New church discovered under earth

A new church of unknown identity was recently discovered in Thessaloniki, close to Sintivaniou Square, during some railworks. The church is 25 metres long but archaeologists have explored only 17 of them. The rest of the church is located under the square. It is not known to which saint the church was dedicated to, but archaeologists believe that it was constructed in the mid 5th century, a few years before the church of Panagia Aheropoietos, the oldest church of the town. In fact, the same construction system and architectural plan was used. The church was in use till the 7th century and has interesting frescoes inside. It is probable that next to the church, there was an old cemetery. Works are being continued and findings will be transfered either to Aristotle University or to the Castle of Thessaloniki.