Old Metropolis of Veria

The Metropolis of Veria is one of the largest mid-Byzantine temples in the Balkans, built in the decade 1070-1080 by the bishop of the city of Nikita.

It is a three-aisled basilica of masterpiece architecture, which presents similarities in shape with the early Christian church of Agios Dimitrios in Thessaloniki.

The characteristics that give the Old Cathedral uniqueness and special architectural, artistic, and historical value are the incorporation of early Christian models, giving the impression of an ancient church compared to the corresponding monuments of the same period, as well as the impressive fresco with one of the most important Byzantine paintings of the 12th, 13th and 14th century. Thus, the jewel of Byzantine Veria is rightly characterized.

With the completion of the restoration works of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia in 2016, the monument can be visited, offering visitors a unique living journey in the Byzantine history of the city.