faith in the region.

The Red Church has been open to visitors since 2013. With a new pedestrian path and visitor centre, tourists can enjoy the unique architecture and history of this ancient church.