The Lazaristes Monastery, Thessaloniki

The Lazaristes Monastery (Moni Lazariston), built in 1886 in Stavroupoli, Thessaloniki, by monks of the Order of Saint Vincent de Paul (Lazarists), was a significant Catholic monastic complex with a mission to provide education and contribute to social well-being. Throughout the 20th century, the building served as a hospital, refugee centre, and military base. In 1978, it suffered considerable earthquake damage. After being designated a listed building in 1980, it underwent renovations, and in 1997, it was converted into a cultural centre. Today, it is home to the State Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sokratis Karantinos Stage of the National Theatre of Northern Greece, and the Lazaristes Monastery Festival, serving as a vibrant cultural hub in western Thessaloniki.