Agia Ekaterini, Byzantine church in Upper Town, Greece
Agia Ekaterini is a Byzantine church in Thessaloniki's Upper Town with a central dome supported by four marble columns. The exterior walls display intricate patterns made of brick that reflect the skill of its original builders.
The church was built in the late 13th century and later converted to a mosque during Ottoman rule. A major restoration in the mid-20th century returned it to its current form.
The interior shows representations of church fathers, apostles, and prophets that visitors can observe today. These religious images give a sense of how faithful people experienced this space over the centuries.
The church sits near the Byzantine walls on Olympiados Street and is easy to spot from the outside. Visitors should know that opening hours can vary, so it helps to check ahead before planning a visit.
The building stands out for its use of brightly colored marble elements, which is uncommon for churches from this period. These colorful details give the interior and exterior a special look that you rarely see in other Byzantine structures around the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.