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Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos: A Byzantine Masterpiece

Explore Thessaloniki's Byzantine past at the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning mosaics and architecture.

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The Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos in Thessaloniki is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture dating back to the 5th century. One of the oldest churches in the city, it features remarkable mosaics and frescoes, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman era.

A brief summary to Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they can vary, and the church is closed on Sundays.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting; avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
  • Take your time to admire the mosaics and frescoes, and look for the Roman bath tiles visible through the glass floor panels.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos is centrally located on Agias Sofias Street, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in Thessaloniki's city center. From Aristotelous Square, walk north along Aristotelous Street, then turn right onto Agias Sofias Street. The church will be on your left. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the area around the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos. From the White Tower, take bus number 31 or 33 towards Agios Pavlos and get off at the 'Agias Sofias' stop. The church is a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus ticket costs €0.60.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. A short taxi ride from the Thessaloniki train station to the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos will cost approximately €5-€7 during the day. Taxi fares have a base fare of €1.30, plus €0.74 per kilometer during the day.

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Discover more about Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos

The Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos, located in the heart of Thessaloniki, stands as a testament to the city's rich Byzantine heritage. Constructed in the 5th century AD, around 450-470, it is among the oldest surviving churches in Thessaloniki. The church's name, 'Acheiropoietos,' meaning 'not made by hands,' is first recorded in 1320 and is believed to be linked to a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Architecturally, the Acheiropoietos is a three-aisled basilica with a wooden roof, showcasing the classic Byzantine style. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate mosaics, with plant, geometric, and animal motifs, and the few remaining 13th-century frescoes. The church's columns, made of white marble from Proconnesos, and the green Thessalian marble columns of the tribelon add to its architectural splendor. Glass panels in the floor offer glimpses of the Roman-era bathhouse that once stood on the site. Throughout its history, the church has undergone several transformations. During the Ottoman rule in 1430, it was converted into a mosque, known as Eski Camii (Old Mosque). After Thessaloniki's liberation in 1912, it was reconverted into a church. Today, the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and art lovers. Its serene atmosphere and remarkable craftsmanship provide a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

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