The sight you want to see right now: majestic Agia Sophia in Thessaloniki
Agia Sophia Cathedral in Thessaloniki, built in the 7th century, is a vivid example of early Byzantine temple architecture. This fascinating landmark is often compared with another important monument – Agia Sophia in Istanbul, former Constantinople. Monumental appearance of cathedral is a symbol of unwavering greatness that relives glory days of Byzantine Empire. Mosaics of the iconoclastic era and latter murals in Agia Sophia have survived to this day. Also tourists can find here the relics of St. Basil the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessaloniki in the 10th century A.D.
In the first half of the 5th century an early Christian church was situated at the place of present Agia Sophia. Together with other buildings, it constituted a huge complex of religious buildings with an area of more than 8,000 square meters. This church was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century. The present cathedral was built at its place and occupied only one part of the former complex.
Frescoes of the 11th century, executed during the reconstruction of Agia Sophia after fire in 1037, display all the beauty of ancient murals. They are located on eastern wall of narthex, the entrance area opposite the church's main altar. Most of these frescoes depict the Saints and the Reverends. Monk Theodore and Monk Evtimii, the Saints from Thessaloniki, are among them.
The distinctive features of Agia Sophia are new architectural forms caused by changes in the liturgy: a room of the altar was made for preparation of the Holy Gifts and a deacon to the right of the altar was designed for storage of church utensils and vestments. The inner space of Agia Sophia is divided by two rows of columns and the vaults of the dome are kept by four voluminous columns of Byzantine style. The huge dome is covered with an excellent mosaic depicting the Ascension of Jesus, the apse of altar is decorated with an amazing mosaic of the 20th century called "The Virgin on the Throne".
The shape of cathedral is squared, this trait was typical of late Byzantine cross-domed churches. Antique and Byzantine columns were decorated with a floral ornament that was borrowed from more ancient temple. The walls of Agia Sophia are plastered and painted with marble.
It is an exceptionally rare example of iconoclastic period church. Agia Sophia combines the features of the cross-domed church and the three-nave basilica. This building was a witness and participant of events at the time of three great civilizations: Ancient, Roman and Byzantine. In 1988 cathedral became a part of UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the altar apse of the temple pay attention to iconoclastic cross, visible under the latest image of the Virgin. The thing is, in the 8th century Byzantine Church adhered to the iconoclastic tradition that prohibited personified images. Cross was the only common religious image in the Eastern Churches.
The church is a five minute walk from Aristotle's Square on Ermou Str.
