In Macedonia, as in other regions, the predominant church type in the 18th century was the large, three-aisled basilica, which had a number of morphological features borrowed from urban and Islamic architecture.
The predominance of this type is due to a combination of factors, including: the need for large gatherings of the faithful, stemming from the rapidly increasing population; ease of construction, since this type did not require the same level of technical ability as domed structures; and reduced cost. A characteristic feature of these basilicas is the wooden or stone external portico, the 'hayati'.
From the middle of the 19th century this type of church was enriched with classical and eclectic morphological elements, and the external portico, which acquired greater volume became a structural element of the church. Bell-towers, which had been prohibited, began to be built in the 19th century, in the form of multi-storey towers.
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