Hosios David (Latomou Monastery)
Όσιος Δαβίδ – Μονή Λατόμου
A UNESCO World Heritage Site: a 5th-century small church hidden in the lanes of the upper town, whose apse holds rare early Christian mosaics of a prophetic vision.
Hosios David was originally the chapel of the Latomou Monastery at the end of the 5th century. Its exterior is plain, but the apse dome preserves a mosaic of a beardless, youthful Christ from Ezekiel's vision, a treasure of early Christian art. Legend says the mosaic was covered during the Ottoman period and rediscovered in 1921. The church is tucked away in the upper town's lanes, so the entrance takes some searching. A caretaker opens the door, and there may be a small admission fee or donation.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:00 (irregular)
Nearby sights
- Ano Poli (Upper Town)
- Vlatadon Monastery
- Church of Saint Demetrius
- Atatürk Museum
- Trigonion Tower & Byzantine Walls
- Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)
- Church of the Acheiropoietos
- Rotunda of Galerius