The church is known to have been rebuilt in the 9th century AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Basil I. It is also known as the oldest church of Trabzon. The building is organised as a basilica with three naves in the east-west direction, comprising a naos, a main apse and two side apses. The apses are semicircular both internally and externally and overhang outwards. Two columns with ion capitals are located within the naos. The two columns and capitals within the basilica reflect the Roman style. The interior walls are covered with plaster and feature frescoes. It is believed that the marble relief above the southern door, which was apparently made in the Roman Period, was taken from an old temple and placed here. The frescoes depict a crucifixion scene, which is the only scene that can be identified. In this scene on the south wall of the naos, the reclining body and the head of the Christ figure can be partially discerned, although only the general outlines of Mary, who is situated next to Jesus, can be made out.
KÜÇÜK AYVASIL ST. ANNA CHURCH
