Louloudies

An early Byzantine fortified episcopal complex in Pieria, northern Greece, built in the last quarter of the 5th century on the road between Thessaloniki and Larissa. The 80 x 90 m walled compound housed a three-aisled basilica and the bishop's residence, surrounded by walls with four rectangular corner towers and a double western gate. The bishop of Pydna resided here, and the complex was expanded during the reign of Justinian I (527-567). An earthquake in the mid-6th century destroyed the buildings; the site was later used as a cemetery before final abandonment in the 7th century following barbarian attacks.