Honouring Saint Sophia: Thessaloniki’s UNESCO World Heritage Treasure

On 17 September, Greece commemorates Saint Sophia and her three daughters — Faith, Hope and Love — whose devotion and sacrifice are deeply woven into Orthodox tradition.

In Thessaloniki, the faithful mark the occasion by visiting the historic Church of Saint Sophia, one of the city’s most treasured landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Formally known as the Holy Cathedral of God’s Wisdom, the Church of Saint Sophia is among the oldest surviving Christian monuments in Thessaloniki. Constructed at the end of the 7th century on the foundations of a 5th-century basilica, the church has endured centuries of conquest, transformation and restoration, standing as a living testament to the city’s layered history.

Inside, visitors are greeted by exquisite mosaics from three distinct periods: the iconoclastic era, the late 9th century, and the 11th–12th centuries. The narthex is adorned with frescoes dating back to the 11th century, further underscoring the church’s significance as a beacon of Byzantine art and spirituality.

Historical records from the 10th to the 13th centuries refer to the church as the “Great Church”, the “Catholic Church of the Metropolis”, and “the Metropolis”, highlighting its central role in Thessaloniki’s religious life. During the Latin occupation (1204–1224), it became the Latin cathedral before reverting to Orthodox use. In 1523/24, the building was converted into a mosque, a status it held until the early 20th century.

The church suffered heavy damage in a fire in 1890, but was meticulously restored between 1907 and 1909 under the direction of architect Charles Dale. On 29 June 1913, following Thessaloniki’s liberation, it was rededicated to Christian worship.

Today, the Church of Saint Sophia remains not only a monument of faith but also a cultural and historical emblem of Thessaloniki — bridging past and present for both Greeks and visitors from around the world.

(Source: Hellenic Ministry of Culture)