By c. 1500, the numbers of Muslims grew to 8,575 Muslims, with Greeks numbering at 7,986, making them a minority. It hosts many beautiful frescoes from the 13th century and is open to the public. It is well decorated with carved marble and well-preserved frescoes. The exterior is quite austere and not so eye-catching but the interior decoration has many frescoes and Byzantine icons. This is the patron saint of the town and its celebration on October 26th is a local holiday. The building is a three-aisled basilica, some 28 m wide and 36.5 m long, with a wooden roof. From 1867 it was transformed into the Selanik Vilayet, which included the sanjaks of Selnik (Thessaloniki), Greece, and Serres (Siroz or Serez). [2] Later in the 7th century, the present structure was erected, based on the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey). The church of Agia Sofia is part of the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki that have been listed by Unesco as World Heritage Sites. The dome was not restored until 1980. The city also came to be an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Macedon, with its own parliament where a King was represented that could interfere in the city's domestic affairs. The 5th-century church of Panagia Achiropoitos is one of the best surviving monuments that exist in the city of Thessaloniki. Boulevard "de la Revolution" during the National Defence movement. Also for a short time in the 1st century BC, Thessalonica even became capital for all the Greek provinces. It was built at . [2] After the capture of Thessaloniki by the Ottoman Sultan Murad II on 29 March 1430, the church was converted into a mosque,[3] called Ayasofya Camii, keeping its old name. Nonetheless, the large city recovered with considerable speed from the effects of the disaster. Architectural remains from the Ottoman period can be found mainly in the city's Ano Poli (Upper Town) district, in which traditional wooden houses and fountains survive the city's great fire in the following years. Lets all try to keep the magic of Greeces villages, towns and cities alive for future generations. In the city center, a number of the stone mosques survived, notably the Hamza Bey Mosque on Egnatia (under restoration), the Aladja Imaret Mosque on Kassandrou Street, the Bezesten (covered market) on Venizelou Street, and Yahudi Hamam on Frangon Street. Right next door is the Roman Agora (or Forum) which, along with the Galerian complex, constituted the heart of Thessalonikis public and political life during Roman times. 56 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Thessaloniki, Greece The city suffered considerable damage from Allied bombing and almost all of its entire Jewish population that remained following the 1917 fire, was exterminated by the Nazis. Throughout the years, the church had been converted into a cathedral and a mosque due to the foreign occupation of the city. The city also forms one of the largest student centres in Southeastern Europe and is host to the largest student population in Greece. The external decoration is quite austere, which is a similar characteristic of all the Orthodox churches, but the interior design will reward you. It was the first Orthodox Church to be converted into a Turkish mosque. In the 14th century, however, the city faced upheaval in the form of the Zealot social movement (13421349), springing from a religious conflict between bishop Gregory Palamas, who supported conservative principles, and the monk Barlaam. Some actually believe that the two churches were built by the same architect, Anthemios. Other important remains from this period include the Arch and Tomb of Galerius, located in the city centre of the modern Thessaloniki. Victims of the great fire of 1917 found shelter here, as did refugees fleeing Asia Minor after the catastrophe of 1922. Its importance was second only to Constantinople itself, while in 390 it was the location of a revolt against the emperor Theodosius I and his Gothic mercenaries. Nowadays there are taps everywhere in the temple providing the myrrh to believers. The Oldest Church in Thessaloniki - Tripadvisor . Thessalonikii Greek [esalonici] listen ), also known as ThessalonicaEnglish: a, Salonika, or Salonicalk, li ), is the second-largest city in Greece, with slightly over one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, and the capital of the geographic region Macedonia, the administrative region Central Macedo. Paleochristian and Byzantine Thessaloniki - Visit Greece Location: Egnatia The Byzantine Church of Agia Sofia in Thessaloniki: The church of Agia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) is among the oldest churches of Thessaloniki.The first church on this location was constructed in the 3rd century A.D. but the present church was built in the 8th century A.D, following the architectural design of the Church of Hagia Sofia in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Chalkos means copper. The 11th C church , The Virgin of the Copper Smiths takes its name from the traditional occupation of this part of town. Reconverted in 1912. On a column of the northern colonnade, you can easily make out an inscription in Arabic script, commemorating the fall of Thessaloniki to Murad II, in 1430. The city came to become the largest Jewish city in the world and remained as such for at least 200 years, often called "Mother of Israel". After the Greek and Serbian victory in the Second Balkan War, which broke out among the former allies over the final territorial dispositions,[10] the city's status was finally settled by the Treaty of Bucharest on August 10, 1913, sealing the city as an integral part of Greece. The church of Agios Dimitrios(Saint Demetrius) is the most famous church in Thessaloniki. The Christian Orthodox churches besides the religious significance, are of great historical and architectonic importance. