The Galerian Complex, the most important monumental complex of Thessaloniki, was built at the crossroads of two worlds, the Roman and the Byzantine. Its construction began during late 3rd and early 4th AD. century, when Caesar Galerius Valerius Maximianus (293-311 AD) chose Thessaloniki as the center of the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
During the early Christian era, important emperors of the 4th century, sometimes resided in Thessaloniki, due to its importance and its geographical position between Rome and New Rome-Constantinople.
Important building remnants of the Complex were unearthed by the excavations carried out in the second half of the 20th century. Some of these remnants, such as the Arched Hall and the buildings of the archaeological site of Navarinou Square, can be visited. However, most, due to the reconstruction of the historical center, have been covered.
In 2008, the archaeological site was awarded, by the European Union and Europa Nostra, for the excellent and exemplary restoration and maintenance of the ruins, as well as for all the interventions that transformed an abandoned site into a well-organized and educational one, a pole of attraction in the heart of the Thessaloniki.
Congratulation!