Byzantine Bath, Thessaloniki

The Byzantine Bath of Thessaloniki stands as the lone survivor among the city's ancient bathhouses and ranks among Greece's most well-preserved relics from antiquity. Constructed in the late 12th or early 13th century, it remained operational until 1940, when it ceased operations, likely due to the upheavals of World War II and the German occupation of Greece. Originally believed to be part of a monastery complex, during Ottoman rule it came to be known as Kule Hammam, or the "Bath of the Citadel".

Reflecting Roman architectural conventions, the bathhouse features an entrance to the south leading to the frigidarium, or dressing rooms, followed by two tepidarium, or warm rooms, distinguished by their vaulted ceilings, and two caldarium, or hot rooms, both equipped with hypocaust heating systems. Adjacent to the bathhouse to the north was a cistern heated by a hearth beneath it, ensuring a supply of hot water.

Throughout its extensive history of use, the original structure underwent numerous modifications. While in the Byzantine era, it was utilized by both men and women interchangeably, under Ottoman rule, it was partitioned into segregated sections for each gender by blocking off pairs of rooms.

After its closure in 1940, the bathhouse suffered neglect and damage during the earthquakes of 1978, surviving largely due to the efforts of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and protection provided by an external metal sheet. Recognizing its significance, UNESCO added the Bath of Thessaloniki to its list of World Heritage Sites in 1988, alongside other Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments in the city.

Following extensive restoration efforts spanning four years, the bathhouse was reopened to the public in June 2015, serving as both a museum and cultural venue.