Thessaloniki - the city of Byzantine temples (pedestrian)

Undoubtedly, the historical image of Thessaloniki is largely associated with the Byzantine Empire. The rich history of the city is displayed in the fortress walls, temples, customs and appearance of Thessaloniki. The fortress city with its numerous monuments can rightly be called the open Byzantine Museum.

Today, Thessaloniki is the only “Byzantine city” in all of Europe, perhaps all over the world. The only "Byzantine Museum", which preserved the legacy of the Empire of all stages of its development (Early Byzantine, heyday and post-Byzantine) with "samples" of all cultural elements (history, architecture, religion, life, traditions and art). The Great Empire lives in the basilicas and monasteries of the city, in the interweaving of streets and squares, in the traditions and customs of the local people.

Greece in general and Thessaloniki in particular are considered the heirs of Christian Byzantium. It is the only country in the modern world where Orthodoxy is constitutionally enshrined as a state religion. The Church and Orthodoxy are an integral part of the life of not only the population (98% of whom are Orthodox Christians), but also the state.

Christianity came to Greece with the sermons of the Apostle Paul, who in 49 entered Thessaloniki and by the force of his word converted part of the locals to his faith. For nearly 300 years, Christians preached their religion secretly and were persecuted. The fourth century brought great changes to the Roman Empire and, as a result, to the life of Thessaloniki. Persecution of Christians ceases and Christianity becomes the main religion. The capital of the Roman Empire was moved to Constantinople (330), and Byzantine Thessaloniki became an important religious center.

During a walking tour of the Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki (10 of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List), you will visit the most significant and interesting temples of the city and get acquainted with the history of Christianity and church architecture.

Interesting facts:
10 early Christian and Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki included in the UNESCO World Heritage List;
After 1207, St. Dmitri (the patron saint of the city) is depicted on icons riding a red horse, piercing the spear of Kaloyan, the Bulgarian king who besieged Thessaloniki. The saint miraculously appeared on the walls of the city and, descending into the enemy camp, killed Skiloyan (from "skilos" - a dog), as the Byzantines called him.
In the year 49 the Apostle Paul preached in Thessaloniki;
Thessaloniki – the birthplace of Cyril and Methodius;
The Monastery of St. Theodora is one of three in Thessaloniki, which throughout the Turkish occupation operated as a Christian abode;
The Basilica of Achiropiitos (5th century) is one of the oldest churches in Greece.
Specialized guides to Thessaloniki mention about 100 active temples and monasteries;

Example route:
The Temple of Dmitry of Solun
* Basilica Achiropiitos
Metropolitan Temple of Gregory Palamas
* Hagia Sophia Temple
Catacombs of John the Forerunner
Monastery of the Monk Theodora
Mother of God Mednikov (Panagia Halkeon)

Useful information:

walking tour; if necessary, you can order an additional transfer to the place of the beginning of the route;
For your comfort and safety, wear comfortable shoes; do not forget to bring headgear with you;
The route program can be changed for reasons beyond the control of the company (force majeure); weather conditions and at the discretion of the guide, if necessary;
The tour cannot be held on Sunday, as the Basilica of Achiropiitos is closed.
After the tour, you can visit the church of Panagia Dexia and Rotunda on your own;
Visiting churches / monasteries provides a certain type of clothing: men have closed shoulders and long trousers; women have closed shoulders and a neckline, a skirt below the knee (you can tie a pareo).

* Russian language guide services

Separately paid:

* Lunch;
Transfer to the starting point of the tour (on request).