Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika, Greece

Church of Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Agios_Dimitrios1.jpg
Author: JFKennedy


Thessalonika is a provincial capital and seaport founded in northern Greece in 315 BC. Also written as Thessaloniki, it is rich in monuments dating back to the early days of Christianity.

The paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessalonika are today a World Heritage Site. They include several beautiful churches built in two different styles: those according to the Greek cross plan, and those following the three-nave basilica plan. These churches were built between the 4th to the 15th century. The evolution of their style provides a glimpse at the history of Christian architecture and art.

One of the most important monuments is the Church of Saint Demetrius, or Hagios Demetrios. It is dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessalonika. The mosaic work on the rotunda of the church is regarded a masterpiece of Christian art.

Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 12th session of the World Heritage Committee in Brasilia, Brazil, on 5 - 9 December, 1988.

The apse of the Church of Saint Demetrius
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hagios_Demetrios_apse.JPG
Author: self work

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 40 38 17.988 E 22 57 54 Prefecture of Thessaloniki, Region of Central Macedonia
Inscription Year: 1988
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: I, II, IV

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