Church of Aghia Sophia

Almost untouched in time, the Church of Aghia Sophia, dedicated to Christ, the true Word and Wisdom of God, has for centuries been a spiritual beacon for Thessaloniki. Built in the late 7th century it is a typical example of transitional cruciform church with a dome and an ambulatory, in imitation of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The beautiful mosaics, the 11th century wall paintings and its sculptural decorations are considered masterpieces of religious art. During the Latin occupation of Thessaloniki (1204-1224) the church became a cathedral for the Latins. After the Byzantine reoccupation the city returned to Orthodox Bishop until 1523/24, on Maktoul Ibrahim Pasha, when it was converted into a mosque.