Overview
A 5th-century Byzantine basilica dedicated to Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki's patron, this is Greece's largest church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The saint was martyred in a Roman bathhouse here under Emperor Diocletian, and the church was built over his tomb. Restored after the 1917 fire, seven mosaics from the 5th-9th centuries survived the flames as priceless Byzantine art. The crypt below preserves the excavated remains of the ancient bathhouse believed to be the martyrdom site, now open as a museum offering a glimpse of pre-Byzantine Thessaloniki. Free entry (crypt museum about EUR 2). 10-minute walk from Aristotelous Square.
Opening Hours
07:30-22:00 (crypt: 08:00-20:00)
Travel Tips
The crypt has a separate ticket - pair it with the Byzantine mosaics. Avoid visits during mass times.
Hotels near Church of Saint Demetrius
Hotels and guesthouses in Thessaloniki, City Centre, Thessaloniki
Other attractions in Thessaloniki
White Tower
The symbol of Thessaloniki — a 15th-century Ottoman circular tower standing on the waterfront.
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
A hilltop old quarter with Byzantine walls and Ottoman-era wooden houses.
Modiano Market
Thessaloniki's central market since 1922, brimming with fresh produce and local eateries.
Aristotelous Square
Thessaloniki's central square - the city's lively living room opening to the sea.
Rotunda & Arch of Galerius
A circular 4th-century mausoleum for a Roman emperor, paired with the Arch of Galerius.
Ladadika District
A 19th-century olive oil warehouse quarter reborn as the city's dining and nightlife hub.
Paralia Waterfront
A 4.5km waterfront walk along the Thermaic Gulf, famed for umbrella sculptures and sunsets.