The Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda are two interconnected late 4th-century monuments located in Thessaloniki, Greece. Commissioned by the Caesar Galerius to celebrate his victory over the Sassanid Persians, the structures formed part of a grand imperial palace complex that served as a seat of power in the Eastern Roman Empire.
The Arch, originally a triple-arched gateway, features intricate marble reliefs depicting the military campaigns of the Tetrarchy. The nearby Rotunda, a massive circular structure, was originally intended as a mausoleum for Galerius but was later converted into a Christian church and subsequently an Ottoman mosque, resulting in a unique layering of architectural styles and religious history.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Marble, Mortar
- Civilization
- Roman
- Accessibility
- Ground level access to the Arch; Rotunda is accessible with some uneven surfaces
- Date(s)
- c. 298–305 CE
- Condition
- Partially preserved; Rotunda functions as a museum and monument
- Original Function
- Triumphal arch and imperial mausoleum
- Key Figures
- Galerius, Constantine the Great
Imperial Construction
305 CEThe structures were built as part of the palace complex of Galerius, who chose Thessaloniki as his imperial capital. The Arch served as a monumental entrance to the complex, while the Rotunda was designed to serve as his final resting place.
Christian Transformation
4th-5th century CEFollowing the rise of Christianity, the Rotunda was converted into a church dedicated to Saint George. During this period, the interior was decorated with high-quality early Christian mosaics, which remain some of the most significant examples of the era.
Ottoman Conversion
1590 CEDuring the Ottoman period, the Rotunda was converted into the Hortaji Suleiman Effendi Mosque. A minaret was added to the exterior, which remains the only one preserved in the city today.
Modern Preservation
20th century - presentAfter the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912, the site was returned to Christian use, though it now functions primarily as an archaeological site and museum under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture.