Interesting Facts About Thessaloniki Greece
Top 10 Things to Do in Thessaloniki Greece
Thessaloniki is a Greek port city located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. It has a rich history, with evidence of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Although much of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917, the rebuilt 20th-century city has a modern European layout.
1. Visit White Tower
The White Tower in Thessaloniki is a relic of the city’s history. It serves as a prominent landmark and a meeting point for locals and visitors.
Visitors will find a fascinating permanent exhibition here. Its aim is to explore the history of Thessaloniki. Some of the displays here include scientific articles, artefacts, and texts.
The tower is located in the southern part of the city. There are a number of parking lots nearby for easy access. A self-guided walking tour is available for tourists.
A combined ticket includes a visit to the White Tower and the Byzantine Museum. Admission is EUR 4.00. These museums are open daily, except for national holidays. You can also purchase a combined ticket with the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum.
One of the best parts of visiting the White Tower is the panoramic views of the city. Its location on a seaside boulevard provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe the entire city.
The White Tower was known as the Fortress of Kalamaria in the 18th century. It was originally built on top of a fortification that protected the city’s eastern seashore.
2. Experience Ladadika
The Ladadika neighbourhood of Thessaloniki is an historic area that is now a popular entertainment hub. The neighborhood has a colorful history and cobblestone streets. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to enjoy.
During the Ottoman era, the neighbourhood was an important market place. In the early 1900s, it was known as the Egyptian market. It also was a red light district.
After World War I, the neighbourhood changed drastically. Many Jewish immigrants arrived from Spain. Almost all of them were deported to the Nazi concentration camps.
Today, the area has been restored and has a new vibe. Some of the old buildings have been preserved, but many are now shops and warehouses. Attractive cafes and bakeries are also found here.
The best way to explore the neighborhood is by taking a free walking tour. A two to three hour tour will give you background information on the neighbourhood. You can see major landmarks and learn about its history.
You can also check out the archaeology museum. This is an excellent gem. Also, there are tons of restaurants and bars along the promenade.
3. See The Old Hamams
Thessaloniki Greece is a city rich in history. This historic city offers visitors a chance to experience a wide range of archaeological sites and monasteries. It is also a very lively place to spend the evening. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the Old Town and other local neighborhoods.
A great way to explore Thessaloniki is to take a walking tour. These tours are free and last for two to three hours. Each tour will cover major landmarks, while giving you background information.
Another way to discover Thessaloniki is through museums. Some of the most prominent include the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and the Galerian Complex. You can purchase a museum pass for EUR15, which will allow you to enter all of these attractions.
The archaeology museum features prehistoric and Roman artifacts. There are also mosaics from the early Christian era. In addition, there are remnants from the ancient Roman baths.
Another must-see in Thessaloniki is Bey Hamam, or the Baths of Paradise. Built in the 15th century, this bathhouse was the largest in Greece. While it is no longer in use, the building remains an important part of Greek history.
4. Visit The Rotunda
Thessaloniki’s Rotunda is one of the oldest religious sites in the city. It was originally a Roman temple. Later, the building became a church. In 1912, it was converted to a Christian church, and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The building is connected to the Arch of Galerius, a gate built to commemorate the Roman victory over the Persians. Visitors can also view Jewish tombs outside the temple.
There is an oculus like the one in the Pantheon in Rome. However, the main intended purpose of the Rotunda during Roman rule is still unclear. Some scholars propose that the Rotunda was planned as a mausoleum of Constantine the Great. Others argue that it was used by Romans for worship of Zeus.
Mosaics decorate the walls of the Rotunda. It is the most important surviving early Christian church in the Greek-speaking part of the Roman Empire. These mosaics depict saints and martyrs. They are unique in their variety of colors.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been restored after an earthquake in 1978. Millions of tesserae were used to re-cover the mosaics. You can learn more about the history of the building by taking a tour.
5. Check out Eptapyrgio
When visiting Thessaloniki Greece, you should check out Eptapyrgio, a Byzantine and Ottoman era fortress. It is one of the city’s most famous sights.
This important military fort is located on the ancient acropolis. A bronze statue of Alexander the Great stands nearby. You can also enjoy the magnificent views from this fort.
