Thessaloniki is a popular city due to its Greek and Byzantine cultural attractions, as well as its coastline. It’s a perfect destination for a short trip!
Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki is the capital of the Central Macedonia region. It was named after Thessalonike, the wife of Cassander, the Macedonian ruler who founded the city.
For centuries, it was the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire. During the Middle Ages, it played a significant role in the Christian world, and impressive buildings befitting its status were constructed between the 4th and 15th centuries.
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Thessaloniki attractions
White Tower
The symbol of Thessaloniki stands along the seaside promenade and is almost always featured in photos of the city.
Originally built during the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, it was part of the city walls and served a defensive function. The circular tower received its name „White Tower” in the 19th century after its walls were whitewashed.
Today it functions as a museum, showcasing Thessaloniki’s rich history from Roman times to the modern era. The top of the tower offers a stunning view of the Thermaikos Gulf.
Panagia Acheiropoietos Basilica
This is one of the most important and earliest Byzantine buildings in the city. Its name means „not made by human hands,” referring to an icon of the Virgin Mary that was allegedly created without human intervention.
The building was erected in the 5th century and is a characteristic example of early Christian architecture. The basilica has a long, three-aisled layout with a high dome highlighting the central part. The interior is richly decorated with mosaics and frescoes that have been preserved through several restorations over time.
It’s famous for its fine architecture and decorative art, which includes marble columns and intricate stone carvings, all masterpieces of Byzantine art.
Basilica of Saint Demetrius
Built in the 5th century, this basilica is one of the early Christian churches and a pilgrimage site for Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki.
It’s one of the city’s 15 early Christian and Byzantine monuments that UNESCO added to the World Heritage Sites list in 1988. Its crypt houses an exhibition showcasing the church’s history.
The basilica features frescoes and fresco fragments from various periods (8th-14th centuries). Some of the frescoes are located under the mosaics on the columns in front of the altar. The mosaics depict scenes related to Saint Demetrius.
Hagia Sophia Church
This is another important Byzantine building, significant both historically and artistically.
The church was built in the 8th century, inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Throughout its history, the building has undergone several significant changes; for example, in the 15th century, under the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque but was restored as a Christian church in the 20th century.
The main mosaic inside is located in the center of the dome, depicting the Pantocrator (Almighty) surrounded by angels and saints.
Church of Saint Catherine
Also known as Agia Aikaterini, this church is renowned for its intricate and richly decorated frescoes.
The church is named after Saint Catherine, one of the most venerated Christian saints who lived in Egypt in the 4th century and is known as the patron saint of wisdom and learning.
The frescoes inside this 14th-century church include scenes from numerous biblical stories and the lives of saints. It particularly emphasizes the life and martyrdom of Saint Catherine.
Galerius Palace
The palace and its immediate surroundings (Rotunda, Arch of Galerius) were part of a building complex commissioned by Emperor Galerius in the early 4th century.
The palace was at the center of this complex, surrounded by administrative buildings, ceremonial spaces, and a vast, beautifully decorated courtyard. This is where the emperor resided when he visited the city.
Part of it is still visible today and serves as an important archaeological site. Among the remains of the Galerius Palace, you can find foundations of walls and columns, and parts of floor mosaics.
Rotunda
Built in the early 4th century, around 306 AD, as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Galerius.
It features a distinctive dome with a diameter of 24 meters and a height of over 30 meters, providing an impressive sight both inside and out. The building’s walls are extremely thick, measuring over 6 meters wide.
During the Byzantine Empire, it was converted into a Christian church, and later, under the Ottoman Empire, it was transformed into a mosque. Today, it functions as a museum and is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can admire the building’s historical and architectural significance.
Arch of Galerius
Built to commemorate the victories of the Roman Emperor Galerius Maximianus, especially celebrating his successful campaign against the Persians.
This early 4th-century structure was part of a larger ceremonial and religious complex that included the nearby Rotunda and a palace. It’s an impressive example of Roman-era architectural and artistic execution.
The arch features a triple archway, with the central arch being the largest. Its surface is covered with rich reliefs depicting Galerius’ military successes and symbols of imperial power.
Aristotelous Square
One of Thessaloniki’s central squares, hosting numerous events, including the Christmas market.
It was designed in the early 20th century by French architect Ernest Hébrard after the great fire of 1917 almost completely destroyed the city’s historical center. The square is lined on both sides by buildings in various architectural styles.
Statue of Alexander the Great
The statue depicts Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king and conqueror, proudly sitting on his mighty horse, Bucephalus.
The statue’s base is high, majestically elevating the king and his horse in one of the city’s busy public spaces. Its significance lies not only in its artistic value but also in symbolizing Alexander the Great’s historical legacy and Macedonia’s pride.
Roman Forum
It was the central public space of Thessaloniki during the Roman era, where commercial, religious, and political activities took place. It’s one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
During archaeological excavations, numerous valuable objects and artworks were found, providing insight into the daily life and culture of the Roman-era city. These include coins, ceramics, sculptures, and mosaics, all reflecting the forum’s rich history.
Trigoniou Tower
One of Thessaloniki’s lesser-known but historically significant structures, located in the northeastern part of the city, in the Ano Poli (Upper Town) area.
It gets its name from „trigono,” meaning triangle, referring to the geometric shape of the structure. The tower is built of stone and originally served as an observation point overlooking the city and surrounding areas.
It’s worth visiting for the wonderful view of the city and the Thermaikos Gulf.
Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
One of the most significant museums in Greece, housing one of the world’s richest collections showcasing ancient Macedonian culture.
Its collection includes artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era, with a special focus on the history and culture of the Macedonian kingdom.
The exhibited items include gold and silver treasures, such as the famous Vergina Sun, a golden Macedonian royal symbol. Also important are findings from various burial sites, showcasing the burial customs of the Macedonian elite. Additionally, numerous ceramics, jewelry, weapons, and everyday objects are on display.
All information can be found here!
Museum of Byzantine Culture
As its name suggests, it showcases the city’s Byzantine past.
The museum’s collection broadly encompasses the period of the Byzantine Empire, from ancient times to the end of the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore Byzantine art, including frescoes, icons, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and other artifacts.
All information can be found here!