Thessaloniki Church of Agios Panteleimon

Location: Rotonda

The Church of Agios Panteleimon is located in proximity to two major attractions of the city, namely the Arch of Galerius and the Rotonda. It is one of the local landmarks included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Monuments since 1988.

The building dates back to the late 13th century and originally belonged to the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin Mary Perivleptos, most likely functioning as a katholikon. Its current name is probably due to the homonym chapel of the nearby Panagouda Church; when the Ottomans converted the monastery to a mosque, the Christian relics were moved to the chapel.

To turn the church into a mosque, the Turks covered the wall paintings and facades with a coating and built a minaret and a fountain in the courtyard. Similar to most churches in Thessaloniki, it became a church again after the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912.

Unfortunately, the severe earthquakes of 1978 caused serious damage to the monument. However, restoration and rebuilding works were carried out and Agios Panteleimon Church is still standing and able to welcome visitors. Today, the cruciform-designed church features a narthex and two chapels. The base of the minaret has also survived and can be seen in the courtyard.