Last updated on December 18, 2023.

The Rotunda of Galerius, part of Thessaloniki’s UNESCO World Heritage listing of Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika, was originally built in 306 AD as a Roman temple by Emperor Galerius. The structure may have been intended as his mausoleum.

 

Rotunda of Galerius

The Rotunda was converted into a Christian church by Emperor Constantine in 326 AD, then a mosque (Hortacı Süleyman Efendi Camii) in 1590, and back to a church (Church of St. George) in 1912. It’s now an archaeological site but the Greek Orthodox Church maintains access for religious purposes.

Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Rotunda of Galerius
Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Rotunda entrance

 

Interior

During my three visits, the interior of the Rotunda had lots of scaffolding all the way up to the dome where the mosaics were being restored. A simple altar sat on the far end.

Dome at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Dome
Mosaics at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Mosaics
Altar at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Altar

 

Exterior

The minaret and ablutions fountain from the building’s use as an Ottoman mosque are still intact. There are some interesting Jewish, Armenian, and Ottoman tombstones on the grounds behind the building. The Rotunda of Galerius sits within walking distance of two other ancient Roman archaeological sites related to Galerius, the Arch of Galerius and the Palace of Galerius.

Minaret at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Minaret
Ablutions fountain at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Ablutions fountain
Jewish tombstone at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Jewish tombstone
Ottoman cemetery at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Ottoman cemetery
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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