Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is one of the oldest cities in Europe, the capital of Macedonia and the second
largest city of Greece after Athens. Greeks often refer to it as the
"co-capital" of Greece due its strategic position, which makes Thessaloniki
one of the most important trade and communications centers as well as a major
cosmopolitan crossroad whose cultural influence is far-reaching. The city's
landmark is the White Tower, which also houses a Byzantine museum. Worth
visiting is the Archaeological museum that exhibits findings of the archaic,
classical and Roman periods as well as the church of Saint Dimitrios, the holy
patron of the city. Thessaloniki is also known for its exceptional nightlife
with the famous Ladadika quarter. Here you will find bars and clubs playing
great music as well as restaurants and ouzeris among the best in Greece.
White Tower
This is a 15th century Venetian circular tower built to form part of the shore
defense system, which was dismantled during the 19th century. The Ottomans used
it as a place for the execution of janissaries, which is why it was known as the
"tower of blood". Today its named White tower because of its color. The
museum in the White tower contains findings which present the history and art of
Byzantine Thessaloniki covering the period between 300 and 1430 A.D.
Archaeological Museum
The Museum exhibits finds from all over Northern Greece and in particular:
Prehistoric finds from all over Macedonia and Thrace, and finds belonging to the
Geometric Age from the Vergina burial ground. Archaic and Classical Age
sculptures from ancient Thermi and from other parts of Macedonia. There is also
a collection of finds from excavations on the site of ancient Olynthos. A series
of Roman sculptures which is one of the richest collections of the 1st to the
5th century A.D. A collection of sarcophagi and glass Roman vases as well as
some mosaic floors, discovered during excavations at Thessaloniki. Noteworthy
are the finds from 4th century BC tombs and Derveni which include bronze and
silver vases, weapons gold ornaments, glass and alabaster
Church of Agios Dimitrios
This is the largest church in Greece and is dedicated to the local Saint Demetrios,
the patron of the city. The first church was built in 313 A.D. The church we see
today was completely rebuilt in 1948 according the original plans. The church
has been destroyed twice before by fire. Impressive is the marble revetments,
the 5th to 12th c. mosaics and the 8th c. fresco. Visit the crypt or
"Martyrion" of Saint Dimitrios which was discovered beneath the altar and
the flaps.
Ladadika
Ladadika was the only quarter to survive the 1917 fire. Once it served as a
storage and trading-place for olive oil. Today is a focal point with numerous
taverns and bars housed in the buildings of past times that have been restored.
How to get there
- By air: from Athen's Eleutherios Venizelos airport
- By car: from Athens
- By bus: from the KTEL station at Athens
- By train: from Piraeus - Athens to Thessaloniki
- By ferry: from Piraeus and in summer only, from Volos
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