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 06.08.2023. The Oldest Church in Thessaloniki Review of Rotunda Reviewed October 7, 2014 This Church is over 1700 years old; the structure with a relatively large Dome that survived the earthquakes, it was converted to a mosque in the 16th century; when the minaret was added; then returned back to a Church in the 20th century Greece Thessaloniki 56 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Thessaloniki, Greece October 13, 2022 Thessaloniki, Greece offers the perfect destination within the Hellenic republic to explore for yourself the incredible Mediterranean food markets, fascinating Byzantine culture, abundant art exhibits, and historic ruins at the turn of every corner. The Achieropoietos Church has not been a Christian Church throughout the history of the city. The fire left some 72,000 homeless, many of them Jewish, of a population of approximately 271,157 at the time. Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki Sights, Activities, and Cultural Experiences, Agios Dimitrios Thessaloniki Church and Patron Saint, Things to Do in Old Town Thessaloniki Ano Poli, Museums in Thessaloniki: Archaeology to Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki to Halkidiki Halkidiki Bus Station, Shopping in Thessaloniki A Complete Guide, Finding the Best Shopping Mall in Thessaloniki. By bus: 01 (Town Hall or Dimarchiako Megaro stop) and from there by foot (590m). Not only will you admire these Byzantine fortresses but the views of the city, the Thermaic Gulf and if youre lucky Mt Olympus are outstanding. The columns themselves are of interest. Keep the streets as clean as possible by using the bins provided or, if necessary, keeping your rubbish with you until you find one. Realizing the value of the Jewish citizenry, the Ottoman Emperor invited Jews fleeing for their lives to resettle in his territories, which included Salonica. This is the Metropolitan Church of Thessaloniki and it is dedicated to Saint Gregory Palamas, an Archbishop of the town who lived in the 13th century and who is considered as one of the most important saints of the Orthodox Church. Or you could spread it over two or more days. The three men eventually continued their travels, and Paul wrote two letters to the new church at Thessaloniki, probably between 51 and 53, the First Epistle to the Thessalonians and the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. The cross was substituted with the image of the Theotokos (God-bearer, or Mary) in 787-797 after the victory of the Iconodules. According to Benjamin of Tudela, a Jewish community of at least 500-strong existed in the 12th century when he visited there. Along with other churches from Istanbul, Agia Sofia represents the Byzantine architecture. It is said that in this place used to be an orphanage, and thats why the church got its name; as orphanos in Greek means orphan. The construction of the church started in the 5th century AD on the remains of a Roman bath. Its ground plan is that of a domed Greek cross basilica. Besides religion, the churches have an incredible architectural beauty, which takes you back to the glory of the Byzantine ages. This is the most famous church in Thessaloniki and it is located in Agiou Dimitriou street near the city center. There are exhibitions with findings mainly from the Basilica and the excavations in the crypt. The Achieropoietos church has played an important role in the life of the city in times of crisis. A short walk away is a group of monuments from the late 3rd and 4th centuries AD, when Caesar Galerius Valerius Maximianus chose Thessaloniki as the seat of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. You wont be disappointed. Youll find carved arches, apses, and semi-circular columns which are also usual in the churches Constantinople. Link successfully copied to the clipboard. Greeka Destinations Thessaloniki Things to do Sights Churches Churches in Thessaloniki shutterstock shutterstock shutterstock Thessaloniki offers many religious attractions among which are the abundant Byzantine churches found in the upper town and the wider region. During the Byzantine ages, emperor Constantine I (4th century AD) converted the temple into an Orthodox church and enriched it with many frescoes, some of which have survived until now. A high stone wall surrounds the 14th C church. These depict Christian symbols as well as botanical and geometric motifs and animals. Its to protect the relics. Of its 130,000 inhabitants at the start of the 20th century, around 60,000 were Sephardic Jews. Just a few meters away from the Agia Sophia church, there is another magnificent church, the church of the