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Roman Thessaloniki on Foot

Published 3 September 2026 · by ThessalonikiHub

The Arch of Galerius on Egnatia Street, the start of the Roman walk

A short walk through the 4th-century Roman complex of power.

Few cities have so much Roman history packed into their centre. In the early 4th century, Emperor Galerius made Thessaloniki his seat and built an entire palace complex, much of it survives and is walkable in one easy loop.

The route (≈1.5 km)

  1. Arch of Galerius (Kamara), on Egnatia. The triumphal arch with reliefs of his victories.
  2. Rotunda, a few metres uphill. The monumental circular building with its mosaics.
  3. Palace of Galerius on Navarinou Square. The emperor's private quarters.
  4. Roman Forum (Ancient Agora) on Dikastirion Square: the administrative centre, with an odeon and cryptoporticus.

Time & tips

Everything is a 10–15 minute walk apart. Allow 2–3 hours with stops. Finish with a coffee on Navarinou, one of the city's liveliest squares.

Related places

The Arch of Galerius, the "Kamara", on Egnatia Street at dusk, with its 4th-century reliefs★
City Center

Arch of Galerius (Kamara)

A 4th-century Roman triumphal arch and the city's classic central meeting point.

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

Rotunda (St George)

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

The Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
City Center

Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)

The Roman administrative heart of the ancient city, with an odeon and an on-site museum.