The Church of Hosios David - Latomou Monastery (in Greek: Οσίου Δαυίδ - Μονή Λατόμου) is an exceptionally valuable monument of early Christian and Byzantine art.
Built in the early period of the spread of Christianity, during the reign of Emperor Galerius, when Christians were mercilessly persecuted, the church has gone through various phases over the centuries, but has survived as a valuable spiritual treasure. Today, it is recognized and protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to reach the church?

The Church of Venerable David - Latomou Monastery is located in the old part of Thessaloniki, in the Upper Town (Ano Poli), known for its history and charm. The easiest way to reach it is on foot through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Ano Poli, which offer a beautiful view of the city.
Ano Poli - Old Town of Thessaloniki
For centuries, the church has served as a place of monastic life and a center of spirituality in Thessaloniki.

Legend of the founding of the church

Hagiological evidence that the monument existed even in Roman times can be found in the text of the monk Ignatius from the 9th century, known as the Narration, which states that the monument was built by Theodora, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Galerius (293 - 305 Diocletian’s tetrarch in the East, 305 - 311 Roman Emperor), who was a persecutor of Christians. During his reign, Saint Demetrius was martyred.
According to tradition, Theodora secretly embraced Christianity and asked her father to build her a house with a bath. Instead of a bath, she built a niche and decorated it with a mosaic with Christian motifs. In order to remain hidden, the mosaic was covered with oxhide.
For centuries, the mosaic was covered and preserved until, miraculously, it was revealed to the monk Senufius after the Iconoclasm (8th and 9th centuries), when the plaster and hide fell during an earthquake, uncovering the mosaics depicting Christ.

Legend of the discovery of the mosaic

The discovery of the Icon of Christ from Latomos is associated with a legend involving a monk named Senufius, who lived as an ascetic in the Nitrian desert (Lower Egypt). After praying for a vision of Christ’s Second Coming, he was instructed to go to the Latomos monastery in Thessaloniki. Senufius traveled there twice, the first time failing to find the icon, but during his second return, he experienced an earthquake in the church, during which the plaster from the icon fell, revealing the radiant image of Christ. The monk, enchanted by this divine appearance, according to tradition, died on the spot and was buried in the church.

How the church got its name

The name “Hosios David” (or “Venerable David”) comes from the monk David, a significant ascetic from Thessaloniki who lived in the 5th and 6th centuries. David was known for his ascetic way of life, piety, and spiritual significance for the Christian community in Byzantium.
Originally part of a larger monastery complex known as the Latomou Monastery (Monastery of Christ the Savior of Latomos), the church was named in his honor after it was returned to Orthodox worship in the 20th century. The dedication to David reflects the respect for this Thessalonian monk and his role in the Christian tradition of the region.
His name further connects the temple to monastic and ascetic spirituality, emphasizing its significance not only as an artistic and historical monument but also as a place of spiritual heritage.

Mosaics and art of the church - early Christian period

The greatest value of the Hosios David church lies in its mosaics, dating from the early Christian period. The mosaics depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, as well as the apostles, with the Theophany - Epiphany scene on the half-dome of the apse being particularly significant. In the center of the composition is a young Christ sitting on an arch symbolizing heaven, within a radiant halo. The four rivers of paradise (Pison, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates) flow beneath his feet, while the river Jordan covers the bottom of the composition. He is surrounded by symbols of the four Evangelists (angel, eagle, lion, and calf) and the prophets Ezekiel and Habakkuk. The mosaic is characterized by rich colors, spirituality, and realism, especially in the depiction of nature and animals, reflecting the early Christian artistic concept.
A mosaic featuring the likeness of Jesus, depicted without a beard, which is unusual for icons of that time, is also remarkable.

12th-century frescoes

The interior of the church is adorned with frescoes from the 12th century, including scenes such as the Nativity, Baptism, and Transfiguration of Christ. In the southern vault of the church, frescoes from the third quarter of the 12th century were uncovered, displaying significant artistic values. The scenes include the Nativity, Baptism, and Presentation of Christ in the Temple. In the Nativity scene, the Virgin Mary lies at the center of the composition, with Joseph adding depth with a melancholic expression. In the Baptism, Christ resembles classical representations, while the figure of John the Baptist and an angel create a strong contrast. The frescoes reflect a classical tradition and a landscape atmosphere, making them one of the finest examples of the Komnenian period. Additional scenes from the 13th and 14th centuries include the Entry into Jerusalem and the Prayer on the Mount of Olives.

Frescoes from later periods reflect the transition from the traditional Byzantine style to a new direction known as the Palaiologan Renaissance (1261–1453) that developed after the restoration of the Byzantine Empire in 1261. This style is known for expressing human emotions and stories through art, which can be observed in details such as the facial expressions of saints and richly decorated backgrounds. This period is known for its cultural and artistic revival, often referred to as the “Palaiologan Renaissance”. The frescoes represent an important example of artistic revival after the tumultuous period of iconoclasm and the Latin Empire.

During the Ottoman period, the church was converted into a mosque and was known as Süleyman Efendi. The frescoes and walls were covered with plaster and were uncovered in the early 20th century, after the liberation from the Turks in 1912.

Visiting the church

Opening hours of the church:
From Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Closed on Mondays.

Address:
Epimenidou 17, 54633 Thessaloniki.

If you are planning a visit, check the exact location on the map:
Location on the map

You can reach the Old Town - Ano Poli by public transport (which we recommend) so check the bus lines here: Exploring Thessaloniki by public transport.

Today, the Church of Hosios David offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire not only the spiritual but also the artistic heritage of the early Christian and Byzantine periods. A visit to this monument is a journey through history and faith, with immense inspiration for art, religion, and history enthusiasts.
In this part of the city, you can also visit another significant church - the endowment of Serbian King Milutin, which is also on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list: Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos - endowment of Serbian King Milutin.

For those interested in exploring Byzantine heritage, Thessaloniki is an essential destination.

If you have visited any of the mentioned monuments, share your impressions with us on social media.

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