It was built around 300 AD under the reign of the Roman Emperor Galerius who made Thessaloniki his home and centre of his seat of power. No one is quite sure what the original purpose of the building was; possibly it was going to be his mausoleum although in reality he was buried elsewhere.
What is certain is that its first proper use was as a Christian place of worship. Under the reign of Emperor Theodosius it was consecrated as a church around 360AD and certain stunning mosaics dating back to that time still survive. It is thus one of the oldest places of Christian worship in Greece. Although it also served for a time as a mosque (hence the minaret) it is now once again a place of worship.
If Paul left Thessaloniki discouraged, this building is proof that the Christian faith did not die out here.
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