The Rotunda, Thessaloniki

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Originally built as a mausoleum during the 4th century AD, it later served as a church and then as a mosque before becoming a museum.

The Rotunda, also known as the Church of Agios Georgios was built in 306 AD by the Roman tetrarch Galerius, and was intended to be his mausoleum.

This cylindrical structure initially operated as a temple, although the specific deity it was dedicated to remains a mystery.

After Galerius' death in 311 AD, he was buried in Felix Romuliana, present-day Serbia. Later, in the 4th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Constantine I transformed the Rotunda into an Orthodox church. During this conversion, numerous frescoes were painted inside, and some of these remarkable artworks have managed to survive to this day, adorning the walls of the Rotunda.

In the 14th century, Thessaloniki fell under Ottoman rule, and in 1590, the Rotunda was converted into a mosque. A minaret was added to the building during this time, which has been restored and stands as a testament to its diverse history.

In 1912, following the liberation of Thessaloniki, the Rotunda was converted back into an Orthodox church. Unfortunately, in 1979, a powerful earthquake caused severe damage to the structure, leading to extensive restoration efforts. Today, the Rotunda has been revived and currently functions as a sculpture museum. It frequently hosts various exhibitions, showcasing art and culture to visitors.

Notably, the Rotunda boasts a substantial diameter of 24.5 meters and impressively thick walls measuring over 6 meters. This robust construction has safeguarded the monument throughout the ages, protecting it from the ravages of time, military sieges, and devastating earthquakes.