Rotunda
Circular monument from the time of Galerius with a dome and mosaics of the early Christian period, which has served as a temple, a church and a mosque.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Rotunda was built in the time of Emperor Galerius, either as a pagan temple or as the emperor’s own mausoleum. Its original use remains unclear, as the monument has changed its function repeatedly over the centuries. From the 4th century it was converted successively into a place of worship, first as a Christian church and later as a mosque.
The circular building has walls 6.30 metres thick, a height of 28 metres and a diameter of 24 metres. The domed ceiling and the arches above the eight niches bear outstanding mosaic decoration of the Early Byzantine period, with gold and vividly coloured tesserae, regarded as a masterpiece of its age. At the highest point of the dome, where the mosaic has been destroyed, an early sketch of a male figure in charcoal can still be seen, probably of the triumphant Christ within a glorified medallion, surrounded by a wreath of leaves and fruit and held by four angels.
In the wider zone male figures are depicted, probably Christian martyrs, in front of imaginary architectural compositions with rich decoration. In 1912, with the liberation of Thessaloniki, the Rotunda was renamed the church of Saint George, probably after a small Christian church in the neighbourhood.
Highlights
- Early Byzantine mosaics of the dome
- Eight niches and walls 6.30 metres thick
- Circular building 28 metres high and 24 metres in diameter
- Charcoal sketch at the top of the dome
- Part of the palace complex of Galerius
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Πόλης Θεσσαλονίκης
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5 |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and each first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site is described as accessible for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Συντριβάνι
Thessaloniki Metro, line 1, exit at the station “Syntrivani”.
From Aristotelous Square the site is about 18 minutes on foot and 9 minutes by car.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Museums nearby
All 29 museums in Thessaloniki All museums in Central Macedonia