The Church of Hosios David, historically known as the Latomou Monastery, is a small 5th-century structure located in the Ano Poli district of Thessaloniki. It is internationally recognized for its rare and exceptionally preserved apse mosaic, which depicts the Vision of Ezekiel, a unique iconographic representation that survived the period of Iconoclasm.
Originally built as part of a larger monastic complex, the church underwent significant transformations over the centuries, including its conversion into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Despite these architectural modifications and the concealment of its interior art under plaster for centuries, the church remains a vital example of early Christian art and architecture in the Balkans.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Stone, Glass tesserae
- Civilization
- Byzantine
- Accessibility
- Limited due to steep, narrow streets in the historic district
- Date(s)
- Late 5th century CE
- Condition
- Restored and active as a church
- Original Function
- Monastic church
- Key Figures
- Theodora (patron)
Foundation
5th centuryThe church was founded in the late 5th century, likely as the katholikon of a monastery. Tradition attributes the foundation to Theodora, daughter of the Emperor Maximian, though historical evidence remains sparse.
Iconoclasm and Concealment
8th-9th centuryDuring the period of Byzantine Iconoclasm, the famous apse mosaic was covered with plaster to protect it from destruction. This act of concealment ensured its survival for nearly a millennium.
Ottoman Conversion
15th-19th centuryFollowing the Ottoman conquest of Thessaloniki in 1430, the church was converted into a mosque, known as the Suluca Mosque. The interior frescoes and mosaics remained hidden under layers of plaster until their rediscovery in the 20th century.
Modern Restoration
20th centuryThe plaster covering the mosaic was removed in 1921, revealing the masterpiece of the Vision of Ezekiel. The site has since undergone extensive conservation to stabilize the structure and preserve its remaining Byzantine-era decorations.