Early Christian Monument in Niculițel
The paleo-Christian monument in Niculițel, Tulcea county, protects the vestiges of a basilica built at the end of the fourth century. Under its altar is a two-level crypt, one of the most important elements of the site. The museum building built on top allows the remains to be preserved and presented without direct exposure to the elements.
Four martyrs were deposited in the upper part of the crypt, whose names are inscribed on the walls: Zotikos, Attalos, Kamasis and Philippos. The lower level housed the remains of two other martyrs, whose names are unknown. The inscriptions and the organization of the tomb provide evidence of the Christian communities of ancient Dobrogea. Visitors can trace the shape of the crypt and its relation to the basilica above. The monument is located on Muzeului street and is managed by the "Gavrilă Simion" Eco-Museum Research Institute from Tulcea.
The Martyrs’ Crypt at Niculițel. Archive photo (uploaded 2004; date taken unknown): Pschemp at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized. Adapted photo retains same license.
