Thessaloniki is a charming and modern city with a rich history and warm human face. It has about 1 million inhabitants and is the largest urban center in Northern Greece. Founded in 316 BC and has always been a hub of strategic importance to the economy and culture of Greece. As a crossroad between East and West, North and South with access to the Aegean played a key role in the historical developments of each period. The center of Thessaloniki starts from the harbor and ends at about the height of the White Tower, which is the landmark of the city.
The city is full of life 24 hours a day, all year round. Cultural life in Thessaloniki is pronounced with a variety of events, concerts, exhibitions, theaters, cinemas, festivals, etc. while the night here bears the stamp of the intense and varied entertainment at bars, clubs and restaurants. The gastronomy of the region is among the most famous in Greece.
Do not forget to visit the main monuments and museums of Thessaloniki and the city’s historical monuments, which are too many dating from the Hellenistic and Roman period, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman period, until the wars and struggles of modern Greek history. The most important of these are:
- The White Tower
- The Arch of Galerius, also known as Camara
- The Rotunda of Agios Georgios (Rotonda)
- The Ancient Agora or Roman Agora
- Museums ( Archaeological, Byzantine Culture, Folk Art – Ethnological and Macedonian Struggle, Jewish, Ataturk, Film, Photography, Technology, Sports, War, Contemporary Art, Water, etc. )
- The Byzantine Churches of the patron saint of the city St. Demetrios Myrovlytis, with relics of the saint and early Christian catacombs, the Agia Sophia was built in the 8th AD century copy of homonyms in Istanbul, the Acheiropiitos, etc.
- The Route of St. Paul, from which the Apostle sent to the Thessalonians his teachings and sermons.
- Turkish baths and other Muslim monuments.
Wander in the Upper Town (Ano Poli) with its narrow streets, old mansions, Byzantine monasteries and churches, Muslim monuments, the Eptapyrgio, the Acropolis and despotic castles. In traditional tavernas taste delicious appetizers and enjoy the unique sweets of Thessaloniki, enjoying stunning views over Thermaikos.
You can also visit:
- The International Fair of Thessaloniki (Helexpo) and the Convention Center I. Vellidis.
- The new sea front, which is the largest pedestrian walk in Europe, with beautiful theme parks and a variety of activities. Extends from the harbor to the boundaries of the Municipality Kalamarias where the Concert Hall is located and many cafes. You can board on boats that sail in Thermaikos and enjoy the panorama of the city from the sea.
- The Aristotelous Square and the Harbor of the city
- The zoo and the Seih Sou Forest
- The Karabournaki, the summer palace of the King (Palataki), marina with yachts and nightlife.
- The Queen Olga (Vasilissis Olga) street with the impressive neoclassical buildings (Hebrew, Italian, Austrian and Turkish) from the previous two centuries.
Do your shopping, watch theater, cinema, concerts and other cultural activities that abound in the city, try your luck at the Casino, enjoy the night and organize excursions to remarkable monuments of nature and people throughout Northern Greece:
- Archaeological Interest: Vergina, Pella, Dion, Stagira, Amphipolis, etc.
- Religious Interest: Mount Athos, Meteora, etc.
