Although only a fraction of the original structure remains, the ruins of the Arch of Galerius are admired and are one of the main monuments of Thessaloniki.

Book a hotel in the centre of Thessaloniki

This triumphal arch was built at the end of the 3rd century by the Roman Emperor Galerius to commemorate his victory over the Persians at the Battle of Satala. The arch originally formed a single structure with the nearby Rotunda, but the connecting wall has not survived the centuries and now stands separately.

Eight pillars and marble decoration

The arch was completed in 299, just a year after the victorious battle against the Persians. It spanned the entirety of today's Egnatia Street and had a total of 8 pillars, making it one of the largest victory arches of the time.

The central archway, which is the only one still preserved today, is almost 10 metres wide and 12.5 metres high.

The entire arch was originally lined with white marble slabs engraved with scenes from the war. The marble decoration is preserved at the bottom of the arch.

Galeri Arch today

A large part of the central passage and one side passage with a total of 3 pillars have survived. The triumphal arch still stands on Egnatia Avenue, which has not changed its orientation since Roman times.

Only today it does not span it, but stands on a wide pavement off the main road.