See also: Where to Stay in Thessaloniki Roman Rotunda (Saint George's Church) The Roman Rotunda is Thessaloniki's most wonderful ancient monument. Integrated in the early fourth century, it was more than likely planned to be Emperor Galerius' mausoleum (although he was not hidden here) and also belonged to the facility that consisted of the Galerius Palace and also the Arch of Galerius.
During the 10th to 12th centuries, the Rotunda was used as the Sanctuary of Thessaloniki. Under Ottoman regulation, the structure was converted to a mosque; the minaret is a relic of the Islamic age. After the liberation from the Turks in 1912, the Rotunda was transformed into the Church of Saint George (yios Yeryios).
More than 24 meters in diameter and also 30 meters in elevation, the Rotunda includes cylindrical domed architecture similar to the Pantheon in Rome. Inside, stunning mosaics embellish the dome as well as the risen recesses. The mosaic in the facility of the dome is missing, but listed below it are enchanting figures of angels and architectural facades on a gold history.
Salonica - Rotunda Map The White Tower: Relic of the Byzantine-Era Ramparts The most identifiable landmark of Thessaloniki, the White Tower can be gotten to by taking a beautiful walk along the Seafront Promenade. In a small public yard at the southerly end of the boardwalk, the White Tower (Lefks Pyrgos) was as soon as part of the community's ancient barricades.
Developed by the Footrest Turks around 1530, this imposing tower was utilized primarily as a jail. Today, tourists can see the tower and ascend to the watching platform on the top, which uses astonishing sights of the city and also harbor. The White Tower additionally houses the permanent collection of the Museum of Oriental Culture.
The collection consists of a variety of artifacts such as early μπαρ θεσσαλονικη Christian coins, vases, mosaics, wall surface paintings, and also liturgical things. The White Tower additionally organizes short-lived events such as presentations of Oriental religious paints. Church of Saint Demetrius A must-see spiritual sight in Thessaloniki, the Church of Saint Demetrius (Ayios Dimtrios) is the town's main church.
North of the Roman Agora, this fantastic five-aisled Oriental basilica was integrated in the fifth century on the website of an earlier Christian church near the old Roman bathhouse. (Remains of the bathhouse show up on the north side of the church.) The crypt also has antiques of an old Roman road.
For centuries, pilgrims have come from all over the Oriental Empire to respect the saint's relics, which are maintained in a sarcophagus before the iconostasis. Spiritual pilgrims and visitors alike are awe-inspired when entering the church's inside. The marvelous shelter is 43 meters long, the biggest in Greece, as well as is richly embellished.
Ayios Dimitrios Map Arc of Galerius Strolling from Egnatia Street towards Thessaloniki's city facility, visitors will certainly find the Arch of Galerius (Apsda Galerou), an ancient Roman monolith dating to around ADVERTISEMENT 297. This arch was the old community's main entryway gateway. Of the initial framework, 3 piers of the west side stay.
The alleviations, separated by garlands, illustrate fight scenes from Emperor Galerius' Persian, Mesopotamian, and also Armenian campaigns of the 3rd and fourth centuries. These ornately carved reliefs are among the finest of their kind. Be certain to observe the animated scenes on the south pier. Although badly weathered, the reliefs are far better managed than modern reliefs on the Arc of Constantine in Rome, dating to ADVERTISEMENT 315.
The collection extends from prehistory to late classical times. Make certain to see the sculptures from the Archaic to Late Roman age. Several areas present building components from an Ionic temple of the sixth century BC. Various other exhibits show excavation findings from a Neolithic negotiation at Makriyalo in Pieria, artifacts from the old royal residence developed by Emperor Galerius, as well as the restoration of a Macedonian tomb in Ayia Paraskevi.
A display in the lobby of the gallery displays locates from a Neolithic site, gone along with by information concerning the development of the excavation. Address: 6 Manolis Andronikos Street, Hanth Square, Thessaloniki Authorities site: http://www. amth.gr/ Ano Poli (Upper Community) The Ano Poli is the historical old town, referred to as the Upper Town as a result of its hill area.
This climatic quarter is defined by its high, winding streets and also pedestrian alleys. Countless water fountains of the Ottoman period reveal the quarter's Turkish impact. The Ano Poli has many notable historical churches, consisting of Saint Catherine's Church, the Church of the Prophet Elijah, the Church of the Taxiarchs (Archangels), the Church of the Holy Apostles, and the must-see Church of sios Davd that was developed in the fifth and also sixth centuries and also is renowned for its fantastic mosaic illustrating the prophet Ezekiel's vision.