‘Co-reigning’, ‘First after the First’ are characterizations that attributed to Thessaloniki, to highlight it’s importance within the boundaries of the Byzantine Empire. From the 4th AD century until the conquest by the Turks in 1430, the Byzantine Thessaloniki faced Normans and Crusaders conquerors, Hesychasts’ Movement, the Zealot movement but also will provided to Christendom its two children, the brothers Cyril and Methodius whose missionary work led to the Christianization of the Slavs.

At the same time, during the Byzantine route, Thessaloniki will experience periods of great intellectual and artistic prosperity. The architecture, the agiography and the art of mosaic are flourishing, creating masterpieces and leave the city a cultural wealth of enormous value. Byzantine baths, monasteries, churches and imposing walls constitute Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, some certainly so important that were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Follow the Early Christian and Byzantine route to discover their greatness!

Church of Aghios (St.) Demetrius

Dedicated to the patron Saint of the city, the magnificent Basilica of Aghios (St.) Demetrius is one of the most important early Christian churches of Thessaloniki. At fi

Church of the Acheiropoietos

The impressive church of the Acheiropoietos owes its name to the worshipful icon of the Virgin Mary, which according to tradition is not painted by human hand ('Acheiropo

Church of Aghia Ekaterini

The church is dated in late 13th-early 14th century and was served as catholicon (main church) to a Byzantine monastery. Distinguished by its ornate external masonry and

Church of Saint Apostoles

It was built by the Patriarch Nephon I as a catholicon (main church) of a monastery in 1310. During the Ottoman period it was turned into a mosque and the murals were cov

Church of Saint Nikolaos Orphanos

A small treasure of religious art is hidden at the Church of Aghios Nikolaos Orphanos, which was constructed in the early 14th century as the catholicon of a byzantine mo

Church of Saint Panteleimon

Close to Rotunda and Galerius’ Arch (Kamara), you can find the church of Aghios Panteleimon, a spiritual center in the 14th century, a place where the remarkable Hellenis

Church of Profitis Elias

Built over a natural mound, this 14th century church, once dominated the city. It displays a unique representation of the athonic architectural type, with a fine dome and

Vlatadon Monastery

A monastery of great importance since it is the only byzantine monastery in the city operating until today. According to tradition, it was built at the exact spot where A

Rotunda

The Rotunda is one of the most imposing monuments of Thessaloniki and one of the most important of the Roman period in Europe. With its architectural power and the unriva

Yedi kule Conquest: Monuments run in Thessaloniki

The sports and cultural festival centered on Yedikule, a place identical to the history of Thessaloniki, enables competitors, visitors and spectators to get to know the E