Sight guide · Thessaloniki · Greece
Visiting Rotunda of Galerius
Built around 306 AD as part of Emperor Galerius's palace complex, this massive brick drum later became a church and then a mosque, and its Ottoman minaret still stands beside it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Rotunda of Galerius is a historic site in Kamara and Navarinou, Thessaloniki. Allow 45 minutes; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Kamara and Navarinou
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, architecture and rainy day
- Best months
- November–January
About Rotunda of Galerius
Built around 306 AD as part of Emperor Galerius's palace complex, this massive brick drum later became a church and then a mosque, and its Ottoman minaret still stands beside it. Fragments of 4th-century gold mosaics survive high in the dome, and its walls are over six metres thick.
Tip: Combine it with the Arch of Galerius 100 metres down the hill and the palace remains around Navarinou Square.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Low cost.
- 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 Rotunda of Galerius
Rotunda of Galerius is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- December: 11°C (52°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- November: 15°C (59°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- January: 9°C (48°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, very quiet crowds.
When to visit Thessaloniki has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Thessaloniki itinerary visits Rotunda of Galerius on day 2, together with Aristotelous Square, Church of Hagios Demetrios and Ladadika quarter.
- No. 2 of the 17 sights in our Thessaloniki things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Thessaloniki.
Near Rotunda of Galerius
Also in Kamara and Navarinou, so you can walk between them:
- Arch of Galerius (Kamara) — 20 minutes, free
If you like Rotunda of Galerius
- 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
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki — White Tower and the eastern seafront, 2 hours
Staying near Rotunda of Galerius
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 Rotunda of Galerius?
Plan 45 minutes. With Arch of Galerius (Kamara) nearby, it fits a half-day in Kamara and Navarinou.
+Is Rotunda of Galerius free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Rotunda of Galerius?
November–January, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Combine it with the Arch of Galerius 100 metres down the hill and the palace remains around Navarinou Square.
+Do I need to book Rotunda of Galerius in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.