Holy Church of Saint Demetrius
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What people say
Mirka Ondrejkovicova
Available for hire
"Even though the church does not look particularly aesthetic from outside, do take some time to see it. It's located near the Roman Forum. Entrance is free.
It's Thessaloniki's largest church and it's dedicated to Saint Demetrios - it was built on the presumed site of his martyrdom.
The church burned down in the infamous 1917 fire and was then restored according to the original architectural plans. If you look closely though, you will discover that some of the original Byzantine mosaics decorating the pillars on either side of the entrance to the apse survived.
Another special thing in this church? The crypt which you can access for free! You can see the bath in which Saint Demetrius was allegedly martyred there as well as the remains of the chapel built on the bath. In 1988 the crypt was converted into an exhibition area housing different artefacts.
Note: be careful when going into the crypt, the stairs are slippery and the ceiling is quite low.
If you come out through one of the exits on the left side of the church, there are free toilets there though do note that they are unisex and many of them are squat toilets. "
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Efthymia Kalogirou
Available for hire
"The Holy Church of Saint Demetrios was constructed in the mid-5th century (413) on the site of the martyrdom of Saint Demetrios, by the prefect of Illyricum, Leontius, who was cured of an incurable disease.
The area once held the "stadium," where gladiatorial contests took place. In this stadium, the faithful disciple of Saint Demetrios, Nestor, engaged in single combat and defeated Lyaeus.
The entire ground complex of the ancient bath, where Saint Demetrios was imprisoned, has been preserved and transformed into a crypt of the church, serving as a worship center for centuries.
Unearthed in 1918, the crypt became an archaeological site, and in 1950, surviving sculptures from the 1917 fire were relocated by S. Palakanides near the fountain area as part of a comprehensive renovation effort.
From 1985 to 1988, extensive excavations took place in the northern section of the Crypt, leading to the restoration of its remains.
The resulting exhibition showcases both excavation findings and antiquities rescued from the catastrophic fire."
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David Bosworth
Available for hire
"A 7th century structure which commemorates the conversion and martyrdom of Saint Demetrius, a Roman soldier who followed Christ. The Roman baths in the basement of the church show the place of his martyrdom. "
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About Holy Church of Saint Demetrius
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