Saint Anne Church, Trabzon

The Church of Saint Anne (Greek: Ἁγία Άννα, Turkish: Küçük Ayvasıl Kilisesi) is thought to be the oldest church in Trabzon city, Turkey, dating to the 6th or 7th century. It has not seen service in over a century, but has recently (2021–22) been thoroughly restored. With whitewash removed, all remaining frescos have now become visible. The church is accessible to the public free of charge during daytime hours.

Architecture

The building is a small, early Byzantine-style structure, with a barrel vaulted nave and aisles, and a sanctuary flanked by side-chamber formed from three curved apses. Spolia is used in the building, with a classical sarcophagus used to form a tympanum over the main entrance door, showing a standing warrior and a winged Nike.

It is possible the church was built around the 6th or 7th centuries AD. On a relief slab above the south door there is an inscription stating that St. Anne was restored during the joint reigns of Basil I, Leo VI and Alexander in 884/85.

In 2021/22 the church was restored. Its exterior and interior cleaned. All whitewash was removed, making previously hidden frescoes visible.