Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki Historical Sightseeing
You can never miss this Arch of Galerius while you are in Thessaloniki, especially if you are doing the walking tour of Thessaloniki sightseeing. It is there out in the open for all to see. I wonder if it has become too ordinary a sight for the locals there.
The place did look like a meeting place for all, and they all seemed busy chatting with each other. Only a few tourists like me stood gaping at the crumbling but massive structure of Arch of Galerius. What stunned me to silence was the contrast of 21st century apartment complexes and the 3rd century Roman arch!
Frankly those modern buildings looked pale in comparison to this grand architecture. It is really impressive of they have preserved such small packets of history while letting the city grow around it the same time!
It was built in AD 303 by Galerius, then Caesar of east to celebrate his victory over Persians in AD 297. Made of marble and brick, the exact date of construction is from 298 CE to 299 CE.
The third smaller arch has disintegrated and disappeared over a period of time, but the remaining structure has some amazing carvings. They are mostly stories and scenes from the battle between Rome and the Persians. Some of them have eroded away and those that survived time speak volumes of unwritten history. Thessaloniki was important then, it is important today too! What a great city!
Impressive structure. A historical wonder indeed!
Impressive structures and amazing shots!
Thanks for the comments friends. 🙂
Hi Mridula, tragedy of my life: never toured Delhi as a tourist or traveler. I had been there for a couple of days for some work. 🙁
I can see why you were gaping…I would have been too, its beautiful. such detail in the carvings.
Wow..!
Did you find Athens a little similar to Delhi, the way the city has grown around the monuments?
Magnificent structure! You are so right, today's creations look pale in front of such timeless historic ones!
I am so glad that you showed the details on the arch. I do love the sky shot through the archway though. Happy travels!
JM, IL-U.S.A.
Great shots of the arch. I love the sculpture on it.
Amazing structure and carvings!
The photos are so inspiring… feel like being there. Information on your posts is of great help to define a place in a better way. Thanks Indrani 🙂
Lovely arches and carvings.
Wonderful shots af that well preserved arch!
Beautiful pics….. Loved it…
So much of history…!!
Impressive structure! You have captured this beautifully. Thank you for sharing Indrani.
Lindas fotos! É bom que conhecemos sempre um pedacinho de outros lugares, eu gosto muito!
A magnificent ancient arch standing testimony to its strength, character & architecture and beautifully juxtaposed with modern multi-storied unaesthetic inelegant monstrosities !
The Beauty of Architecture is forever to known only to the Lover of Art! Marvelous Structures…
Terrific
What a refreshing sight. Absolutely love it.
Truly amazing, Great post, Thanks 🙂
That looks grand with magnificent sculptures.
Very Nice
Wow! great shots, marvelous carvings and such neat representation of culture. Thank you Indrani for taking us on a virtual tour.
Parul
Super pics, indrani!
Nice details 🙂
Impressive !
Great Clicks. And good you see history in what most people think its so common.
In Greece it seems like in every corner there's something ancient, historic and very important.
I'm always stunned and impressed with the beautiful art and architecture you find wherever you go. The world hold much in the way of ancient beauty.
Hello Indrani!!
The Arch of Galerius is very imppresive indeed!
Great captures!Gorgeous pictures!
Hope your day was fine!
Dimi…
Marvellous shots.
quite amazing!
Superb captures of an awesome place, Indrani!! Such incredible carvings! Thanks as always for sharing the beauty! Have a great weekend!!
Hello Indrani, it is a neat arch! I like all the detailed carvings.. Thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy weekend!