Sight guide · Thessaloniki · Greece
Visiting Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
The surviving piers of a triumphal arch raised around 300 AD celebrate Galerius's victory over the Persians, with marble reliefs of battles and imperial processions.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Arch of Galerius (Kamara) is a historic site in Kamara and Navarinou, Thessaloniki. Allow 20 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Kamara and Navarinou
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history and after dark
- Best months
- June–August
About Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
The surviving piers of a triumphal arch raised around 300 AD celebrate Galerius's victory over the Persians, with marble reliefs of battles and imperial processions. Locals simply call it Kamara, and it is the city's most popular meeting point, standing on Egnatia Street beside student cafés.
Tip: Look closely at the lower friezes on the south-facing pier, where the reliefs are best preserved.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 20 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Kamara and Navarinou, roman monuments, student cafés and cheap eats near the university.
Best time to visit Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- July: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- June: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Thessaloniki has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Thessaloniki itinerary visits Arch of Galerius (Kamara) on day 1, together with White Tower, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and Museum of Byzantine Culture.
- No. 3 of the 17 sights in our Thessaloniki things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Thessaloniki.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Thessaloniki.
Near Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
Also in Kamara and Navarinou, so you can walk between them:
- Rotunda of Galerius — 45 minutes, low cost
If you like Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
- Aristotelous Square — City Centre (Aristotelous Square), 30 minutes
- Church of Hagios Demetrios — City Centre (Aristotelous Square), 45 minutes
- Hagia Sophia — City Centre (Aristotelous Square), 30 minutes
- Panagia Chalkeon — City Centre (Aristotelous Square), 20 minutes
Staying near Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
Stay in Kamara and Navarinou ($$) to walk here: roman monuments, student cafés and cheap eats near the university. All areas to stay in Thessaloniki.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Arch of Galerius (Kamara)?
Plan 20 minutes. With Rotunda of Galerius nearby, it fits a half-day in Kamara and Navarinou.
+Is Arch of Galerius (Kamara) free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Arch of Galerius (Kamara)?
June–August, the quietest of the good months. Look closely at the lower friezes on the south-facing pier, where the reliefs are best preserved.
+Do I need to book Arch of Galerius (Kamara) in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.