Panagia Chalkeon, Thessaloniki
The diminutive Panagia Chalkeon in Thessaloniki. Photo under GFDL.
Side view. Photo licensed under GFDL.
The symmetrical west facade. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Dome frescoes. Photo
Joshua Treviño.
Fresco detail. Photo
Joshua Treviño.
Greek inscription on marble. Photo
Joshua Treviño.
Location map and aerial view of the Panagia Chalkeon. For a larger interactive view, see our Thessaloniki Map.
Located in a leafy garden, the peaceful Panagia Chalkeon Church (Virgin of the Copper Workers) in Thessaloniki dates from the 11th century and contains an almost complete cycle of frescoes.
History
The Panagia Chalkeon was founded in 1028 by Christophoros of Lombardy. Its unusual name comes from its use as a mosque for the copperworkers' guild (Kazançilar-Djami) during the Ottoman occupation, from 1430 to 1912. The church was restored in 1934.
What to See
The Panagia Chalkeon has a classic Byzantine cross-in-square plan with three apses on the east end and a nathex on the west end. It is constructed of deep red bricks that have given it a local nickname of "Red Church." It has a rather charming appearance due to its small size and sunken position below modern street level.
The main facade is pleasingly symmetrical, with three tall arches and three domes. The central dome is supported on an octagonal drum and the cross-arms have triangular pediments.
Inside is a nearly complete cycle of 11th-century Byzantine frescoes, some of which seem to be inspired by the mosaics of the Agia Sophia. In the dome is the Ascension of Christ and the narthex depicts the Last Judgment.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Panagia Chalkeon |
| Location: | Thessaloniki, Greece |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Greek Orthodox |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary |
| Category: | Churches |
| Architecture: | Byzantine |
| Date: | 1028 |
| Features: | Byzantine Frescoes; Change of Religion |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Platia Dhikastirion, Thessaloniki, Greece |
| Coordinates: | 40.636844° N, 22.943857° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Opening hours: | daily 7:30am–noon |
| Cost: | Free |
| Rules: | No shorts or sleeveless shirts. |
Travel Resources
- Thessaloniki Map - our detailed interactive map of Thessaloniki, plus hand-picked links to more
- Thessaloniki Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Thessaloniki Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Article Sources
- Sherry Marker and James Pettifer, Blue Guide Greece: The Mainland, 7th ed. (W.W. Norton, 2006), 604-05.
- Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches - The Rough Guide to Greece
- Panagia Chalkeon (Virgin of the Copper Workers) - Frommer's Greece
Last updated on October 23, 2009.
