Thessaloniki, a city known during its long history by many names, such as the capital of Macedonia, the reigning city of the Byzantine Empire.
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The co-capital of modern Greece, the nymph of Thermaikos and the City of Aghios Dimitrios, is located in the western part of the prefecture of Thessaloniki, on the creek of Thermaikos Gulf. The position of the city in the region of Macedonia and the existence of a large port made Thessaloniki a great commercial and cultural crossroads from ancient times until today.
The city, in the prevailing opinion was founded in 315 BC by the King Cassander of Macedonia, one of the successors of Alexander the Great, who united in a single city 26 scattered small villages and settlements. In the new city Cassander gave the name of his wife, Thessaloniki, the sister of Alexander the Great.
The new city acquired great economic and political power in a short time and became the most important city of Macedonia. Thessaloniki lies at the crossroads of continents and cultures, and over the centuries lived the glory of the Macedonians, the power of Rome, the magnificence and splendor of Byzantium and the long night of Ottoman rule that lasted for nearly five centuries.
Nowadays, the co-capital Thessaloniki is the second largest city of modern Greece with a population that is currently estimated at 791,000 inhabitants. It is located 515 km north from Athens and has an international airport and a major port that connect Thessaloniki with the rest of Greece and many major European cities.
Every walk in the city is interesting and fascinating: from the central point, Aristotle Square and the emblem of the city, the White Tower, to the old beach, the numerous historical monuments, the fragrant market and the traditional shops and alleys.
The city has an outspread center, where many shops, public services, sights and entertainment facilities are located. The historic center of the city is divided into several districts but the most central point is definitely the unified area of Aristotle Square and Square of Ancient Agora or Court Square as it is also known.
Sights and monuments:
Thessaloniki lists monuments from monuments from the entire spectrum of the area’s history, having numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Christian sites.
Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki has exhibits that came to light during the excavations carried out in the city of Thessaloniki and the wider region of Macedonia and has been declared a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most important archaeological museums in the country, by sovereign exhibits that are the artistic treasures of ancient Macedonia. It has many interesting collections and individual objects from the prehistoric period until the roman period.
More specifically the museum houses the finds from the excavations in the royal tombs at Vergina, including the famous golden larnaca, the golden crown and Philip’ s chryselephantine shield, finds from the cemetery of Sindou, objects from the Neolithic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods and prehistoric collection.
Among the mosty famous exhibits are Arpokati’ s statue (ends of 2nd century B.C.), Serapidos’ head (2nd century B.C.), the crater of Pervenion (330 B.C.), the bronze helmet and golden mask discovered in the cemetery of Sindos (ends of 6th century), the marble door of the Macedonian tomb of Saint Paraskevi, the door of Potidaia etc.
The White Tower:
The White Tower dominates the port of Thessaloniki. It was built after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans (1430), has a circular shape and height of about 37 meters. This monument – symbol of Thessaloniki, which today stands lonely on the beach, in its long life has changed names and occasionally uses. In the 18th century it is referred to as “the Fortress of Kalamaria”, while in the 19th century as ” the Tower of Janissaries” as well as ”the Tower of Blood.”
Other important attractions:
Besides the White Tower you can visit another impressive round tower, the Tower of Trigonou, and also make a visit to the ancient Roman Forum of the 2nd-3rd century AD, a place that today hosts various exhibitions, theater performances etc. You can also and admire the famous Rotunda, the Arch and the Palace of Galerius. Also worth mentioning is the beautiful Byzantine churches in the city, first and foremost the Church of St. Demetrius, one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki.
We must mention as well the several Ottoman and Byzantine baths, like the Baths of Koule Kafe, Bey Hammam, and Yeni Hammam. Many other monuments and mosques from the Ottoman era are preserved until today, like Alatza Imaret the Hamza Bey Mosque and the Yeni Mosque, built in 1902 by the Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli.
In the modern monuments of the city are included the Tower of OTE, designed by the Greek architect Athanasiadis, Helexpo, the Aristotle Square, created by the French architect Ernest Hebrard, a statue of Alexander the Great situated in Nea Paralia etc.
Thessaloniki as a cultural center:
Thessaloniki is a city with great cultural heritage, famous for its festivals, exhibitions and artistic events. The main ones are: Demetria, the premier cultural event of Thessaloniki, a vibrant, modern, refreshing, cosmopolitan and creative festival that includes concerts, art exhibitions, musical and theatrical events etc. We should also mention the International Film Festival of Thessaloniki, which includes films from all around the world, significant presences and many side events.
Also, the International Trade Fair of Thessaloniki is the most important international annual exhibition throughout the Balkans. It is organized in order to support and promote the Greek production and entrepreneurship. Finally, Thessaloniki has a rich tradition in the art of theater, its main representative being the National Theatre of Northern Greece.