St. Catherine's church Thessaloniki
Heaven on earth
Thanasis (or Athanasios) from Thessaloniki
Ano Poli (Upper City) is definitely a district for skilled walkers due to its steep streets. But if you decide to wander across the alleys of that labyrinth, you will be rewarded with such beauty! A gem of the Upper City, surrounded by blocks of flats, is the Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr (known in the West as St. Catherine of Alexandria).
As usually happens with Byzantine churches, its initial dedication is unknown. Some scholars suggest that it was dedicated to Christ and identify it with the Byzantine monastery of Christ the Almighty. 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. There is such a balance. The magnificent frescoes date back to the early 14th century, which represent scenes of Christ’s miracles in the main church, as well as some holy monks in the narthex. The modern icons that adorn the iconostases of the main church and the side chapels imitate the authentic late Byzantine style. I urge you to reflect on the divine, supernatural beauty of the decoration!
Thessaloniki Spotter Thanasis (or Athanasios)
About this spot
Ious 2
- Mon - Sun 6:30 - 11:00
€
free
Our Thessaloniki City Guide
Find your way with 96 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Thessaloniki
Core
Unique designs
"Core" in Thessaloniki is amazing, because James' Enox's collection of t-shirts, jewelry etc. is just flawless. If you're also into graphic design, this...
by
Martina
Papaioannou
Paradosiako
The best pie in Thessaloniki!
I have tried many pies in many spots, not exclusively in Thessaloniki, but those that I have really fallen in love with are the pies of “Paradosiako”! That Greek word means “Traditional”.
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
St. Nikolaos Orfanos Church
A paradise on earth
A must-see gem of Thessaloniki is a tiny church in Ano Poli (Upper City) district, hidden behind an enclosure. Its name is Agios Nikolaos Orfanos (St. Nicholas of the Orphans).
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Byzantine Bath
A unique monument
The building dates back to ca. 1200 and it was in function until 1940! During the Ottoman period, it was known as Koule Hamam. It was constructed in a period during which the tradition of public baths was revived after the Late Antiquity.
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
St. Athanasios Church
A part of my life
It’s one of the most historic churches in Thessaloniki, but unfortunately, not even my fellow citizens are aware of that, let alone visitors of the city
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Nea Diagonios
A paradise of meat
In the eastern part of Thessaloniki, you can find the “paradise of meat”, the restaurant “Nea Diagonios” (literally, “New Diagonal”). Although the area is not touristy, it is worth visiting (don’t worry, there is a menu in English too).
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Museum of Illusions
Nothing is as it seems
Over 40 different interactive exhibits are waiting for you to experience incredible tricks, take awesome photos and discover the secrets and phenomena behind them!
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Katselis
The most delicious bougatsa
The best place to have a traditional breakfast, which hotels usually don’t offer, is “Katselis”! There are two branches; one near the train station and one in the city's eastern part.
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Holy Apostles Church
Another taste of Byzantium
One of my favorite Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki is the church of the Holy Apostles. What makes it unique is the combination of gorgeous frescoes and mosaics; even though the latter, only fragments are preserved!
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Catholic Church
A different taste of history
The current building was constructed in 1900 according to the design of the prominent Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, who embellished our city with monuments of exceptional beauty.
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Armenian Church
A fascinating cultural spot
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.
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Ss. Constantine Elena Chapel
Gothic art!
What makes this church unique are the neo-gothic pointed arches and the luminous stained-glass windows, which depict Saints and biblical scenes.
by
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Heading to Thessaloniki?
96 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 96 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Thessaloniki
Get to know our other Spotters from Thessaloniki
As featured on:
