Rotunda (aka Ayios Yioryos)

Frommer's Review

Some say that Galerius built this massive brick-and-stone structure as his defiantly immodest mausoleum, while others think he intended it to be a temple, perhaps of Zeus. Later in the 4th century, the Byzantine emperor Theodosius the Great converted the rotunda into Ayios Yioryos (Church of St. George), and began the ornamentation of its 6m-thick (20-ft.) walls with mosaics. When the Turks conquered Thessaloniki in the 15th century, they converted the church into a mosque (you'll see the one minaret left from this period) and destroyed many of the exquisite mosaics.

The Rotunda reopened in 1999 after more than a decade spent repairing the damage done by the horrific earthquake of 1978. Artisans and archaeologists worked -- and continue to work -- with literally millions of tesserae, or tiles, to restore the dazzling mosaics. Now you can see (especially if you bring binoculars) indigo peacocks, garlands of flowers and fruit, and blond curly haired saints and martyrs (and martyred saints) in the mosaics that cover the walls. Try to visit on a Wednesday, when the neighborhood street market stretches for blocks around the Rotunda, and ask about special exhibits or concerts here. Allow an hour to explore.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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