The Carmine Façade

The "Carmine" facade, named for its striking crimson hue, bears resemblance to the striated facade of the Silk Tomb due to the diverse minerals in the rock. The function of the structure is unclear, and the façade was not completed. There is no entrance or carved interior, and the pilasters have no bases. The Doric frieze that decorates it, as well as the pilaster capitals, are similar to those found in the monastery. The carmine façade was never completed, though the reason is unknown. It could have been due to a lack of funds, a dispute with the builders, or that it was being built during the Roman occupation, which may have halted work that was never resumed. The façade is estimated to date to the 1st century AD and the beginning of the 2nd century AD. Despite its unfinished appearance, the Carmine façade still stands as a testament to the architectural skills of its builders. It is severely eroded, and the natural deterioration must have been accelerated by excess water overflowing from the water channel that runs above the monument.


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