Ayia Katerini (Church of Saint Catherine), Thessaloniki

The Church of Saint Catherine is a significant monument of late Byzantine Thessaloniki, dating to the late 13th or early 14th century during the Palaiologan period. After the Ottoman capture of the city in 1430, it was converted into a mosque, and its Christian imagery was covered with plaster. The building returned to Christian use in 1912, and restoration work between 1947 and 1951 revealed important fragments of its original 14th-century frescoes.

As you enter, stand near the center of the nave and look upward. The church’s decoration was organized vertically, guiding the eye from the earthly to the celestial. Although only fragments survive, this hierarchy is still easy to follow.

Begin at the lower wall zones, where you can see figures of bishops and saints, originally positioned at eye level to establish a direct visual relationship with worshipers. As your gaze rises toward the upper walls and arches, look for fragments of apostles, prophets, and angels, arranged in orderly bands that lead the eye toward the dome.

Near the eastern end, close to the sanctuary, watch for traces of narrative scenes from Christ’s life and miracles. Though incomplete, details such as expressive faces, flowing garments, and balanced compositions reflect the refined style of late Palaiologan painting.

As you move around the interior, notice how the frescoes are adapted to arches and curved surfaces, creating a close dialogue between architecture and image. Despite their fragmentary state, these paintings offer a rare and rewarding glimpse into the artistic and devotional world of late Byzantine Thessaloniki.