# Restoration of Hamza Bey Mosque in Thessaloniki

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/restoration-of-hamza-bey-mosque-in-thessaloniki
> Updated: 2026-10-11T08:13:18.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The Hamza Bey Mosque, commonly referred to as the ‘Alcazar’ in Thessaloniki, has officially reopened to the public following a restoration process that lasted nearly two years. The 15th-century Ottoman monument had been obscured by scaffolding for approximately four decades.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated that the restoration ‘transforms’ the area, particularly when viewed alongside archaeological findings at the Venizelos metro station. The site will now function as a cultural hub and permanent exhibition space, managed through a collaboration between the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Thessaloniki and the Metropolitan Organization of Visual Arts Museums (MOMus).

The reopening is marked by a photography exhibition titled ‘Thessaloniki: The Imprint of Transition (1960-1980)’ by Pete Marifoglou. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday, with free entry offered for the first two weeks of operation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Hamza Bey Mosque restored and reopened in Thessaloniki

The historic Hamza Bey Mosque, known as the Alcazar, has been fully restored in Thessaloniki and reopened as a cultural venue featuring photography exhibitions and community events.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hamza-bey-mosque-restored-and-reopened-in-thessaloniki

### 2026-10-09: Alcazar: Historic Hamza Bey Tomb reopens in Thessaloniki

The historic Hamza Bey Tomb, known as the Alcazar, has reopened in Thessaloniki after 40 years of scaffolding, serving as a new cultural exhibition space managed by MOMus.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hamza-bey-tomb-reopens-in-thessaloniki-as-cultural-space

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Cite as: Restoration of Hamza Bey Mosque in Thessaloniki. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/restoration-of-hamza-bey-mosque-in-thessaloniki