Thessaloniki is a city with a rich history, full of monuments that speak of past times and cultures that have shaped this unique city. From ancient Roman buildings to beautiful Christian churches and monasteries, the monuments of Thessaloniki represent an important part of the world’s cultural heritage.

In this text, we will introduce you to the early Christian and Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki, built from the 4th to the 15th century. These exceptional monuments, recognizable for their unique architecture and magnificent painted decorations, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Europe in 1988 under the common name Early Christian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki.

We will describe them briefly, so you can get a basic idea of each monument. For more detailed information on history, location, and how to reach each of them, click on the accompanying links.

In the text, we have arranged the monuments into two groups. The first group consists of churches located in the center of Thessaloniki and its surroundings, while the second group includes those located in the upper, Old Town (Ano Poli). You can plan your visit accordingly and start exploring the early Christian and Byzantine period.

  1. Rotunda
  2. Church of Saint Demetrius - the protector of Thessaloniki
  3. Chapel of Saint Euthymius (in the Church of Saint Demetrius)
  4. Church of Saint Sophia
  5. Church of the Most Holy Theotokos - Panagia Acheiropoietos
  6. Church of Saint Panteleimon
  7. Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior
  8. Church of the Holy Apostles
  9. Saint Nicholas Orphanos - endowment of Serbian King Milutin
  10. Hosios David - Church of the Venerable David (Latomou Monastery)
  11. Katholikon (main church) of the Vlatadon Monastery
  12. Church of Saint Catherine
  13. Church of Prophet Elijah

1. Rotunda

The Rotunda is an impressive building, originally constructed as the mausoleum of Emperor Galerius (293 - 305 Diocletian’s tetrarch in the East, 305 - 311 Roman emperor). During the rise of Christianity, in the earliest period, it was converted into a basilica and adorned with early Christian frescoes, remnants of which can still be seen today. During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, it was used as a mosque and is now a museum and a true cultural and historical treasure.
The interior is adorned with impressive mosaics, and the building is recognizable by its enormous circular dome. Located in the city center, it also includes Galerius’s triumphal arch, known as the Kamara. Even today, the Rotunda and Kamara are places of encounter and important events in the city.
More information about the Rotunda

2. Church of Saint Demetrius - the protector of Thessaloniki

The Church of Saint Demetrius, dedicated to the protector of Thessaloniki, has been a significant religious and cultural center throughout history. Built on the site where, according to legend, Saint Demetrius was martyred and buried, the church is known for its impressive frescoes, mosaics, and rich religious decorations. This monument is a symbol of Thessaloniki’s spiritual heritage and is one of the most visited in the region. Catacombs were built within the church where, according to belief, a holy spring flows. The catacombs have been a place of pilgrimage from the beginnings of Christianity to the present day, continuously.
More information about the Church of Saint Demetrius

3. Chapel of Saint Euthymius

The Chapel of Saint Euthymius, located within the Church of Saint Demetrius, is a significant artistic monument from the 14th century. The preserved fresco depicts the figures of saints and a scene from the life of Saint Demetrius. This monument is a notable example of Byzantine art from the Palaiologan Renaissance period and reflects the spiritual and cultural tradition of that time. More information about the Church of Saint Demetrius

4. Church of Saint Sophia

The Church of Saint Sophia in Thessaloniki is one of the most beautiful monuments of Byzantine architecture in Greece. Built in the 8th century, it is considered a masterpiece of early Byzantine period. Resembling the famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, it is dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Word of Truth and the Wisdom of God. It stands out with its mosaics and frescoes depicting key religious motifs. Particularly impressive is the mosaic in the dome, portraying the Ascension of Christ, one of the most important scenes in Byzantine art. The church has been the center of Thessaloniki’s spiritual life for over seven centuries, known as the “Great Church” of the city, and served as a metropolis until the early 16th century.
More information about the Church of Saint Sophia

5. Church of the Most Holy Theotokos Acheiropoietos (Panagia Acheiropoietos in Greek)

The Church of Panagie Acheiropoietos is an early Christian basilica dating back to the 5th century. Located in the city center, on Agias Sofias Street, its name, meaning “not made by human hands” or “not made by man,” refers to the miraculous icons believed to be not created by human hands. This church is one of the oldest preserved Christian places of worship in Thessaloniki and an important example of early Christian architecture. Inside the church, you will have the opportunity to see the earliest layers built in the 5th century through a glass floor. Written sources indicate that the temple was dedicated to the Virgin Mary from its founding in the mid-5th century. The name Acheiropoietos first appears in a document from 1320 and is associated with the icon Panagia Deomeni that existed in the church.
Saint Demetrius was also honored in the temple. Therefore, during the Byzantine era, the church was a mandatory stop in the litany on the eve of the saint’s feast.

6. Church of Saint Panteleimon

The Church of Saint Panteleimon dates back to the 13th century. Located in the city center, in the immediate vicinity of Galerius’s Arch and the Rotunda, this temple is significant for its frescoes depicting scenes from the life of saints. It is well-known for its unique artistic expression and perfect symbiosis of Byzantine architecture and religious decoration.
The church is identified with the Byzantine monastery of Panagia Perivleptou, also known as the monastery of Kyriakos, after the monastic name of its ktitor Jacob, the metropolitan of Thessaloniki (1295-1315). It seems that the Turks preserved the name of its ktitor (Ishakiie Camii = Ishakiie mosque), converting it into a mosque after 1548. The foundation of the minaret and the fountain are still preserved from the mosque. Like most churches in Thessaloniki, it was returned to Christian worship after the city’s liberation from the Turks in 1912. Even the earthquake of 1978 did not leave this monument untouched, as it caused significant damage.

7. Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior is part of Thessaloniki’s Byzantine heritage, distinguished by its architecture and 14th-century frescoes. Located at the intersection of Egnatia and Palaion Patron Germanou streets, near the Kamara, this monument stands out for its rich decorations and frescoes depicting key religious scenes, symbolizing the supreme Byzantine artistic expression. Architecturally, it belongs to the rare style of the inscribed tetraconch - four niches are inscribed within the square plan of the church, while a large dome covers this small church. Originally dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, it was likely not converted into a mosque during the Turkish occupation due to its small dimensions.

8. Church of the Holy Apostles

The Church of the Holy Apostles is an example of late Byzantine architecture dating back to the 14th century. It is renowned for its painted interior and rich decoration with mosaics and frescoes. This monument is significant for its artistic value and historical importance, as it is a key point in understanding the art of the late Byzantine period.
Although built in the late Byzantine period, it is worth noting that northern Greece was a “living” witness to the preaching of the Apostles on their travels. Apostle Paul stayed in northern Greece, as evidenced by traditions and preserved chapels and cave churches in Halkidiki (cave church in Nea Fokea in Kassandra, for example).

Cultural monuments located in the upper part of the city, the so-called Old Thessaloniki or Ano Poli. Read how to reach this part of Thessaloniki here: Old town

9. Saint Nicholas Orphanos - endowment of Serbian King Milutin

The Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos is a masterpiece of Byzantine art, known for its simple yet elegant design. It is important for our tourists to know that the church is the endowment of Serbian King Milutin. The interior of the church is adorned with 14th-century frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of saints. The church is considered an important monument of Byzantine religious architecture and art.
More information about Saint Nicholas Orphanos

10. Hosios David - Church of the Venerable David (Latomou Monastery)

Hosios David is one of the most important monuments in Thessaloniki, preserved from the time before iconoclasm (the Byzantine period of the destruction of icons). This monastery is famous for its mosaics dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, representing the finest examples of early Christian art.

The mosaics depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the Holy Apostles, while the frescoes inside the church provide insight into the rich spiritual tradition of Byzantium. Built in the 5th century as the main church of the Christ the Savior Latomou Monastery, this temple is located in Ano Poli (Upper Town) of Thessaloniki, near the Vlatadon Monastery. Hagiological evidence that the monument existed in Roman times can be found in the text of the monk Ignatius from the 9th century, the Narrative, which states that the monument was erected by Theodora, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Galerius (293 - 305 Diocletian’s tetrarch in the East, 305 - 311 Roman emperor), a persecutor of Christians. The niche of the temple is decorated with a mosaic that was covered with oxhide and plaster for centuries.
More information about the Hosios David church

11. Vlatadon Monastery

The Vlatadon Monastery was founded in the 14th century and is one of the most important spiritual centers in Thessaloniki. Inside the main church of the monastery, there are frescoes reflecting the Paleologan dynasty’s Renaissance tendencies. The monastery remains a place of devotion and contemplation to this day. Located in the northern part of Ano Poli (Upper Town) of Thessaloniki, south of the northern walls and opposite the Paleologos Tower, it is the only Byzantine monastery that has survived to the present day. The monastery was founded by two monks, Dorotheus and Mark Vlatis, between 1351 and 1371, when Dorotheus became the metropolitan of Thessaloniki. The wooden iconostasis with carvings replaced the marble iconostasis of the church and probably dates back to the 17th century, with some parts from the 19th century. The monastery has a special room where many relics of its history are kept, mainly icons and liturgical vessels from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

12. Church of Saint Catherine

The Church of Saint Catherine is located in the northwestern part of Ano Poli (Upper Town) of Thessaloniki, on Tsamadou Street, near the Byzantine walls. It is a building characteristic of the so-called “Macedonian school.” The temple is formed with four arches supporting a central dome inscribed in a square cross. Around the square base of the dome, in three directions (south, west, north), a lowered nave develops, giving the temple greater spaciousness and adding elegance, while four smaller domes are raised at the four corners of the nave, lower than the dominant central one.
The church was not originally dedicated to Saint Catherine, but - according to some researchers and based on some elements of its iconographic program - it was built in honor of Jesus Christ. It is also believed to have been the cathedral of the Christ the Almighty Monastery. After the city’s liberation from the Turks in 1912, the church was rededicated to Christian worship, and the monument is - for reasons unknown today - associated with Saint Catherine, to whom it remains dedicated.

13. Church of Prophet Elijah

The Church of Prophet Elijah is located in the northwestern part of Ano Poli (Upper Town) of Thessaloniki on Olimpiados Street, a short distance from the famous Church of Saint Demetrius and dates back to the second half of the 14th century (around 1360 to 1370). It was founded by the monk Macarius Humnos, a descendant of an old urban family and one of the wealthiest in the empire.
Architecturally, the temple is a unique example in Thessaloniki. It belongs to the style of the inscribed tetraconch cross above the side chambers, a rhythm known as Athonite or Agiorite (from Mount Athos), as it was created by Saint Athanasius the Athonite, the founder of the Great Lavra. This type was used exclusively for the main churches of monasteries and first appeared outside Mount Athos in the Church of Prophet Elijah.
Of the frescoes dating between 1360 and 1370, little remains, mostly in the apse. They depict scenes from the life of Christ, His miracles, and certain saints. On the western external side of the apse, niches contained frescoes from which two depictions of Saint Anne, the Most Holy Theotokos, and Christ have been preserved.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply enjoy exploring new places, the monuments of Thessaloniki offer a unique insight into the rich past of this city. Let this guide inspire you for your future adventures through the history of Thessaloniki.
Happy exploring and enjoy discovering all these beautiful monuments!

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