Metropolitan Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos in Kozani

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of Kozani, is the most important religious monument of the city. Its original construction dates back to 1664, when it was built underground to avoid provoking the Ottoman authorities. As a three-aisled vaulted basilica, it met the needs of the then small community.

In 1721, following a new decree, the church was completely reconstructed on a larger scale, and in 1730, it was richly frescoed by the brothers Theodoros and Nikolaos from Ioannina. In the following years, the women's gallery and the chapel of Agios Ioannis the Baptist were added, giving the church its final form.

The interior impresses with its rich decoration: The frescoes that cover the entire interior surface, the 17th-18th century wooden iconostasis with floral and geometric patterns, the episcopal throne and the pulpit, examples of mainland woodcarving

The bell tower (1855), standing 26 meters tall with a four-faced clock, has become the symbol of the city. Despite later modifications (1916, 1986), the church retains its noble architectural grandeur, combining Byzantine and post-Byzantine traditions.

Today, the Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a living monument of history and art, reflecting the cultural identity of Kozani.