10. The apse with a tribelon

The apse with a tribelon: its significance is shown in its elevated position, a step, as the apse used to hold the Bishop's throne, and the elongated windows of the apse shed special light on the bishop's persona during his audiences. The tribelon, the triumphal arch, emphasizes the ceremonial character of the place. It consists of two pillars with relief-adorned capitals. One pillar is original, and the other is a replica. The large fragment of the original stuccowork has been preserved on the inside arch featuring a motif of vine with leaves in the midst of which are birds pecking grapes – a presentation of Christ's parable:'I am the vine, you are the branches'.