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Palace of Galerius: Echoes of Roman Grandeur

Step back in time and explore the ruins of Emperor Galerius' Palace in the heart of Thessaloniki, a window into the city's Roman past.

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Explore the ruins of the Palace of Galerius in Thessaloniki, a once-magnificent Roman complex built in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD by Emperor Galerius. Discover remnants of the palace's vast structures, including the Apsidal Hall and the Octagon, and imagine the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

A brief summary to Palace of Galerius

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces while exploring the ruins.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda to get a more complete picture of the Galerian Complex.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palace of Galerius is located in Navarinou Square in the city center, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in Thessaloniki. From Aristotelous Square, walk east along Egnatia Street, then turn right onto Navarinou Square. The palace ruins will be visible in the square.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve Navarinou Square. Check the OASTH city bus website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single urban bus ticket costs €0.60. Validate your ticket upon boarding the bus.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. A short taxi ride to Navarinou Square from the city center will typically cost around €5-7 during the day. Taxi fares are metered, with a base fare of €1.80 and a per-kilometer rate of €0.90 during the day. Be aware that night rates (00:00-06:00) are higher.

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Discover more about Palace of Galerius

The Palace of Galerius, located in the heart of Thessaloniki, stands as a testament to the city's rich Roman history. Built in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, this sprawling complex served as the administrative center and residence for Emperor Galerius, who chose Thessaloniki as the seat of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Covering an area of 150,000 square meters, the Palace of Galerius was an ambitious project that included various structures such as the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius (Kamara), a Hippodrome, and several palatial buildings. The complex extended from the sea to the Rotunda and from Navarinou Square to Agia Sofia, showcasing the power and prosperity of Thessaloniki during Roman rule. Today, visitors can explore the excavated remains of the palace in Navarinou Square, where remnants of walls, courtyards, and mosaic floors offer glimpses into the palace's original splendor. Key features of the complex included the Octagon, believed to be the throne room, and the Apsidal Hall, which now houses a small media center. Although much of the palace is buried beneath the modern city, the visible ruins provide a fascinating look into Thessaloniki's Roman past. The site functions as an open-air museum, allowing visitors to wander through the ruins and imagine the grandeur of the original two-story structure.

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