Thessaloniki, a city rich in history and culture, is home to several significant monuments, including the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Located on Egnatia Street in the eastern part of the old city beside Arch of Galerius, this 14th-century Byzantine chapel stands as an impressive example of religious architecture and history. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki.
The Church of the Transfiguration was constructed around 1350, based on evidence uncovered during archaeological work following the 1978 earthquake. Among the findings, a coin discovered within the dome helped confirm its date of construction. The church was originally built with unhewn stone for the lower parts, while the upper portions feature brickwork. This design is characteristic of the Byzantine period in Thessaloniki.
The church is an example of the rare architectural type known as the tetraconch—a structure featuring four apses arranged symmetrically in a square layout, crowned by a high dome. The base of the church is made from rubble masonry, while the upper sections are brick-laid, typical of Palaiologan church construction. The dome, relatively tall for the size of the structure, is decorated with rows of arches and brick half-columns.
Notably, the church’s original position and the altar were revealed through extensive archaeological investigation. It was initially believed to be a funerary chapel, a theory supported by the discovery of graves beneath the floor and around the structure. While earlier scholars thought the church might have been associated with a monastery, it is now understood to have been a dedicated place of worship, possibly with a focus on the Virgin, as indicated by the inscriptions found on a lead reliquary.
One of the church’s most striking features is its dome, which contains a set of frescoes dating back to around 1350–1370. The paintings were uncovered under layers of soot and depict a vivid and complex religious narrative. At the highest point of the dome, Christ is portrayed ascending in glory, watched by angels and the Virgin and Apostles. The bottom zone of the dome illustrates the Divine Liturgy, with Christ flanked by church fathers, deacons, and the faithful, rather than angels—an uncommon depiction in Byzantine art.
Eight prophets are also featured in the spaces between the dome's windows, reinforcing the spiritual themes of the frescoes. These wall paintings are valuable not only for their religious significance but also for their contribution to understanding the artistic landscape of Thessaloniki in the 14th century.
The church is situated slightly below street level, making it particularly convenient for visitors to admire the dome. While the interior is relatively simple, the archaeological and artistic details that have been uncovered make it an intriguing stop for those interested in Byzantine history and art. The church is open to visitors every day except Sunday, with operating hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Tuesdays, it also hosts a Holy Liturgy and Matins from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
