Table of Contents:
15 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES.
OUTSIDE THESSALONIKI.
THESSALONIKI NEIGHBORHOODS.
Come, see Thessaloniki’s ever-changing panorama.
Around every corner, there seems to be fascinating architecture. Fifteen sights are appearing on the UNESCO World Heritage List just in the city.
By all means, EAT! There are incredible offerings of food and drink. This city is the culinary capital of Greece.
And the vistas. Not only do you have hills behind the city, but you have the Aegean at the city’s front door.
And sites not only nearby but also far away. For example, on a bright day, you can see Mt. Olympia. This mount is the home of the gods of Greek mythology.
15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
See Thessaloniki Upper Town.
While in the Upper Town, check out some of the local tavernas. You will see fewer tourists at many of these. That’s a good sign.
Outside of Thessaloniki
Fans of Alexander the Great, originally from Macedonia, now Greece, will love northern Greece. Just over an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki is the town of Vergina. Here you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Royal Tombs of Aigai, the burial chamber of Phillip II. The Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai is actually over the burial vault. Here you can see some of the treasures from the chambers as well as the entrance to the catacombs. Please note: the taking of photos inside is a no-no.
Less than an hour from Vergina is the childhood home of Alexander the Great, Pella. Alexander was born here in 356 BC. In between conquering Macedonia, his father, Phillip II, hires Greek philosopher Aristotle to tutor 13 yo, Alexander. At 16, Alexander becomes a leader when his father goes off to war, leaving him in charge of Macedonia. At 20, with his father’s assassination, he becomes the ruler. The Archaeological site is in excellent shape considering its age. (Fifth Century B.C.).
Nearby is the new (2009) Archaeological Museum of Pella, where the treasures from the archeological site are on display. Besides pottery, jewelry, toys, and sculptures, it also contains incredible mosaics found intact.
A day trip from Thessaloniki to see both sites is very doable.
Other Sites
For those who find the steps of the Apostle Paul appealing, take a quick side trip to Veria. It is on the way to Vergina.
Visit the Alter of Paul, which marks the area in which the Apostle would preach during his time here.
He leaves Timothy and Silas here to continue his work. He continues to Athens with Sopatros to help him.
These sites pair well with a stop in the nearby Naoussa Wine region. The town of Naoussa is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Vergina. There are several wineries you can visit. See Greek Wines for more information.
If you are in Naoussa, make a short stop at the School of Aristotle, a quick 10-minute drive to the east. This school is where young Alexander (before he was great) did his studies.
There is not much of the building standing, and it is not worth an exclusive drive. But if you are only minutes away, come to stand where two of Ancient Greece’s greatest men would exchange thoughts.
See Thessaloniki Through its Neighborhoods.
Thessaloniki is not only a beautiful town, but it has so much to offer.
Due to its strategic location, it has always been an essential stop for travelers going east to west.
Also, it is a port city, being the door between Northern Greece and the rest of the world.
Therefore, some of the most exciting areas of town are near the waterfront.
Aristotle (Aristotelous) Square, in the middle of it, is the center of the city.
This plaza is a favorite meeting place for locals.
The Ladadika area is a hub for restaurants and nightlife.
In addition to some excellent tavernas and the latest restaurants, there are clubs and something for everyone.
Also, it connects to the seaside promenade, where people stroll morning, noon, and night.
Egnatia Street is the main commercial street of Thessaloniki.
Here you can see Thessaloniki locals working during the day.
If you have time, stroll between the Roman Forum to the west, and the Arch of Galerius to the east.
Navarino Square is another meeting point for locals as there are many nearby tavernas and restaurants.
For sightseeing in this area, see Thessaloniki’s, Hagia Sophia. It is similar to the church by the same name in Istanbul.
Ano Poli.
(Old Town or Upper Town) was part of the first area within the walls.
It was also a part of the Ottoman quarter, and home to a large community of Jews.
Unfortunately, a fire in 1917 is responsible for destroying much of its history.
Some of the city’s best tavernas are in the Eptapyrgio or Tsinari Square area.
Also, you will find the home of Kemal Atatürk just below.