Thessaloniki - Macedonia (Greece)

Historical monuments and the White Tower

Thessaloniki has many historical monuments. To explore the city well, it’s best to start with the White Tower, which stands at the harbor. This tower was built in the 15th century on the same location where the Byzantines had already built a castle during the 12th century. The building has had various functions, and for a time it was a prison for serious offenders.Near the White Tower you can also see the statue of Alexander the Great on horseback. At the White Tower begins a long promenade along the water. As you walk westward along this boulevard, you will first see many ouzeris, cafeterias and restaurants, and then the big Aristotelous square will come into sight. This is the square with many large terraces and in summer it is very crowded by the residents of Thessaloniki, and by thousands of tourists.

Ladadika

Slightly further westwards the neighborhood of Ladadika is located. This was formerly a trading place in olive oil and other foods. Today, this neighborhood has a different function; it is the neighborhood with many traditional restaurants. The old buildings have been refurbished in the original old style, and now form the center of the nightlife of Thessaloniki.

If you walk north from Ladadika, after a few minutes you will see the traditional covered market. It is a vibrant market where fish, meat, fruit and other foods are sold.

Roman influences

Thessaloniki houses many important sights from the days when the Romans occupied the city. The Roman Emperor Galerius built the famous arch. You can see the ruins of the arch on the Egnatia road. The Rotonda, an historical building, is situated in the north. The Rotonda once served as a mausoleum, and later it became the Christian church of Agios Georgios.

Historical churches

In Thessaloniki, there are also many historical churches. The most famous churches are the church of Agios Dimitrios and the church of Agia Sofia. Next to the church of Agia Sofia in the underground are ruins of ancient Roman baths. These baths were used the Christians around the 3^rd century for baptisms. When baptisms were banned by the Romans, the Christians then baptized in underground tunnels. Visitors are allowed in these tunnels. The underground tunnel’s entrance is in the church, next to the baths.

The Byzantine fortress

A very interesting area to visit is located on the slopes of the mountain, north of the city. This area is also called the upper town. Here you see the walls of a large Byzantine fortress that formerly comprised ten towers. On both sides of the walls are interesting buildings with wooden balconies. From here you have a fantastic view over the city.

Museums Thessaloniki:

• The Archaeological museum
• Museum of Folk Arts and Ethnology
• Museum of Byzantine Culture
• Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
• White Tower museum
• Museum Crypt of Agios Dimitrios Church
• The Macedonian Center for Contemporary Art
• The Tech Museum
• The Ataturk Museum
• The Municipal Gallery

Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Revised by Katrina Butzer