Old Metropolis, Veria, Byzantine church in Veria, Greece
The Old Metropolis is a three-aisled basilica with timber roofing and ranks among the largest mid-Byzantine religious buildings in the Balkans. The structure displays traces of modifications that accumulated over centuries on its surfaces.
The building was constructed around 1070 under Bishop Nikitas as a Christian place of worship and was converted into a mosque from 1430 onward when Ottomans took control of the region. This transformation left visible marks on the structure's architecture.
The walls display frescoes from different periods that tell stories of Byzantine faith. Visitors can still see the remains of these paintings today and discover how layers of time are visible in the artwork.
The building has undergone comprehensive renovation and is now accessible to visitors, giving you time to examine the details carefully. It is best explored during daylight hours to fully see the architectural features and surviving decorations.
The building displays a rare blend of Byzantine and Ottoman elements, with semicircular arches transformed into pointed windows. These architectural adaptations tell the story of changing times and show how structures served multiple cultures.
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