Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos

Beautiful church hidden at the top of a hill in the old town of Thessaloniki. Full of wonderful paintings, frescoes and icons it sits in a lovely walled garden (with wild tortoises living in it!) We visited for a wedding and it was amazing to see this brilliant old building full of people - definitely worth a visit.

I really recommend visiting if you are in Ano Poli Just be sure to visit between 10am and 1pm and on specific days (Monday, Thursday)

A whole set of turtles welcome you in the church παράδεισο. You can restore here on the benches beneath the trees populated by children, fiancés and artists painting their works or directly procede to visit the frescoes of the naos and of the nartex, masterly depicted. A really gentle guardian is in charge here. Nomen omen😇

A small hiden gem. Don't miss it, Byzantine wall.painting at its best. Pitoresque garden and a feeling of the old city before rebuilding almost everything in the second half of the 20th century.

An Oasis in the city; we were so lucky to watch and talk with amazing Greeks singing in the garden.

This gem described in every guide is hard to access and frequently closed in its (narrow) opening hours. So it takes patience to get there. I failed.

Full activity outside the church but quiet and peaceful inside. The frescoes depicting Saint Nicholas life are beautiful! Even the wedding of Kanaan is to be seen!

The church is only open to public from Monday to Thursday between 10.00 and 13.00. There is a chance to visit it upon request as well, but otherwise what you will see is a closed door and a sneak peek of the church.