Arch of Galerius and Rotonda, Thessaloniki

Arch of Galerius and Rotonda, Thessaloniki

The Arch of Galerius was built in the 4th century to honour the victory of Emperor Galerius against the Persians in Asia Minor and Syria.

The Arch of Galerius was built in the 4th century to honour the victory of Emperor Galerius against the Persians in Asia Minor and Syria. Only 3 of the original 8 pillars are standing, but the detailed marble reliefs throw up a wealth of information, depicting scenes of war, ceremonies and sacrifices. The Church of Agios Georgios, simply called the Rotonda, was built by Galerius in 306 AD, probably as a temple or his mausoleum. Used as a church and then as a mosque during the Ottoman occupation, the Rotonda today is a Greek Othodox Church.