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 umbrellas… 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 Demetrios’ 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 couldn’t find a cab for the trip back and we decided to walk down, in the heat – 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 ‘70 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 – 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!
Five things to do in Athens
Athens is more than a stop-over, I repeat, Athens is more than a stop-over to the Greek islands!
If you haven’t gathered already, I love Athens! I try to combine time in Athens as well as time at other destinations in Greece.
Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tours
I wanted to take my hubby on one of these as I did it with my daughter last year, and really enjoyed the view from above. You get the chance to hop off at about 14 stops within Athens, all the main attractions like the Parthenon, the Syntagma, Monastiraki as well as other lesser know but just as important like the Cyclades Museum, Benaki museum all the while listening to a guide on your headphones. It is all day everyday and you can start yours at any of the key attractions around the city.
Starting our bus tour here at Syntagma
Dinner at Psyri
Just off Monastiraki there is a little suburb called Psyri. It has a real hipster vibe, a little grungy and very cool. There are many vintage shops, the odd barber shop, great street art on the buildings, heaps of beautifully fitted out bars and many, many restaurants serving food not just Greek but from many different cultures. We ate at Lithos and would gladly go back just to have their moussaka!
The famous umbrellas outside Little Kook
One of the hip bars at Psyri
O Kostas
It doesn’t get more simple than this. Slightly cooked pita bread, barbequed pork souvlaki with just paprika and salt, strained Greek yoghurt, onion, tomato and parsley. No more no less. A tradition that has been going for 65 years all out of a hole in the wall souvlaki joint, and it is amazing! You will happy wait with the queue of people for your turn and sit on the side street and enjoy every mouthful! You can thank me later!
the picture of Kostas looking on as people wait for their souvlaki
Rooftop Bar – Anglais Athens
Imagine enjoying a Mojito, on a balmy summers evening, on a roof-top, watching the sunset, overlooking one of the oldest and most famous monuments in the world, the Parthenon! That’s what you will get right here, at Anglais Athens, a bit Palm-Springy in décor with a great cocktail list, makes for a really great start to the evening!
Anglais rooftop looking away from the Acropolis
The Archeological Excavation beneath the Acropolis
An ancient Athenian neighbourhood has been excavated and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Acropolis Museum, it is now open to the public. A whole village preserved in time, it houses life and human activity from the 4th century BC. Streets, houses, courtyards, baths, workshops, plumbing even toilets comprise the finds.
Your entry ticket (10 Euros) for the Acropolis Museum (one of my favourites in the world!) allows you the entry to the excavations.
Highlights
All of the above - can’t choose.
Worth watching the behind-the-scenes of the excavation video at the Acropolis museums. Won’t spoil the ending but what they did to get it to this stage is amazing. Take the time to view it!
Important Tip
The Hop On/Hop Off bus has other extended tours like the Athens Riviera that take to Piraeus and Vouliagmeni, well worth going on. For the city only session its 20 euros for 24 hours in peak season.