Rotunda of Thessaloniki

Take a tour of Rotunda of Thessaloniki in Thessaloniki, Greece — part of the World’s Greatest Attractions travel video series by GeoBeats.

The city of Thessaloniki in northern Greece holds one of the most complete and ancient structures in all of Europe.

The Rotunda is an important historical site in the city which has served multiple purposes including a church and mosque.

The then Emperor of Rome ordered the construction of this large domed building in the year 306.

Though the original intention of this structure is ambiguous, its first known use was as a Christian church.

In about 1590, the Rotunda was captured by Muslims and converted into a mosque and as a result still contains a minaret.

This structure has been named a national monument for its ancient architecture, tumultuous history, and Christian mosaic fragments.