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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.
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.
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.
