The Monastery of St. Theodora is one of the most important religious shrines in Thessaloniki. It sits in the very heart of the city. The holy site is a particular nook, full of peace and tranquility, where you can hide from the busy life of the megapolis city. It annually welcomes thousands of visitors. If you plan to take a sightseeing tour about Thessaloniki, you should necessarily include this attraction with an eventful history and centuries-old heritage in your route.
The appearance of the Monastery of Saint Theodora dates back to the IX century. Initially, the building was dedicated to Agios Stefanos, the first Christian martyr. Since the building got the relic of Agia Theodora, it received the new name. St. Theodora comes from the island of Aegina. She died in Thessaloniki at the age of 80.
After the fall of Constantinople in 1430, the Turks did not convert the monastery into the mosque. It settled down in one of the Christian districts of the city. The Turks called it “The Devic Monastery.” The building served as a home for 200 nuns. In the XVIII century, the convent started to work as a parish church.
In 1890, the building suffered from the fire. In 1917, the Thessaloniki devastating fire destroyed the monastery’s catholicon. The bell tower was the only place that left standing. In 1935, people started the construction of the new temple, right next to the catholicon affected by the fire. Since 1974, the building has been functioning as the male monastery. In 1989, the West wing opened its doors for visitors. It houses the Agios Antonios boarding house and the Agiological Studies Center of the Holy Diocese of Thessaloniki.
The Monastery of St. Theodora in Thessaloniki preserves valuable power sacred, attracting the believers. The myrrh-flowing relic of Agia Theodora is the most significant one. The relic started to work miracles right after Agia Theodora’s death. One could see the relic to heal people having severe disabilities. After the invasion of Thessaloniki, the Turks broke the sarcophagus with the relic and cut it in pieces. The pilgrims put all the pieces of the relic together. Then, they put it back in its place. Demetrius Solunski relic is another reason why the pilgrims visit this place.
While entering the monastery, people cannot miss noticing the bright frescoes which adorn the ceiling. It is modern but no less beautiful, compared to antique paintings. Near the entrance, you can see the power sacred of David Solunski and Agia Theodora. People consider these outstanding figures to be the patrons of the city. Furthermore, they are one of the most respected patrons in Thessaloniki. Inside the main building, you can see the frescoes and the icons as well as put the candles and have a little peace.
The main building is not the only construction on the territory of the monastery. There are several backyards under its command. They are all open to visiting:
The monastery sits in the Thessaloniki tourist center, on Ermou Street. Just 200 meters away from it, you can find Modiano Market. In the vicinity, only 350 meters away, you will see another attraction, the church of Agia Sophia. The Monastery of St. Theodora is easy to access on foot from Aristotelous Square. A walk will take you only 5 minutes. Just go straight ahead of the Aristotelous Street, walk by the Statue of Emilianos Lazaridi, and turn right after that.
