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THESSALONIKI OVERVIEW.
SHOULD-SEE SITES.
Thessaloniki is one of the many beautiful secrets of Greece. Because it is “in hiding” on the mainland to the north, people have no idea what/where it is.
In fact, their only contact with the mainland is with Athens. Specifically, the airport or ferry terminal connecting to the islands.
Do NOT get me wrong, the Islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, are all very special.
But, Mainland Greece and the Peloponnese Peninsula are also “must-see” destinations.
The City.
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city behind Athens.
Dating to around 315 BC., not only is it old, but it’s new, young and also mature.
Also, incredible architecture and historical sites seem to be on every other corner.
For instance, many of the stone city walls dating from the fourth century AD are still standing.
Because of this, within their perimeter, you have examples of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern architecture.
Moreover, the walls and 14 other structures in Thessaloniki are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Another incredible point, within a two-hour drive of the city, are three additional UNESCO World Heritage sites. Philippi, Mount Athos, and the royal tombs at the Archeological site of Aigai (Vergina).
What is in Thessaloniki for me?
See & Hear.
For history buffs, you have Alexander the Great. (Born 356 BC.) There is his father, King Philip II also from the nearby Pella region.
Theologians can follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul on his visit to Thessaloniki.
Together with Silas, he was spreading the word of Christianity in Greece from Phillipi to Corinth around 49 AD.
Another option is to sit in Aristotelous Square listening to life happening all around you.
Taste & Smell.
In general, many consider this city as the culinary capital of Greece. It is a foodie’s dream location.
For instance, you can taste simple, yet delicious street food. In contrast, sample creations by new chefs with twists on old (classic) Greek food.
Couple this with Turkish influences from the not too distant past adding a little spice.
Fresh seafood comes from the Aegean, at the city’s doorstep.
Also, farms west, north and east of the city, deliver an abundance of fresh products.
Equally important, in less than 2-hours, you can visit not one, but four wine regions.
Each one of them is turning out award-winning vintages. The Amynteo, Veroia, Goumenissa, and Naoussa regions are to the west of the city.
The city also enjoys wines from the Macedonia and Thrace regions to the north.
Feel.
To sip coffee early in the morning from a café along the waterfront.
Watch the sky growing lighter over the imposing city walls as you nibble on some fresh bougatza.
Contemplating your day, as the sun’s rays just start to illuminate the tip of Mt. Olympus across the bay.
There may be better ways to start your day, but this one doesn’t suck.
SHOULD-SEE SITES.
Paleochristian and Byzantine Thessaloniki. – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a list. It includes the cities’ Byzantine walls and 14 buildings built between the 4th and 14th century. If you do not have time to see all 15, the “must-sees” are:
- The Rotunda of Galerius. – A circular Roman structure dating from the 4th Century AD. It is a remaining part of a complex that had numerous buildings including a palace and racetrack.
- Hagia Sophia. – The current building from the 8th century AD is one of the oldest churches still standing in Thessaloniki.
- Vlatades Monastery. – Sitting near the upper city walls, it has been home to monks for over 650 years. It is one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki.
- City Walls. – Built around 390 AD by the Romans, as part of the cities’ protection. They were in use until the latter part of the 19th century. A substantial portion of the walls is still visible.
- Church of Saint Demetrius. (7th century.) – The main sanctuary is in dedication to the cities’ patron saint, Demetrius. See its architecture, mosaics from several centuries and its crypt.
Other buildings on the UNESCO – Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika.
- Church of the Acheiropoietos. – dating from around 460 AD.
- Church of Hosios David. – from the late 5th
- The Church of Panagia Chalkeon. (11th century).
- Church of Saint Catherine. (13th century).
- Church of Saint Panteleimon. (14th century).
- The Church of the Holy Apostles. (14th century).
- Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos. (14th century).
- Church of the Saviour. (14th century).
- The Church of Prophet Elijah. (14th century).
- Byzantine Bath. (14th century).
Other Sites.
The Arch of Galerius. – Although not on the UNESCO list, it is part of the same complex as the Rotunda.
The White Tower. – The building was initially part of the city’s defense and a prison. In contrast, today it is serving as an art museum and the symbol of the town.
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. – This museum is one of the larger museums in Greece and the largest in northern Greece. As a result, its collection and primary focus is on the north part of Greece.
Monument of Alexander the Great. – A 20-foot tall memorial is depicting Alexander riding on the back of his horse. As a youth, he was able to tame “Bucephalus.” Equally, they both became legends during his conquests. Take a look at the pedestrian waterfront while you are there.
Ataturk Museum. – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. This small museum is set up in the house where he was born. For this reason, it is a great way to learn more about him while feeling his presence.
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Near Aristotelous Square.
The Roman Forum and Greek Agora. – At the north end of the plaza stretching from Aristotelous Square to Egnatia Street. Here, see the remains of a two-story forum dating from Roman times.
Also, two Roman baths are giving up clues to the city’s past. One is undergoing excavation (slowly), while the other is unreachable under the modern city.
Bey Hamam. – Dating from 1444, it is the first Ottoman bath in Thessaloniki. Ironically, it is almost one of the last in use, finally closing in 1968.
Unfortunately, it is (currently) no longer open to the public. Even so, it deserves a look. One block down from the Roman Forum, on Egnatia Street.
