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Arch of Galerius
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · GR

Arch of Galerius

Getting around: On Egnatia Street in central Thessaloniki, near the Rotonda; fully walkable within the city center, close to Navarinou Square.
Hours: Always accessible as an outdoor monument, freely viewable at any time.

A Roman triumphal arch built in the early 4th century AD to celebrate Emperor Galerius's victory over the Persians, decorated with relief carvings depicting battle scenes and imperial ceremony that remain legible despite the centuries. Only part of the original structure survives — it was once a larger four-pillared arch spanning what was then the main road through the city — but what remains still straddles part of modern Egnatia Street, a striking juxtaposition of ancient monument and contemporary traffic.

It was originally connected to the nearby Rotonda by a ceremonial road, and the two monuments are best understood together as part of Galerius's larger imperial building project in the city.

It's a free, quick stop — a few minutes to view the reliefs and take in the scale — easily combined with a visit to the Rotonda just a short walk away.

Arch of Galerius FAQs

Is the Arch of Galerius free to visit?

Yes, it's an outdoor monument in the middle of the city, freely viewable at any time with no entrance fee.

How much of the original arch survives?

Only part of what was originally a larger four-pillared structure remains standing today, though the surviving sections retain detailed relief carvings.

Is it connected to the Rotonda?

Yes, they were originally linked by a ceremonial road as part of Emperor Galerius's imperial building complex, and are commonly visited together given their proximity.

How long should I spend here?

Just a few minutes to view the reliefs, typically as part of a walk through the surrounding streets.

What do the carvings depict?

Battle scenes and imperial ceremonial imagery commemorating Galerius's military victory over the Persians in the early 4th century AD.

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