Pałac Blachernae

The Blachernae Palace is a fascinating monument of Byzantine imperial architecture. Built in the 6th century and expanded by Emperor Alexei I Komnen in the 11th century, it served as the main imperial residence during the Komnenian and Paleologic dynasties.

The walls of the palace were decorated with marbles, paintings and mosaics, and the floors were made of stone with colorful marble patterns. The palace complex included a magnificent throne room and the so-called 'Prison of Anemas' - 14 chambers that were part of the palace structure.

The relocation of the imperial residence to Blachernae had symbolic significance, emphasizing the role of emperors as earthly representatives of God.