Armenian Church Thessaloniki
A fascinating cultural spot
The Armenian communities in Greece and in Thessaloniki in particular, have a rich history. Armenians are Christians, but although they call themselves “Orthodox”, they are not to be confused with the Eastern Orthodox Church, of which the Greek one is a part of. And if you enter any Armenian church, you will be able to see the difference since there is no iconostasis (that structure that is filled with icons and separates the sanctuary from the main church).
The Armenian place of worship at Thessaloniki was designed by the renowned Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, who also worked for the Catholic Church and built other masterpieces in the city. It was constructed in 1903 and is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God (in Armenian: Sourp Asdvadzadzin). From an architectural point of view, Poselli chose the eclectic style, that is, to combine different traditions. The central tower, which dominates the façade, reminds us of the medieval Romanesque towers, whereas the side towers, with their multi-sided, pyramidoid roofs, allude to the typical Armenian domes.
The interior is austere, but it has some beautiful icons. I visited that monument with an Armenian friend and I really enjoyed it! It’s an interesting place to learn about a different tradition. Make sure that you also have a look at the nearby “khachkar” (traditional Armenian stone-carved, ornamented slab with a cross) at Tsimiski street. When you arrive, you will see the church locked, but ring the bell at the left side entrance and someone will open it.
About this spot
Antoniou Kamara 6
- Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00, Sun 09:30 - 12:00
€
free
Explore Thessaloniki like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Thessaloniki guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Thessaloniki
"Panagouda" church
A very personal spot
Particularly beautiful is the small dome with the depictions of Christ “Pantokrator” (Almighty) and the Apostles. And the neoclassical bell tower...
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Hypapante church
An unknown treasury
The iconostasis is just incredible! Pay attention to the dragons beneath the Cross on the top, they allude to the story of Prophet Jonah...
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
St. Catherine's church
Heaven on earth
The church itself is dated to ca. 1300. The masonry and arrangement of the exterior are some of the most beautiful in the entire city.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Nea Panagia church
Another post-Byzantine gem
The current edifice was built in 1727. On the same site, there had been a 12th-c. Byzantine monastery, also dedicated to the Virgin that burnt down around 1690.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
"Sotirakis" chapel
A Byzantine pearl
Even a tiny church in Thessaloniki can be a pearl! One of the smallest (if not the smallest of all) is the “Sotirakis” chapel. “Sotirakis” means little Sotiris.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Teloglion
The best spot for art lovers
If you are an art lover, this is your spot! The core of Teloglion’s collection is that of Nestor and Aliki Teloglou, a couple passionate about art.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Church of Prophet Elijah
A Byzantine diamond
The building was perhaps built in the middle or in the second half of the 14th century. That period was characterized by unprecedented artistic flourishing in the city.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Gorilas
Fine drinking & fun
"Gorilas" in Thessaloniki is run by an expert, world-class bartender, so you know the drinks are tantalizing for the senses. Also: don't miss the brunch!
By
Giannis
Sykomanis
Massalia stin Thessaloniki
Gourmet meze
"Massalia stin Thessaloniki" quickly became the talk of the town in 2014 when it opened. Today, this restaurant systematically exceeds my expectations.
By
Alexandros
Tsavdaroglou
Castello
An epic caffe!
In front of the promenade of Thessaloniki, there are innumerable cafes. The presumable question that a visitor may have is: “Which one should I choose?”. I have the answer! Of course, “Castello”.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Hosios David
An unexpected surprise
The Chapel of Hosios David in the Upper City (Ano Poli) is dedicated to St. David of Thessaloniki, a monk who lived on an almond tree.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Mangiare Gastro Bar
Great Neapolitan pizza
"Mangiare Gastro Bar" in Thessaloniki is the city's first real Neapolitan pizza restaurant! My favorite is the Diavola. Do also try their cocktail list...
By
Giannis
Sykomanis
Heading to Thessaloniki?
95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Thessaloniki?
✓ 95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
