The Church of St. Sophia, in
central Thessaloniki (the second largest city in Greece), is one of the most
important churches in the city. Together with the Church of St. Dimitrios and
the Virgin Mary of the Acheiropiitou, they are considered the most important
early Christian monuments in Greece and of the Orthodox World. The current
Church dates from the 8th century, taking the place of an early
Christian Basilica, which was destroyed, probably due to an earthquake, at the
beginning of the 7th century. In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade,
the Church was transformed into the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the city. In
1246, when Thessaloniki returned to the Byzantine Empire, it became the
Metropolitan Church of the city, until 1523/24, when it was transformed into a
mosque by the Ottoman conquerors. Nevertheless, it became an Orthodox Church
again when Macedonia became part of the Modern Greek State.
That brings back some fond memories. Even more impressive than Agia Sophia is the Wind-up Pig opposite, where they serve quality beers by the litre. Well worth a pilgrimage.
ReplyDeleteThat brings back fond memories. Even more impressive than Agia Sophia is The Wind-up Pig opposite, where they serve quality beers by the litre. Well worth a pilgrimage.
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