The second largest city of Greece, Thessaloniki, was and still is famous for its glorious byzantine past. Endless byzantine monuments prove it. The city was without doubt the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD). It was also one of the most important art centers of the empire. Early christian mosaics from the famous Rotonda (circular church), the little church of St. David of Thessaloniki (usually dated in the 5th century) or the famous large church of St. Demetrius the Great Martyr are characterized by the immitation of the roman style (e.g. clothes, hairs etc.). Generally, the examples of early byzantine painting are so few due to the persecution and destruction of the holy icons that some Byzantine Emperors followed (early 8th century-middle of the 9th century). In the middle byzantine period (9th-12th century) are dated the dazzling mosaics of Hagia Sophia church (enthroned Virgin with the Holy Child, Lord’s Ascension). The iconographic types are stable and again we can see that these mosaics are influenced by the ancient art. For example, the way that the clothes of St. Philippe the Apostle are depicted reminds us hellenistic statues. During the palaeologian era (1259-1453), which was named after the last dynasty of the Byzantine Empire (Παλαιολόγοι=Palaeologi), Thessaloniki played again an extremely significant role. From this period countless frescoes (e.g. churches of St. Catherine the Great Martyr, the Holy Apostles, St. Nicholas Orfanos) and portable icons are preserved, such as the one that the photo shows, an icon of Christ, dated in the 14th century by the archaeologists. It is placed on the iconostasis of the church of St. Athanasius the Great (Egnatias 87 str., city center). Massive heavyset figures or many intense folds on the colthes are basic characteristics of the style of this era. The church of the Holy Apostles has been also decorated with fantastic mosaics, very similar with those of Chora Monastery (now Kahriye Museum) in Constantinople. Unfortunately, now only fragments are preserved. Thessaloniki waits for art fans and history buffs!
I organize FREE (without expecting absolutely any tip) guided tours in one of the most historic churches of Thessaloniki, the church of St. Athanasius the Great (July-September, every Wednesday at 10:00 am in English)! The church is located in the city center (87 Egnatias str.). I explain its history, the parts of an orthodox church building, our church art and the various symbolisms. EVERYONE WHO WANTS A TOUR OF THE CHURCH ON AN OTHER DAY CAN CONTACT ME!
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