Hi Helen: Originally built for public purposes by Romans in the 4th century, it was converted to a baptistery after the recognition of Christianity as a religion in the Roman Empire and eventually became a church. During the Ottoman rule the Rotunda St George was transformed into a mosque. The Christian paintings on the walls were obliterated with white plaster and in their place were painted floral motifs. After the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878 the Rotunda was deserted until the death of Prince Alexander Battenberg, when it was transformed into a mausoleum. Its restoration began in 1915. These days the temple is operational and performs daily worships in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
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Was the church of St. George Eastern Orthodox I wonder?
Hi Helen: Originally built for public purposes by Romans in the 4th century, it was converted to a baptistery after the recognition of Christianity as a religion in the Roman Empire and eventually became a church. During the Ottoman rule the Rotunda St George was transformed into a mosque. The Christian paintings on the walls were obliterated with white plaster and in their place were painted floral motifs. After the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878 the Rotunda was deserted until the death of Prince Alexander Battenberg, when it was transformed into a mausoleum. Its restoration began in 1915. These days the temple is operational and performs daily worships in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.