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The Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika are a group of 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites built between the 3rd and 14th centuries. 13 of them are churches or monasteries. They’re all located within walking distance of other important sites in Thessaloniki, Greece.
On three separate trips, I was able to visit 10 of the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika, and they are listed here in chronological order of construction. Not included are the Church of St. Demetrios and the Rotunda of Galerius, which are covered in separate entries.
Thessaloniki City Walls
First, above the modern city center in Upper Town (Ano Poli) are the old walls of the citadel of Thessaloniki. These walls protected the entire city all the way to the port from about the late 3rd century until the Ottomans demolished most of them in the late 19th century. Important sites on the remaining walls include the Trigono Tower and Gate of Anna Palaiologina.
Church of Panagia Acheiropoiitos
The oldest surviving Byzantine church in the city is the Church of Panagia Acheiropoiitos. It was built in 450 AD and was the first church in Thessaloniki converted into a mosque, Old Mosque (Eski Camii). The conversion was personally performed by Ottoman Sultan Murad II in 1430. It remained a mosque until 1912.
Hagia Sophia
There has been a church on the site of Hagia Sophia since the 3rd century, but the current building is from the 8th century and was modeled after Hagia Sophia of Constantinople (now Istanbul). It became a Catholic cathedral in 1205 after its capture during the Fourth Crusade, and was reconsecrated as an Orthodox church in 1246. Sultan Murad II converted Hagia Sophia into the Ayasofya Mosque (Ayasofya Camii) on March 29, 1430, and it remained as such until the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912.
Church of Panagia Chalkeon
Built in 1028 by a Byzantine dignitary, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon was converted into the Kazancılar Mosque (Kazancılar Camii) in 1430. It remained a mosque until 1912. It’s located at Dikastirion Square in the city center.
Church of St. Panteleimon
The history of the Church of St. Panteleimon is disputed. It was built in the 14th century and thought to be part of a monastery complex. The church was converted into the Ishakiye Mosque (İshakiye Camii), around 1500. The current name was given to the church after its rededication in 1912.
Church of the Holy Apostles
The Church of the Holy Apostles was built around 1329 as part of a larger monastery complex. It was turned into the Mosque of the Cold Water (Soğuksu Camii), after the Ottoman conquest of Thessaloniki. The current name of the church was applied after reconsecration.
Transfiguration Chapel
Transfiguration Chapel is a tiny Byzantine structure built in the 14th century. It served as a cemetery chapel for a monastery. I can’t find any information indicating it was used as a mosque.
Church of Prophet Elijah
The Church of Prophet Elijah was built in 1370 as part of a larger monastery complex. It was converted into the Saraylı Mosque (Saraylı Camii) in 1430 by Badrah Mustafa Pasha, and remained as such until 1912.
Next Time
I didn’t have a chance to visit five of the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika. They are the Vlatades Monastery, the Byzantine Bath, the Church of St. Nicholas Orphanos, the Church of St. Catherine, and the Church of Hosios David. I will update this page when I have a chance to do so.
