Thessaloniki

One of the most colorful Greek cities Thessaloniki, is the Northern Capital of contemporary Greece. Place of many cultures, picturesque history and reach modernity.

Thinking about the long-awaited rest, many people plan to catch everything: to discover new cities, visit ancient monuments of architecture, relax under the on the seashore and much more. Coming to Thessaloniki, the Greek city called the “northern capital” of this ancient country, they can do all these things within one short trip. This unique place and a wonderful Mediterranean paradise for many holidaymakers, the resort and historical area of Greece, is located on the Aegean coast. This city is the second largest in Hellas (the original name of this land).

Thessaloniki history

Founded in 305 BC by Cassander, famous successor of the Great Alexander, the city was named after his half-sister Thessaloniki. Cassander has chosen a place for the new Macedonia capital so successfully, that throughout its history the city did not know the periods of decline. Located at the crossroads of the trade, military and cultural routes of the Euro-Asian continent, Thessaloniki was a greatly important area both in the Roman Empire times, in the Byzantine period and in the era of the Ottoman Domination. Apostle Paul lived and preached there in 50 AD. He founded the largest in Europe Christian community. Here the great christian Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki met his death. This land was the birthplace of Kemal Ataturk, the "father of Turkish people". Since 1924 the city has the largest university in Greece named after Aristotle. The International Exhibition HELLEXPO annually becomes the most large-scale event in the region. The city has many historical monuments from different eras.

Ancient Agora

Ancient towers, fortresses, tall stone walls – all these unique authentic things have survived to this day in Thessaloniki. Arriving to the city, visit the archaeological excavations of the ancient Agora. There you will see how our ancestors lived. Half-ruined temples and colonnades will help you plunging into the distant past to admire this land.

The Church of Saint Demetrius

Coming to Thessaloniki, visit the church of St. Demetrios to see relics of the greatest great martyr. Locals call St. Demetrius the city patron. According to many sources, prayers pleaded him many times to save their land, and they really survived. Even today citizens often ask Demetrius for healing and peace.

White Tower

White Tower is that was the prison during the Ottoman Empire times it was called “bloody, because many prisoners were tortured there. Now it is the Byzantine Museum – the place reminding visitors about the times when Greeks freed from the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. Besides visiting traditional exhibits and looking at their antiques, you can see a video project about the terrible fire of 1917, which covered several streets of the city. Climbing the tower staircase, you will be enchanted by the picturesque views and panorama of the city opening from it.

Monument to Alexander the Great

The 6-meters monument to Alexander the Great has the great value for the Greeks. The monument is surrounded by symbols: the snake (wisdom), the wolf (diligence), the lion (courage) and Falcon (foresight). They say that touching one big toe of the monument, you will become smarter, so the finger of the monument looks rather shabby.

The Arch of Galerius

The Arch of Galerius was erected in 303. It depicts scenes of battle and the victory of Roman Emperor Galerius and his people over their enemies - the Persians. In 306 it became a Christian church dedicated to St. George the Victorious; soon it got the name of the Rotunda of St. George.

Other important places

Thessaloniki also has many new temples, for example, the church of St. Panteleimon, a museum of Byzantine art, the Church of St. Sophia. All these attractions will not leave you indifferent. At night relax in local cafes and restaurants to try Greek cuisine there.