The Grandiose Narthex                                  -      -      - 
(-------------------------------------------------)     W <---(M)---> -
                                                        -      S      -

The dominating bulk of the narthex are the thick walls that frame its
east and west.  A portion of the east wall spills downward, providing a
slight curve that directs traffic west, into the central narthex.  Although
remarkably hard to see, a small frieze has been carved into the wall.  It is
the apocalyptic vision of the last days of the ancient Laocoon, another
version of this image appears on the west side of the narthex, this one
however has an unusual detail.  On the right hand of the Laocoon monster is
a stunning ring, beaming with light.