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Byzantine Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki was the second city of the Byzantine Empire, the "co-reigning" city after Constantinople, and preserves one of the richest collections of Byzantine monuments in the world.

Churches with golden mosaics, monasteries, walls and fortresses (plus the award-winning Museum of Byzantine Culture) tell that story. Below, the spots you shouldn't miss.

Hand-picked recommendations from our editorial team.

The Rotunda with its Ottoman minaret at sunset, the Thermaic Gulf beyond

Rotunda (St George)

An imposing 4th-century Roman rotunda, a UNESCO monument with early-Christian mosaics.

The Church of Saint Demetrios lit at dusk, the largest church in Thessaloniki

Church of Saint Demetrios

The city's largest church, dedicated to its patron saint — a UNESCO monument.

The Byzantine walls of the Upper Town at sunset, overlooking the whole city and the gulf

Ano Poli (Upper Town)

Byzantine Walls

The old town's walls and the finest view over Thessaloniki — a UNESCO monument.

Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki at night, with its 8th-century Byzantine dome

Hagia Sophia

An 8th-century Byzantine church with important mosaics — a UNESCO monument.

Panagia Chalkeon, the all-brick Byzantine church of 1028, lit at night

Church of Panagia Chalkeon

A brick-built Byzantine church from 1028 — a UNESCO monument near the market.

The Acheiropoietos, a 5th-century early-Christian basilica on Agias Sofias Street

Church of the Acheiropoietos

A 5th-century early-Christian basilica — among the oldest UNESCO monuments.

Vlatades Monastery in the Upper Town, with Thessaloniki and the gulf spread out below

Ano Poli (Upper Town)

Vlatades Monastery

A 14th-century Byzantine monastery in the Upper Town with city views — a UNESCO monument.

The Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) from above at sunset, the Byzantine flag flying from its tower

Ano Poli (Upper Town)

Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule)

A Byzantine-Ottoman fortress crowning the Upper Town.

The Museum of Byzantine Culture

Museum of Byzantine Culture

An award-winning museum dedicated to Byzantine and post-Byzantine culture.