Historical visit of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki from above
We had four full days in Thessaloniki and we wanted to do a lot of things and in the midst of all that we wanted to spend quality time with family.
With a day spent visiting family in the villages, a day spent visiting more family in Thessaloniki, a day sneaking a beach visit to Pefkohori in Chalkidiki, it left us one day to do a few touristy things in town.
After breakfast, we headed off for a short stroll to the White Tower. A tower so full of tragedy and triumph, the beacon of Thessaloniki. There, they have an interactive exhibit of the history and culture of this beautiful city.
The White Tower of Thessaloniki
Further down along the paralia you will see statue of Alexander the Great. Thessaloniki, was named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great, the hero of the city.
From there, you have to go to see the beautiful art installation of the umbrellasโฆ simply gorgeous and if you go during sunset even better!
The umbrellas have become such a popular site for Thessaloniki
Our touristy day took us next to Agia Sofia. One of the oldest churches in Greece, built in its current structure in the 8th century and is based on the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Spiritually, artistically and culturally, an amazing church to visit with historical icons, frescos and mosaics adorning its walls.
The simplicity of the outside belies the beautiful icons, mosaics and frescos inside Agia Sofia, Thessaloniki
We continued our walk to another great church (we did more than visit churches I promise!), the church of Agios Demetrios, patron saint of Thessaloniki. Agios Demetrios was a Christian martyr who died at the hands of the Romans. He is revered as a military saint on horseback, credited with many miraculous interventions protecting Thessaloniki. The first church believed to have been built on this site in the 4th century AD, replacing Roman Bath where Agio Demetriosโ body is said to have been dropped, after his execution. The church has gone through many transformations since originally constructed.
The unique architecture of Agios Demetrios, Thessaloniki
Okay enough with the churches for now!!!
We wanted to see the whole city from above, at which point we caught a taxi and went to the Kastra (castle). These Byzantine Walls were built in the late 4th century to protect the town, its churches and timber-framed houses from sieges. The walls stood there until the 19th century when the Ottomans demolished large sections. From here you can enjoy the most panoramic views over the city.
Thessaloniki from above, at the Kastro
As it was still lunch time (3pm is lunch time in the Mediterranean countries), we couldnโt find a cab for the trip back and we decided to walk down, in the heat โ not a good idea!
Pit stop to the arch of Galerius (or Kamara) and the Rotunda. Two very impressive neighbouring structures commissioned by Roman Emperor Galerius in the 4th century. The Rotunda has been a Roman monument, Christian church, Mosque and now a historical building, UNESCO heritage site, it is the oldest church in Thessaloniki and there are claims it is the oldest Christian church in the world.
The old and the new, the Arch of Galerius (Kamara) next to the โ70 apartments
Almost to our hotel, we stopped for a much-needed frappe and bougatsa!
Although we spent a full day walking (24,000 steps!), we literally just skimmed the surface of this culturally rich & complex city.
The narrow streets of Thessaloniki
Where we stayed
Where we ate
Ladadika disctrict โ Loved the food Necroponte, traditional Greek cuisine) and Mamalouka for more modern Greek cuisine.
Important tip
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. And you must try the bougatsa, flaky filled filo pastry, whether sweet or savoury, it is amazing!
