BASILICA AGHIOS DIMITRIOS (SAINT DIMITRI)

According to legend, the basilica was built on the very site of the martyrdom of Saint Dimitri, the patron saint of Thessaloniki, whose feast day is October 26. It was destroyed twice, following fires, and rebuilt before being transformed into a mosque under Turkish rule.

You can go down into the crypt, to the right of the choir. First we enter a small chapel that housed the saint's remains, just after his death. Openings have been made in the walls to allow the faithful to contemplate his body. Continuing along its path, we arrive at the ciborium with 7 columns. It was used to receive the holy oils that were poured on the saint's tomb and which flowed into the circular basin in front of it. You still have to admire the capitals of the columns that support the ensemble and especially the beautiful examples of capitals with acanthus leaves "turned over by a gust of wind". There are also beautiful mosaics, such as the one representing Saint Dimitri with a clergyman on the right of the choir, just outside the crypt. Similarly, you can admire the mosaic representing Saint Demetra surrounded by two children, to the left of the choir. On the right and in parallel, the representation of Saint Dimitri with Saint Serge. Just next door, Saint Dimitri is represented between the two founders of the church: an ecclesiastic and a layman. Finally, admire the mosaic of the Virgin Mary with a saint, opposite the previous one on the other side of the choir.