The hall basilicas in Nesactium
Apart from prehistoric and Roman remains, the 5th century Early Christian complex on the north-east part of the settlement, has also been preserved. As it was the last Nesactium layer, it has been well preserved and conserved, showing twin basilicas until the present day. The main entrance into the complex was from the forum into the nartex, a long corridor connecting and entering both churches as well as supporting premises. The twin basilicas differed in size, both had inscribed axes.
The northern basilica was smaller and older, its external edges were strengthened by pilasters, and decorated by shallow lesenes, which framed not only the horizontal walls but also the entrance doors. The misericord was placed along the axis. The remains of an elevated platform, the floor mosaic and an empty box for storing the relics were found in the sanctuary. Along the north wall of the main room stretched three rooms which were used as the Catechumenium (for preparing the christenings), the Baptistery and the Confirmatory (for confirmation). The square-shaped baptistery was connected with both lateral rooms, but not the church. Along the south walls are also three rooms, two belonging to cemetery chapels, and the third deacon's, used for storing the church chattel. Both north and south basilicas had a misericord in their axes.
As it was moved towards the south, the main entrance and the axis were no longer aligned. Walls were divided by lesenes and pilasters, the entrance was on the west side, while the north wall was closed by a row of auxiliary windows. The basilica seems three-nave or partitioned as such.
The bigger church, presumed to be dedicated to St. Mary, was used for everyday ceremonies, while the smaller one for gathering the clergy and christenings was dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle. Twin basilicas show traces of violent ruin and burning. They are dated to the early 7th century as there are no traces of braid ornaments characteristic for earlier periods.
