Thessaloniki Church of Panagia Chalkeon

Location: Egnatia

The Church of Panagia Chalkeon is situated at Ancient Agora Square, at the intersection of Egnatia and Aristotle Street, and only a few steps from the archaeological site of the Roman Market. The church was founded in 1028 by Christophoros, a military commander of Longobardia, and his family in honor of the Virgin Mary. It was built on the site of an old pagan sanctuary.

Panagia Chalkeon means "Virgin Mary of the Copper Smiths", as the quarter next to the church hosted many copper workshops, some of which exist to this day. When Thessaloniki was conquered by the Ottomans in 1430, the church was converted into a mosque. In 1912, when the city was liberated, it became an Orthodox church once again. The fire of 1917 and the earthquake of 1932 caused serious damage to the church which was restored in the years that followed. Today, it stands proudly amidst the lush greenery and tall trees of Ancient Agora Square.

Constructed in the typical Byzantine style, this church has four columns and three domes. It is often referred to as the Red Church, as its edifice is made entirely out of bricks. The upper part of the church is adorned with arches and semi-columns, while a marble cornice outlines the perimeter. A marble inscription over the western entrance informs visitors of the history of the church’s construction. Inside one can see wonderful frescoes that date from the 11th to the 15th century. A tomb believed to belong to the founder is found in a niche in the north wall.

Because of its magnificent architecture and major religious and historical significance, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.