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Greece - Thessaloniki, Church of Saint Demetrius

The church of Saint Demetrius is named and devoted after the patron saint of Thessaloniki: Saint Demetrius or Agios Dimitrios. It is by far the most important church of the city for religious, historical and artistic reasons.

The first chapel on the current spot was constructed in the early 4th century AD, replacing a Roman bath. A century later this little chapel was replaced by a larger, three-aisled basilica. Repeatedly gutted by fires, the church eventually was reconstructed as a five-aisled basilica in 629–634; the form of the church much as it is today.

During the Ottoman occupation of Thessaloniki the church was turned into a mosque. Frescoes were plastered, which were again revealed after the 1913 Greek reconquest of the city. Due to a great city fire in 1917 it took decades to restore the church. After restoration, the church was reconsecrated in 1949.

Nowadays the cathedral is still a fine sample of Byzantine religious architecture. It is one of the largest – if not the largest - churches in Greece. Since 1988 the church is - with other Palaeochristian and Byzantine Monuments in Thessaloniki - on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
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60 comments

J. Gafarot said:

Superb external picture and great interiors, thank you Jaap.
Thank you for the note.
Enjoy a great weekend.
5 years ago

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

I love the interior shots Jaap!
HFF and happy weekend wishes.
5 years ago

Hansruedi Voegele said:

Sehr schön PIP von Innenaufnahmen .ganz Toll!
Gruss Hansruedi
5 years ago ( translate )

gezginruh said:

Very nice picture and PİPs!
HFF,Jaap!

Have a great weekend!
Füsun
5 years ago ( translate )

Madeleine Defawes said:

Very beautiful exterior and interior of the Church !
Have a nice weekend
5 years ago

trester88 said:

Eine beeindruckende Serie dieser schönen Kirche!
HFF, Jaap, und ein schönes Wochenende!
5 years ago ( translate )

Rainer Blankermann said:

Klasse Serie! Die Kirche gefällt mir - innen und außen!
5 years ago ( translate )

J.Garcia said:

The past involved by the present!
Splendid report of this wonderful jewel

Thank you also for the interesting information
Have a great weekend, Jaap
5 years ago

Annemarie said:

great pic my friend

HFF .........
and happy weekend:)
5 years ago ( translate )

Peter Castell said:

The rather plain exterior hides a wonderful and ornate interior, I hope you have a HFF and a nice weekend Jaap
5 years ago

Roger (Grisly) said:

Beautiful captures and great information Jaap,
HFF and nice weekend .
5 years ago

TOZ said:

Beautiful Image jaap.
HFF have a good weekend. TOZ.
5 years ago ( translate )

tiabunna said:

Great images and information, Jaap. HFF and have a great weekend.
5 years ago

HappySnapper said:

A magnificent and well maintained building, excellent documentary Jaap. Well presented with PIPs. A good weekend for you.
5 years ago ( translate )

John Cass said:

Wonderful image, love the PiPs - HFF Jaap and have a nice weekend.
5 years ago