Another important thing to do in Thessaloniki is to check out the Archaeological Museum. There you can see artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.
If you have time, you may want to check out the Roman Forum of Thessaloniki. Here you can see an old forum, two Roman baths, and a theater for gladiatorial games. Besides this, you can see a museum dedicated to the forum.
If you are interested in science, you might want to visit the Thessaloniki Museum of Science. This is located outside the city center, but there are buses that will take you there.
Another important thing to do in Thessaloniki Greece is to check out the Galerian complex. The ruins of the fort are fascinating. They offer incredible views of the city.
6. Explore Aristotelous Square
Aristotelous Square is one of the most important cultural spots in the city of Thessaloniki. It is also home to the International Thessaloniki Film Festival. This square was designed by French architect Ernest Hebrard in 1918.
It is surrounded by Neoclassical buildings. There is a park in the middle and many cafes and shops surrounding the square. Some of the best restaurants in Thessaloniki are located on this square.
The Aristotelous square is a great place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. It is a popular place for social events. You can attend concerts and political rallies here.
Many buildings around the square have been renovated and restored. Visitors can walk along the walls to take in the whole neighborhood.
One of the most popular areas of the square is the U-shaped cluster of streets. It features a flower-made clock and a statue of Aristotle.
7. Visit The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one of the largest museums in Greece. With 50,000 antiquities, it provides a detailed look at life in antiquity. It is a must-see destination in the city.
Visitors to the museum will find exhibits that span prehistory and Roman times. In addition, there are exhibitions on Macedonia and Byzantine culture. The museum is located near the International Fairgrounds and is easy to access from the center of the city. Whether you’re a history buff or not, you’ll be amazed by the exhibits.
The Archeological Museum in Thessaloniki is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich history. It houses archaeological finds from excavations in Macedonia and nearby areas. For more information, visit the official website.
The Archeological Museum is open to the public seven days a week. Although the Museum does not have a live guide, visitors can still enjoy the exhibits.
8. Visit Agios Dimitrios Basilica
Agios Dimitrios Basilica in Thessaloniki is the main Catholic church in the city and the temple of the patron saint of Thessaloniki. This ancient structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most imposing religious buildings in the city.
It is a five-naved quadrangle-shaped basilica, with parallel marble colonnades. The dome is decorated with painted decoration. You will also find six extant mosaic panels illustrating St. Demetrius with children and church officials.
The crypt of Metropolitan Panteleimon II is also located in the temple. His tomb incorporates a large verse inscription.
The sanctuary of the temple has a staircase leading to the crypt. In the center nave, there is a chapel of Saint Euthymius. These are all part of the unique architectural beauty of the temple of Saint Dimitrios.
9. See Roman Agora
If you love archaeology, Thessaloniki is one of the best places to visit. You will be surrounded by beautiful ruins of the ancient city. There are a number of things to do at the Archaeological Museum.
In addition to the museum, there are other things to see in Thessaloniki. For example, the Rotunda, the White Tower, the Agios Dimitrios Church, and the Old Cathedral. These sites offer history lessons and plenty of opportunities to admire art.
The White Tower is a landmark in the heart of Thessaloniki. It is a six-story building that has an upper turret. At the top, visitors can enjoy lovely views of the city.
Another thing to do in Thessaloniki is to explore the Roman Agora. This ancient site has a fascinating history. During the Roman era, this city was a center for the city’s government, social, and cultural life. Eventually, it became a marketplace.
10. Go For Drinks in The Student Area Around Kamara
In the Greek city of Thessaloniki, there are plenty of places to drink and party. A lot of the action takes place around the port and on Kamara, the main square of the city. This area is also home to one of the most popular student hangouts.
There are tons of cheap drinks available in the streets, especially during the night. You can buy them from kiosks or even on the street. Some of the best parties take place in Ladadika, a neighbourhood with a surprisingly lively nightlife.
Another popular part of Thessaloniki is the upper town. It is filled with winding paved streets, some of which lead to spectacular views of the city.
There are a number of quaint squares and cafes in the area, and you’ll never go hungry. One of the top spots to try traditional Greek food is FITA, a local food shop in Neos Kosmos.
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