An important monument of regional unity Thessaloniki and more broadly Central Macedonia is a restored Holy Church of the Transfiguration in Gortiatis. Architecture of the 12th century (the oldest in the area), a church building of particular beauty and harmony, the church was restored by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Thessaloniki Region with the happy synergy of the Central Macedonia region, YPPOA and the municipality. Pilei-Gortiatis. The recent inaugurations of Minister of Culture Lina Mendonis and Regional Governor Apostolos Tsitsikostas were organized in the area by Metropolitan Barnabas of Naples and Stavropol and Mayor of Pileia-Chortiatis Ignatius Caytesidis. A solemn reception of the temple, which had been in ruins for several years, into a new cycle of life took place.

The Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior has a simple octagonal domed church structure. The dome collapsed, as did the vestibule, and fragments of the original fresco were preserved inside. As already mentioned, you can see full-length figures of hierarchs and saints or busts, and two scenes, Genesis and the Entrance of the Virgin, have been preserved from the second half of the 12th century. The Offering Niche is adorned with a scene of the Great Humiliation dating back to the 18th century.

The new look of the temple reveals the monument in all its splendor. The elegance and simplicity of the architectural line delights the viewer, and everything radiates spirituality.

It is especially important that Central Macedonia has acquired another attraction that further strengthens the Chortiatis region. Next to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior is the Holy Church of St. George, built in the early 19th century. The dialogue between them enhances the feeling of the cultural imprint of Chortiatis in combination with the neighboring buildings of traditional architecture.

Nowadays, the temple has become both a monument to visit and a place of worship. The restoration project (and the surrounding area) was included in the operational program “Central Macedonia 2014-2020” with an additional European funding of 500,000 euros. At the same time, the temple illuminates the history of the Gortiatis region, which flourished in the 12th century. It was built in an area where there was an early Christian church, a Byzantine aqueduct, and the monastery of Ortaitos, whose cemetery church was the church. The architecture of the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of Sotiros is unique in Central Macedonia, so the detailed restoration work is considered significant.

What is required is the gradual connection of all the monuments and remarkable buildings of the vernacular and urban architecture of Central Macedonia into a network that creates added value for the entire regional unity. The attribution of monuments of this historical, religious and architectural value to the community enhances a sense of local pride and creates attractions on tourist routes. First of all, it is a sign of respect for the history of the region.