Hotels near Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki

The Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki is an 8th-century Byzantine basilica - the city's UNESCO-listed cathedral, modelled directly on Constantinople's Hagia Sophia (537) and one of the oldest surviving Byzantine churches in continuous use. The cross-in-square plan, the surviving 9th-century gold mosaic of the Ascension in the dome, and the 11th-century iconostasis are the unmissable features.

Free, open daily 7.30am-1pm and 5-8pm. Modest dress required (shoulders and knees covered). The church is still active for daily Greek Orthodox services - tourist visits should avoid 9-10am Sundays. The exterior plaza is small but pleasant for a coffee at the surrounding cafes.

Pro Tip: Visit at 11am after the morning service - the church is empty for tourists and the Ascension mosaic glows in the sunlight from the eastern apse. Combine with the Roman ruins at Galerius Palace (5-min walk) for a chronological history walk.