The cross-in-square floor plan

A cross-in-square plan was the dominant architectural floorplan of Middle and Late late-Byzantine churches. The church hall had a square center with an internal structure shaped like a cross, topped by a dome.

The first cross-in-square churches were probably built in the late 8th century and the form has remained in use throughout the Orthodox world until the present day. A famous example of the West is Donato Bramante's first design for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (1506).  

Picture credits: Skye Club (source: Samtskhe-Javakheti Churches-Monasteries)

Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.