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KOSH
/ Vllth century
The
Kosh complex is composed of two churches. One is in the form of a
triple-naved basilica of rather crude construction covered by a roof
sloping in two directions of oriental type. It has large square windows
(like some of those in secular buildings). The interior space
articulated by the arcades of the main nave comes close to a centralized
plan.
The other church which was part of the monastery of St. Stephen has
ribbed barrel vaults and amphoras sunk in the masonery to decrease the
weight of the sides.
At the top of the hill overlooking the two churches is a fortress which
once served as a refuge for the inhabitants. It is of characteristic
square shape and has four protruding towers on the east and west sides.
Its black basalt base contrasts sharply with the red tufa upper part.
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