The beautiful
city of Thessaloniki is a place that you fall in love with at first sight!
It’s not only
the hospitality of people, the great food and the magical waterfront, but also
Thessaloniki has a rich history, that will captivate you.
Continue
reading, if you want to learn about the most important sights of Thessaloniki,
that you should see when you visit the city:
White Tower
Of course,
the first sight that comes in mind when someone thinks of Thessaloniki is the
White Tower, which stands at its waterfront for more than 500 years, protecting
the city.
White Tower
was part of an ottoman fortification, that was completely destroyed. White
Tower’s height is about 34 meters and consists of 6 floors.
White Tower had
many properties. More precisely, it started as a fortress, it became the
barracks for janissaries and later it was used as a prison for death row
inmates.
In the
beginning, White Tower had the name of “Lion’s Tower”, “Tower of Janissaries”
and “Tower of Blood”. It was named White Tower when a prisoner painted it, in
exchange for his freedom.
Today, the
White Tower operates as a museum. Its permanent exhibition presents the history
of Thessaloniki from its foundation,
2,500 years ago, until now. From our experience, we can assure you that a visit
in this historic monument will fascinate you, since all 6 floors are full of artifacts
and records from the rich history of Thessaloniki and of course you can marvel
at the exquisite view of the city in the last floor.
Eptapyrgion
Eptapyrgio is
one of the most captivating sights of Thessaloniki. It is built around
Acropolis of Thessaloniki, in the highest point of Ano Poli. It has the name
“Eptapyrgio” (seven-tower in Greek), due to the 7 towers that were located in
the castle of Acropolis.
Eptapyrgio
was built by byzantines, in the area where there was another fortification
before. The fortress was originally used to house the city-guards and as the
location, for people to flee at, in case of an attack.
In 1890, with
the adding of more buildings, Eptapyrgio was used as a prison until 1989.
Later, the prisons were moved in “Diavata” and Eptapyrgio was passed on to the Ministry
of Culture.
Now,
Eptapyrgio is open for the public, under the jurisdiction of Archaeological
Authority of Thessaloniki. The visitors can climb its walls to marvel at the
stunning view of the city as well as walk through its yards and corridors,
while recapturing the history. Also, you will find an area, full of
photographs, testimonies and various objects, from the time the fortress was used
as a prison.
Rotunda
Rotunda is
the impressive circular building, located at the end of Galerian complex. It
was built in the 4th century A.D. and it was destined to be a
temple, dedicated to Zeus. However, in Thessaloniki at the end of 4th
century, Christianism prevailed and as a result Rotunda turned into a Christian
church, after architectural changes.
Since it was
destined to be a temple for Zeus, Rotunda shares many common characteristics
with Pantheon of Rome. For example, the most evident one is the circular shape
and the enormous dome. Furthermore, there is a hole in the center of the dome
in both monuments, so that the light can scatter inside the building.
Near Rotunda,
there is the Arch of Galerius (“Kamara”), which was built in his honor, when he
defeated Persians. The Arch was part of the Roman Palace and used to connect
Rotunda with it. Moreover, the Royal Route, which was one of the main
characteristics of the Roman architecture, passed underneath the Arch.
Today, Rotunda operates as an archaeological
sight and it is dedicated to St. Georgios. It is important to mention that
inside the building, there are many marvelous mosaics, unfortunately a lot less
than what it used to be.
Roman Market
The main feature
of the cities in ancient Rome was the two primary avenues. The one had
direction from North to South and the other from East to West. Romans built
their Market in the meeting point of those two avenues in Thessaloniki. Today,
it is located between the streets Egnatia and Aghios Dimitrios.
Among the
findings, there were mosaic floors, aqueducts, bronze coins and sculptures. It
is important to mention that in 1864 Ottoman Empire gave the biggest part of
those sculptures to Louvre Museum and they are still there.
Last but not
least, Roman Market operates as a museum and for your information, the Municipality
still uses the Roman theater for various cultural events.
Modiano
Market and Kapani
Operating for
more than 80 years, Modiano Market is located in the heart of Thessaloniki.
More precisely, it is built between the two of the most popular streets,
Egnatia and Vasileos Irakliou.
It is a
beloved place for food addicts, since there is a huge variety of products
inside. Moreover, there are a lot of small taverns and bars. Also, it is
important to mention that the Municipality of Thessaloniki has started the
renewal procedure of Modiano Market’s profile. Just by taking a look at the
architectural plans, someone can understand that Thessaloniki will soon have
one of the most beautiful Markets of Europe.
Near Modiano
Market, you can find the oldest open-air market of Thessaloniki, Kapani. Kapani
or Vlali Market is a market full of local products (spices, groceries, homeware).
In Kapani, just like Modiano Market, you can also find many small taverns and
coffee places, always full of locals.
Music Hall
Music Hall is
located in Thessaloniki’s waterfront since 2000. It is composed of two buildings.
The one building is inspired by the byzantine architecture, while the other is
a model of modern architecture.