Acheirpoieitos. for a review of recent work on the Jewish community of Thessaloniki, see Andrew Apostolou, "Mother of Israel, Orphan of History: Writing on Jewish Salonika", Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, Union of the Bulgarian Constitutional Clubs, People's Federative Party (Bulgarian Section), Provisional Government of National Defence, population exchange between Greece and Turkey, Axis occupation of Greece during World War II, Photos of historical buildings in Thessaloniki, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Thessaloniki&oldid=1169076436, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, Molho, Anthony. All you have to do is put on a pair of shoes and get exploring. In 1903 a group of Macedonian leftists and anarchists, tied to IMRO, organized series of Thessaloniki bombings of 1903. The city became the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia while it kept its privileges but was ruled by a praetor and had a Roman garrison. Today with the opening of borders in Southeastern Europe it is currently experiencing a strong revival, serving as the prime port for the northern Greek regions of Macedonia and Thrace, as well as for the whole of Southeastern Europe. The first church on this location was constructed in the 3rd century A.D. but the present church was built in the 8th century A.D, following the architectural design of the Church of Hagia Sofia in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Agia Sophia is one of the most significant Churches in Thessaloniki, a defining spiritual and cultural monument. Aghia Sophia ("Holy Wisdom") is one of Thessaloniki's oldest ecclesiastical monuments. Thessaloniki was rebuilt and recovered fairly quickly after the war, with this resurgence taking in both a rapid growth in its population and a large-scale development of new infrastructure and industry throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Even when churches have official opening hours posted, you may not find them open. Selnik was a sanjak center (Sanjak of Selanik) in the Rumeli Eyalet from 1393 to 1402 and again from 1430 to 1826, when it became center of a separate province, the Selanik Eyalet. It was built at the , Rotunda in Thessaloniki: The Oldest Surviving Church in Greece, 2,300-year-old statue depicting 3-headed goddess of witchcraft found in Turkey. Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! Early Christian and Byzantine Churches and Monuments in Thessaloniki The church was likely founded by the Serbian king Milutin, whose marriage to the Byzantine princess Simonis, daughter of the emperor Andronikos II Paleologos, was celebrated in Thessaloniki. This precipitated the political conflict between the pro-Allied Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos and the pro-neutral King Constantine. Agios Nikolaous Orphanos: 1 Irodotou, old town (Ano Poli). Hi, I'm Amber Charmei - I left Manhattan, my hometown, about 20 years ago to live in a city with a much longer backstory and a prime location in the Mediterranean. The Acheiropoietos Church The Acheiropoietos Church owes its name to an icon of the Virgin Mary, ('Acheiropoietos' meaning "made not by human hands "), which was kept in the church. Related post: Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki Sights, Activities, and Cultural Experiences. Many of the churches in Thessaloniki became mosques during the Ottoman era, but Agios Nikolaos Orphanos remained a Christian church throughout. Because of its brick construction, it also went by the popular name the red church. The Panagia Chalkeons exterior is beautifully complex. Agios Dimitrios is a site of pilgrimage, drawing crowds of the faithful throughout the day. Legend has it that Theodora, the secretly Christian daughter of Emperor Maximus, disguised the church as a bathhouse. In fact, the basement of the church is the place where the saint was tortured for his faith and died. Since the 3rd century, there was a church in the location of the current Hagia Sophia. The monastery got its name from the monks Dorotheos and Markos Vlattis. At the left of the mosaic is a fearful and vividly expressive Ezekiel. The city sustains two state universities the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the largest university in Greece (founded in 1926), and the University of Macedonia, alongside the Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki. Much of the decoration including intricate abstract and botanical motifs, and tromp loeil marbling on the walls dates from the Ottoman era. During the Ottoman period, the city's Muslim and Jewish population grew. Sephardic Jews, Muslims and Greek Orthodox remained the principal groups in the city for the next 400 years.