11th-century Byzantine church site restored and opened to visitors in northeastern Greece

Maximianoupolis, Rhodope Province, Greece, November 6, 2026

Photo: ​vimaorthodoxias.gr Photo: ​vimaorthodoxias.gr     

The remains of a rare six-sided Byzantine church that once stood at the heart of a medieval Thracian city are open to visitors after a restoration that’s given the 11th-century monument new life.

The opening ceremony took place Wednesday, November 4, in ancient Maximianoupolis–Mosynoupolis in Rhodope. Metropolitan Pantaleimonos of Maroneia and Komotini led a service of blessing, following the completion of the restoration and enhancement of the historic monument, reports Vima Orthodoxias.

The Ephorate of Antiquities of Rhodope carried out the restoration, with funding and supervision from the Ministry of Culture. The goal was to preserve and showcase an important monument of the region’s Byzantine heritage.

Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr     

The church dates to the 11th century and stands out as a distinctive example of Byzantine architecture because of its rare, irregular hexagonal floor plan. During the Byzantine period, it was the central building of the city of Mosynoupolis.

With the work finished, the monument is now open to the public as a visitable archaeological site. It can also be used for worship.

In his address, Metropolitan Pantaleimonos offered warm thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Culture. He also congratulated the archaeologists and conservators who worked on the restoration.

The Metropolitan called the day a landmark for the region, noting that a monument with deep spiritual and historical roots is coming back to life, linking Rhodope’s Byzantine past with the present.

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11/6/2026

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