Music Hall of
Thessaloniki has 3 stages, which can accommodate 1,400 people in total. In
these halls, many concerts and exhibitions are organized. Also, in summer you
can watch a movie, since 2 of the three stages are used as cinemas.
Lastly, we
have to point out that there is also a Museum of musical instruments and a
Library, inside the Music Hall.
Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Culture
Archaeological
Museum was established in 1912, but the building which houses it now was built
in 1962. It is located in Thessaloniki’s waterfront, near the City Hall and the
Museum of Byzantine Culture, for which you will read below.
Archaeological
Museum’s exhibits have to do with findings from excavations that took place in
the wider area of Macedonia. The museum has 8 permanent exhibitions. Moreover,
one of the most significant exhibits are the golden chaplets from Macedonia’s
tombs.
It is a
modern museum, that’s totally worth visiting. It uses technology extensively.
For example, many movies are shown and there are a lot of touch screens, that
offer information and virtual tours. Also, it’s important to mention that there
are haptic tours designed for those with visual impairment.
As for the
Museum of Byzantine Culture, it opened in 1994. Over the years additional halls
were opened. Its 11 halls were completed in 2004. Museum’s permanent exhibits aim
take you back in time, with findings of Byzantium’s everyday life, customs and
architecture.
Various
exhibitions are organized all year round inside the many halls of the museum.
These exhibitions aren’t always dedicated to Byzantium, but on the contrary
they refer to the relationship between nations’ art, history and cultural
heritage.
It’s a museum
worth visiting, since its exhibits will make you travel in time. We have to
note that the Museum of Byzantine Culture has a brochure in Braille both in
Greek and English, a specially designed exhibit with marble items and hearing
tour of the whole museum.
St. Sophia’s Cathedral
Saint
Sophia’s Cathedral is one of the oldest and most significant Christian churches
of Thessaloniki. St. Sophia’s Cathedral was built in 7th century
A.D. and it is one of the few churches that survived in such a good condition.
St. Sophia’s
Cathedral has an architectural type, that few churches in the world followed.
The fact that St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Thessaloniki is the only church of its
type that survived intact through the years, is totally amazing.
Inside the
Cathedral, you will see marvelous mosaics from 7th and 10th
century, that depict the Ascension of Christ, the 12 Apostles, Virgin Mary and two
angels. Last but not least, St. Sophia’s Cathedral was considered as UNESCO
World Heritage, because of rich decoration and of course its rare architecture.
Umbrellas and the statue of Alexander the Great
Most people
in Greece know that the sculpture “Umbrellas” is located in the new beach of
Thessaloniki. That work is by the artist Zoggolopoulos and it’s on top of a chess,
since 2013.
It is
important to mention that the sculpture Umbrellas was placed on purpose near
the sea and close to a fountain, because the artist always loved to associate
his works with water.
Moreover,
umbrellas were located in another place at first and later they were placed in
the new waterfront, after its redevelopment. Umbrellas are 40 in total and they
have become an integral part of Thessaloniki’s beauty.
As for
Alexander the Great’s statue, it is the bronze statue, which is located between
the Umbrellas sculpture and the White Tower. It was
created by the sculptor Evaggelos Moustakas in 1973 and it was dedicated in
1974. In the sculpture Alexander the Great is depicted riding his faithful
horse Voukefalas. Furthermore, the statue weights 4 tons and its height is 6
meters on its own and on top of the podium it reaches the total height of 11
meters.
Lastly, the
statue of Alexander the Great is a popular meeting point for teenagers, that
either sit there with their friends or enjoy skateboarding.
St. Dimitrios church
St. Dimitrios
is the patron saint of Thessaloniki. Saint Dimitrios Church is located in
Aghios Dimitrios street, since 7th century A.D. It was built in the
place where Saint Dimitrios was tortured and his remains are protected inside
the church until now.
St. Dimitrios
Church was completely destroyed in the conflagration in 1917, when the 2/3 of
the city were burned. However, it was rebuilt in 1948, preserving almost intact
its architectural characteristics.
Inside its
crypt, there are many sculptures, capitals and vessels, connected with the
history of the church. It is important to mention that this crypt operates as a
museum until now and everyone can visit it in order to learn the history of St.
Dimitrios Church.
Last but not
least, Saint Dimitrios Church is considered as UNESCO World Heritage, since
1988.
Ladadika
Ladadika is
one of the most famous areas of Thessaloniki. It is located in the heart of the
city and more precisely close to the Thessaloniki’s port. Ladadika used to be
the main shopping center of Thessaloniki.
The name
“Ladadika’ (“Oil place” in Greek) came from the commerce of olive oil that used
to happen in the area, since many shops used to store and sell it there.
Ladadika is a place with a unique architectural style, because it seems
inalterable throughout the years and it gives you an idea of how Thessaloniki
used to be before the big conflagration, that we mentioned above.
Of course,
it’s not only the architectural style of Ladadika that makes it remarkable, but
also the plethora of taverns, coffee places and bars. More specifically, it is
a place with a vivid life and it is crowded with people all day long.
You can also
watch the following 1-minute video, if you want to get a quick taste of
Thessaloniki’s beauty.
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