[4]. Generally speaking, the earlier, the better. Other churches in the town of Thessaloniki are Agios Panteleimonas, Agios Athanasios, Agios Antonios, and Agia Ekaterini. The big-hearted city of the northern Greece. In the sanctuary apse, there is a mural of the Last Supper, and above this is the Virgin Mary in a pose of supplication between two angels. The Hebrard plan, although never fully completed, swept away the oriental features of Thessalonki and transformed it into the modern European metropolis that it is today. Old Church with Fantastic Mosaic - Review of Osios David (The Latomou It also sponsors a range of private international institutions, either affiliated with universities in other nations, or accredited abroad. This church dates back to the Byzantine Times and it was built on the exact location where Saint Demetrius martyred. The distances arent great but the proposed itinerary will take most of the day. A visit to Osios David is a highlight of the Old Town Ano Poli experience. Things to Do in Ano Poli - Old Town Thessaloniki Some of them have remained unspoiled since the 5th century when the church was originally constructed. Walk further to Tsimiski street. The deep jewel tones of Agia Sophias vast interior are almost quenching. Located in the city center, this is among the most important churches of Thessaloniki. There was once a Roman bath on the site of the church. The church has been there since the 5th century and remains the same until today, making it the only in the eastern Mediterranean region. 450-470, making it one of the earliest of the Thessaloniki's surviving churches, although it was modified in the 7th and again in the 14th-15th centuries. 20 Things to do in Beautiful Thessaloniki - Worldwide Walkers It was built in the 8th century over the ruins of a paleo-Christian church that was destroyed from the earthquake. It was built between 1351-1371 AD and has been continuousy in operation since. It was originally constructed by Roman general Galerius in about 300 AD and in the late 4th century AD, it was turned into a Christian church and decorated with nice frescoes. Its interior is fully covered in frescoes, which are of a special unique style worth seeing up close. Created in Thessaloniki, they are the oldest surviving examples of the East. During that time the city came to host the fair of Saint Demetrius every October, which was held just outside the city walls and lasted six days. This was a day after the feast of the city's patron saint, Saint Demetrios, which has become the date customarily celebrated as the anniversary of the city's liberation. From 1870, driven by economic growth, the city's population exploded by 70%, reaching 135,000 in 1917. From there the evangelizers went to Veroia, aka Berea, where they succeeded in converting some people in that city as well. So did the distinctively Italianate tomb of Loukas Spandounis, a 15th C merchant of Thessaloniki. During the Ottoman era, Agios Dimitrios became the Kasimiye mosque, during which time a small portion of it remained available for Christian worship. Their populations, however, were quickly replaced by considerable numbers of Greek refugees from Asia Minor as a result of the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, following the defeat of the Greek forces in Anatolia during the Greco-Turkish War. But its worth giving a special mention to the castles of the Upper Town (the Heptapyrgion and TrigoniouTower). There are also some interesting pieces in the garden outside. The building is perhaps the best example of intricate Ottoman architecture in the city and is used today as a site for cultural events. The church was constructed in the 5th century and is famous for its built-in tessera, one of the most famous pieces of art during the Paleochristian era. In May 1936, a massive strike by tobacco workers led to general anarchy in the city and Ioannis Metaxas (future dictator, then PM) ordered its repression. Visiting the Byzantine Churches in Thessaloniki. Which one of the churches impressed you the most and is in your must-see list? In June 2003, the city was host to the Summit meeting of European leaders, at the end of the Greek Presidency of the EU, with the summit taking place at the Porto Carras resort in Chalkidiki, to aid security precautions. This is one of the reasons why it is of great importance to all the Thessalonians, reminding them of their roots in Asia Minor. History of Thessaloniki - Wikipedia This church is famous for the excellence of its murals, which cover nearly the whole of the interior. The dome is 10 meters in diameter. [1] 7,000 - 15,000 of the citizens were massacred in the city's hippodrome in revenge an act which earned Theodosius a temporary excommunication. Related: 2 Days Itinerary in Thessaloniki by a Local Moni Vlatadon In 306, Thessalonki acquired a patron saint, St. Demetrius. The once vast complex now consists of individual parts, amongst them the Arch of Galerius (to commemorate Galerius successful campaign against the Persians), the Octagon, the Apsidal Hall and most impressive the UNESCO-protected Rotunda (which has served as a place of worship for pagans, Christians and Muslims). Do you have a question about Greece and the Greek islands? Do you like What is the history and significance of the church at Thessalonica Bishop Ioannis founded the five-aisled basilica and between 1493 and 1912 it was used as a Turkish mosque. One of the most valuable examples of Byzantine architecture is the church of Panagia Chalkeon dedicated to the Virgin Mary. And more? Location of Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki in Greece, UNESCO, Advisory Body Evaluation, World Heritage List, Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, "Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki", "Ministry of Culture Hagia Sophia Church (Original: | )", Church of Hosios David (Latomos Monastery), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hagia_Sophia,_Thessaloniki&oldid=1150081159, Byzantine church buildings in Thessaloniki, Mosques converted from churches in Ottoman Greece, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with Structurae structure identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 16 April 2023, at 06:36. He is seated on a rainbow, and at his feet the rivers of paradise flow into the river Jordan. Just as the locals will talk with undisguised affection about their hometown, so its buildings and monuments stand ready to reveal all. It is one of the first churches of Christianity, founded sometime between 450 and . Thessaloniki is is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Ever since, Thessaloniki has been dubbed as symprotvousa ("co-capital"). A rare depiction of Christ as an adolescent, with no beard, is at the center. There are also some interesting pieces in the garden outside. 2023 Design & Development by Dataspot.gr, Footsteps of Cultural and Religious Inheritance. Amazing structure church-building and one of its kind. Thessaloniki itself came under attack from Slavs in the 7th century (most notably in 617 and 676678); however, they failed to capture the city. Pick and choose as you wish. The Paleologian Renaissance style had great narrative power, with realistic figures full of expression. The city was given by emperor Baldwin I to his rival Boniface of Montferrat, but was seized back once more in 1224 by Theodore Komnenos Doukas, the Greek ruler of Epirus, who established the Empire of Thessalonica. ", This page was last edited on 6 August 2023, at 22:40. Churches in Thessaloniki, Greece | Greeka The church was first built by the Roman sub-prefect of Illyricum, Leontios, in 463. The origin of the churchs name could be either the family name of the churchs founder, or an allusion of the kindness of St. Nicholas to widows and to orphans. Bey Hamam . The church was constructed in the 5th century and is famous for its built-in tessera, one of the most famous pieces of art during the Paleochristian era. Since the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912, it serves as an Orthodox church. That makes it the oldest church in Thessaloniki. As in Agia Sophia, in the dome is a depiction of the Ascension of Christ. Do you have a question about Greece and the Greek islands? It is considered to be the most important surviving church from the Early Christian period of the Greek-speaking part of the Roman Empire. Cassander named the new city after his wife Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great. This selection of six churches in Thessaloniki some grand and central, others small and nearly secret, give you a broad and varied experience of Byzantine splendor, with mosaics that are considered along with those of Ravenna to be masterpieces of early Christian art. By A. Makris March 12, 2011 Among the highlights of the newly discovered church was the mosaic floor uncovered when structures of the later basilica were removed. It was used as a mosque until 1912, when the Greeks liberated the city during the Balkan War. Nonetheless, their rule lasted less than a year and they were defeated by the Byzantine army in two battles months later, forcing them to evacuate the city. Because they were no longer welcome, Silas and Timothy were eventually sent out of Thessaloniki by the new Christian converts. The railway reached the city in 1888 and new modern port facilities were built in 18961904. Examples of Byzantine art survive in the city, particularly the mosaics in some of its historic churches, including in the church of Hagia Sophia and the church of Saint George. Oldest church in Thessaloniki - Review of Rotunda - Tripadvisor It is said that the building was once bigger and longer but nowadays just the small church of Agios Nikolas Orphanos remains. Wonderfull assembly! Respect the cultural monuments and relics and dont use flash photography if theres a sign forbidding it. Thessaloniki, Greece - Hagia Sophia Mosque Interior Thessaloniki, Greece - Hagia Sophia Mosque Interior. This three-aisled basilica of the 5th C, built over a complex of Roman baths, was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Rotunda: Oldest church in Thessaloniki - See 912 traveler reviews, 1,008 candid photos, and great deals for Thessaloniki, Greece, at Tripadvisor. "Greeks and Jews in Salonika and Odessa: Inter-ethnic Relations in Cosmopolitan Port Cities. Although only a few parts remain the same from the original building the frescoes and the icons are of great cultural importance and worth visiting. The building is in the process of being restored, but you can still see some of the frescoes and mosaics, which are interesting. The crypt operates as a museum of antiquities and is open to all visitors. You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The first church on the spot was constructed in the early 4th century AD, replacing a Roman bath. The church was then nearly destroyed in the fire of 1917 and was reconsecrated in 1948. When Thessaloniki was liberated from the Nazi occupation on November 2nd, 1944, this is where the thanksgiving mass took place.

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