While staying in Thessaloniki, do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the most significant sites in the city, which is also on the UNESCO list of cultural heritage - the Rotunda. Located in the heart of the city, the Rotunda now functions as a museum, where you can witness enchanting early Christian frescoes from the 4th century. This monumental monument, together with Galerius’ Arch, was a grand Roman temple, and from the 4th century, it became a Christian church. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a mosque, but today it proudly returns to its cultural heritage, and although it is a museum, it is still under the administration of the Greek Orthodox Church.

In our text, you will learn more about the long history of the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, its architecture combining Roman, early Christian, and Byzantine elements, as well as the significance of this monument protected by UNESCO. The Rotunda is not merely an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of the cultural diversity of Thessaloniki, offering visitors a unique insight into the rich history of this city. Therefore, we recommend including it in your itinerary when visiting Thessaloniki.

Construction of the Rotunda in the 4th century

The Rotunda is one of the most impressive buildings in Thessaloniki, dating back to the era of Caesar Galerius, around 306 AD. Originally built as part of a large architectural complex with Galerius’ Arch (now Kamara), it was the central part of his monumental architecture.

Although it was long believed to have been built as Galerius’ mausoleum, modern historians have debated this theory since Galerius was not buried in Thessaloniki but in his birthplace, Gamzigrad (Felix Romuliana). Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the Rotunda indeed served that function, or perhaps it was used as a pagan temple dedicated to Zeus or Cabirus, given Galerius’ known ties to pagan cults.

If the Rotunda was indeed intended as a mausoleum, that would mean it would have served as a monumental tomb monument for Galerius, reflecting the Roman tradition of grandiose structures in honor of deceased emperors. The mausoleum would have been a place for ceremonies honoring the emperor and where his remains would have been interred.

Architecture of the Rotunda

This monumental structure has a diameter of 24.5 meters, with a dome reaching a height of nearly 30 meters. The walls are 6.3 meters thick, and eight rectangular niches are located within the circular space, with the southern niche serving as the main entrance.

These massive brick walls provided strength and stability to the structure, especially given its size and the weight of the dome, which reaches a height of almost 30 meters.

The thickness of the walls is characteristic of the architecture of that period, especially in large Roman buildings that served similar monumental purposes.

In the related text, you can learn more about Galerius’ Arch, today’s Kamara, the central meeting place for people in Thessaloniki.

Early Christian history depicted on the walls of the Rotunda

Its transformation into a Christian church likely occurred during the 4th or 5th century, although the exact date is unknown. Once it became a church, it was dedicated to the Archangels, and new elements characteristic of early Christian churches were added to the architecture.

One of the main changes was the opening and enlargement of the eastern niche, where an altar was formed, becoming the heart of the worship space. This niche was rectangular in shape with a semicircular apse on the eastern side.

The Rotunda also acquired additional elements, including a vestibule and two entrance gates, as well as new niches through which the central space communicated with the outside world. These elements contributed to its style as an early Christian basilica, although many of them have not survived to this day.

Characteristic of this transformation is the decoration of the church with early Christian mosaics covering the dome and niches. These mosaics depict holy figures, martyrs, and angels, and the decorative style and use of gold tiles symbolized spiritual magnificence and light. These elements became part of the recognizable early Christian iconographic program.

The Rotunda continued to serve as a church during the Byzantine period until 1590 when it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation.

Before becoming a mosque, it was the center of Christian faith in Thessaloniki and one of the first places where early Christian art found expression.

The significance of its transformation lies in the fact that the Rotunda served as a bridge between pagan and Christian cultures, becoming an example of early Christian appropriation and adaptation of pagan structures for Christian needs.

Mosaics - a gem of early Christian art

One of the most valuable elements of the Rotunda is the mosaics from the early Christian period. The mosaics adorn the lunettes and arches of the dome, featuring geometric and floral motifs. In the dome itself, the scenes are divided into three layers, with the most famous depictions of martyrs, angels, and the mythical phoenix bird.

These mosaics, preserved on the dome and other parts of the interior, date back to the early Christian centuries, most likely from the 5th or 6th century. Due to their quality of execution and richness of iconography, they represent the pinnacle of artistic production of that period.

The mosaics in the Rotunda are divided into three main zones.

  • In the lowest zone, known as the martyrs zone, figures of martyrs are depicted in front of monumental architectural structures, reflecting the importance of Christian saints and holy figures.


  • In the middle zone, fragments of angels in motion are found.


  • The third zone is dominated by large compositions depicting Christian themes, among which the depiction of Christ and angels holding heavenly wreaths is significant.

It is interesting to note that the mosaics were created using a technique with a rich use of gold tiles, emphasizing the light and spiritual atmosphere of the space.

During the Ottoman period, when the Rotunda was converted into a mosque, part of the art was covered, but a significant portion of the mosaics survived and were restored during the 20th century.

The artistic value of the Rotunda, especially its mosaics, significantly contributed to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Later period: from mosque to museum

The Ottomans conquered Thessaloniki in 1430 when the city fell under their control after a siege. This event marked the end of Byzantine rule in Thessaloniki and the beginning of Ottoman administration that lasted for more than four centuries.

In 1590, the Rotunda was converted into a mosque under the rule of Ottoman Sultan Murad III, and the specific transformation of the Rotunda was carried out by the dervish Hortatzis Suleiman.

This transformation was part of a broader strategy by the Ottoman authorities to integrate and adapt early Christian and Byzantine buildings into their religious and cultural practices. During that period, many churches were converted into mosques to fit into the new social and religious context.
The minaret from that period is still visible today, as the only surviving minaret in Thessaloniki.

Earthquake and restoration

During the earthquake of 1978, the Rotunda suffered significant damage, including the collapse of parts of the dome, damage to the walls and structure. Additionally, the mosaics were damaged, requiring extensive restoration work to preserve their artistic and historical value.

The restoration was successfully carried out, restoring the monument to its previous state.

Visiting the Rotunda Today

Today, the Rotunda is a museum and a must-see attraction for all visitors to Thessaloniki. With its rich history and captivating mosaics, it provides insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

For more places to visit in Thessaloniki, check out our articles:
Thessaloniki Guide and
What to See in Thessaloniki

As the Rotunda is located on the main street of Thessaloniki known for its numerous shopping outlets, see what and where you can shop in our article Stores and Shopping Centers in Thessaloniki.

Sources:
-“Thessaloniki: A History of the City and its Remains” by Max Heinz.
-“The Byzantine City of Thessaloniki” by Dimitris Tsoukalas,

  • “The Architecture of Roman Thessaloniki” by Angelika Jankovic.
    -“Thessaloniki: History and Architecture” by Apostolos Papagelas
  • “Early Christian and Byzantine Art” by John Beckwith
  • “Psifidota Tis Thessalonikis: 4th-14th Century” by Charalambos Bakirtzis
    -“Byzantine Mosaics in Thessaloniki” by Bente Kiilerich and Hjalmar Torp.