Thessaloniki's restored Hamza Bey Mosque opens to the public
The Alkazar monument at Egnatia and Venizelou welcomes visitors from 11 October, 10:00–18:00 except Mondays. Admission is free for the first two weeks, with an inaugural exhibition on Thessaloniki from 1960 to 1980.
The restored Hamza Bey Mosque, known locally as Alkazar, opened to the public in Thessaloniki on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni attended the handover ceremony, according to ERT's report today. The opening follows the Ministry of Culture's September announcement that restoration work had been completed.
Hours and admission
The monument at the intersection of Egnatia and Venizelou streets is open from 10:00 to 18:00, except on Mondays. Admission was announced as free for the first two weeks; a low admission charge is expected thereafter, although the available report does not specify an amount. Visitors should confirm any changes in hours with the operator before travelling.
The first exhibition
The venue opens with “Thessaloniki: The Imprint of Transition”, an exhibition about the city from the 1960s to the 1980s through photographs by Pete Marifoglou. The Ephorate of Antiquities of Thessaloniki and MOMus are responsible for cultural uses and temporary exhibitions compatible with the monument's character.
From scaffolding to a new use
On 1 September, the Ministry of Culture announced the completion of restoration and conservation, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Scaffolding had covered the monument for almost four decades. Today's development is the start of public access, following the earlier completion of the works.
The historic building dates to the 15th century. The name Alkazar became associated with the cinema that once operated in its colonnaded courtyard. Its reopening adds a publicly accessible cultural venue to Thessaloniki's historic centre.
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