I am sure that if Athens did not exist, Thessaloniki would be the number one Greek city. Thessaloniki is a very pleasant city that will surely surprise you. It smells of Greek gyros, fish and especially the sea. You will not find as many tourists in the city as elsewhere, which is not a problem at all. At least you will have time to enjoy the place where antiquity mixes with Byzantine culture in peace. My tip: I visited the city during the autumn holidays and I could not have done anything better. October 28 is also a public holiday in Greece, so admission to monuments and museums is free. You will save quite a lot of money. And it is worth it!
Thessaloniki is still an important center of Christianity. The Apostle Paul preached here and the enlighteners Cyril and Methodius were born here. Most of the city’s churches and monasteries from the Byzantine period are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city was founded by the Macedonian king Kassandros and named Thessaloniki after his wife, the sister of Alexander the Great.
MONUMENT OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
If you are lucky and the weather is nice, you can see the peaks of the legendary Olympus. Unfortunately, I was not so lucky. One of the main landmarks of the city is the monument to Alexander the Great, which is located on the city embankment in the immediate vicinity of the White Tower. The inhabitants of Thessaloniki have a special relationship with the personality of Alexander the Great. During his reign, the city achieved maximum prosperity.
WHITE TOWER
For centuries, the tower was part of the fortifications that separated the residential areas from the cemetery. It reaches a height of 27 meters. In 1912, the building was painted white and received its modern name. Today, the tower is a museum.
WATERFRONT PROMENADE
From the White Tower there is a great view of the long Leoforos Nikis Street in Dluhatany. The street is located on the site of the city walls, which were demolished in the 19th century. It stretches from the White Tower to the port. It is a busy main street lined with cafes, taverns and bars. You can take a nice walk along the wide promenade along the sea.
From the White Tower, the promenade continues into the pedestrian zone. This is where the people of Thessaloniki spend their free time.
ARISTETOLOUS SQUARE
A place where concerts, celebrations, political rallies and other social events take place. It is home to the monumental neoclassical buildings of the Electra Palace Hotel.
If you are not exactly a museum type, that doesn’t matter at all. You will like the museums in Thessaloniki. There are unique exhibits. I was very surprised by the modern spaces. The exhibits were wonderfully lit.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The museum represents the history of the region of Macedonia. It is considered one of the best in Greece. Many of the valuable artifacts are several hundred years old and have great historical value.
MUSEUM OF BYZANTINE CULTURE
Another very nice museum is the Museum of Byzantine Culture. The exhibition is dedicated to the cultural history of the Byzantine Empire. The collection is located in several thematic rooms.
You can find history at every turn in the city. There are ancient and Byzantine monuments with a touch of Ottoman influence.
BASILICA OF SAINT DEMETRIUS
One of the Byzantine gems is the Basilica of St. Demetrius, the patron saint of the city. The original building was built in the early 5th century on the site of the ancient Roman baths, where Demetrius was martyred in 304. The original building was destroyed by earthquakes and fires. The basilica has beautiful interior decoration. The relics of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki are kept here.
HAGIA SOPHIA TEMPLE
In the lower part of the city is one of the most beautiful churches in the city, the Church of the Wisdom of God, or Hagia Sophia. It was built according to the model of its then famous namesake in Constantinople. This Orthodox church is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. I really liked the huge dome with a beautiful ceiling mosaic with a scene of the Ascension.
GALLERY’S TRIUMPHAL ARCH
Among the most famous landmarks of Thessaloniki is the Arch of Galerius, an architectural monument from the Roman era, arching over the main Egnatias Avenue.
ROUND GALLERY
A building from the early 3rd century, probably built in honor of the pagan god Zeus.
TEMPLE OF PANAGIA DEXIA
The church of Panagia Dexia has very beautiful decorations.
GREEK AGORA AND ROMAN FORUM
The Roman ancient forum was discovered as a result of excavations in the central part of Thessaloniki. Even earlier, the Greek agora, i.e. a wide square surrounded by temples, public buildings and craft workshops, was located here. The theater survived from ancient buildings, which after restoration began to be used for concerts, as in the times of ancient Greece and Rome.
FORTRESS OF EPTAPYRGIO
The fortress was used for military purposes until the 19th century, after which a prison was located on its territory.
UPPER CITY WAS NOT A QUARTER BUT A FIELD
The Ano Poli district is a very charming district, with low houses in the original medieval buildings. It is definitely worth climbing up and then just wandering down the winding streets of the old town. There is a very nice view of the entire port and the sea.
MODIANO MARKET
This market is divine! I love markets where fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruits, flowers or local products are sold. The market was founded by a merchant of Jewish origin, E. Modiano. It is located near Aristotelous Square, almost in the very center of Thessaloniki.
GREEK CUISINE
I think Greek cuisine is rightly ranked among the best cuisines in the world. Once you taste it, you will understand why. Its strongest point is always fresh ingredients from local sources. I personally love olives, olive oil, feta cheese and the “Greek” salad made from all of them. And I don’t mind at all that I have a “fast food” gyro here. What I always look forward to, however, are fresh fish and seafood. I have noticed that Greeks really enjoy their food. In the restaurant, we always get a free dessert or a jug of cold spring water. And that is very pleasant. I really like that style of dining and cuisine. Simply, eating in peace and quiet.
In Greece, I always remember the movie My Fat Greek Wedding. You can find a pastry shop and bakery on almost every corner.
CITY WALK
I guess I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t add some street art here. 🙂 Yes, you can find it in Thessaloniki too, but there’s not that much of it. So keep your head up, don’t miss it.
OUT OF THE BEACH – PEREA BEACH
If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to relax by the sea for a while, there is nothing easier than getting on the bus, going to IKEA and changing to bus no. 72. You will get off in the town of Perea. Although you will not find white beaches here, you can relax in peace and maybe even take a swim. In September it was colder here than in Thessaloniki, but there were a few brave people who went to the sea for a swim.
WHEN GREEKS CELEBRATE OCTOBER 28
Despite their history and nature, Greeks enjoy life to the fullest. Their basic goal in life is to enjoy themselves, to live comfortably here and now. To hell with tomorrow! A Greek can spend a month’s salary on a feast and spend the rest of the month without a single penny, but with a satisfied smile on his face. I feel the same way about traveling. Was I born Greek by chance? 🙂
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