The Panagia ton Chalkeon, constructed in 1128, serves as
a prime example of the regional tradition of Thessaloniki during the Middle
Byzantine period. Extensive literature has been dedicated to the study of its
architectural features, which are the result of the creative reworking of ideas
derived from various sources in Constantinople, on Mount Athos, and directly
in Thessaloniki by the Thessalonikian master builder. In this article, we aim to
build upon the extant theme by examining the origins and historical significance
of the Panagia ton Chalkeon, a unique monument noteworthy for its role as a
source of innovative ideas that transcended the boundaries of Macedonia, sig-
nificantly influencing the architectural development of the Byzantine Theme of
Bulgaria.