Thessaloniki, since its foundation in 315 BC, has been an important center for ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilization. Testament to the city’s importance are the city’s monuments, which cover a wide range of historical time In all historical periods, Thessaloniki has been a cosmopolitan and financially strong city, with its power reaching its apogee during Byzantine times. Apart from its material prosperity, however, the city was also distinguished for its spiritual flourishing, as many philosophers, orators and scholars gathered there. From antiquity, in Roman times, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman occupation and its Liberation until today, every corner of Thessaloniki testifies to the imprint left by peoples and cultures that shaped its physiognomy and evolution over time.
It is also worth noting that in the Archaeological and Byzantine Museum of the city, the visitor can admire findings of world cultural heritage related to the historicity of the Macedonian land from prehistoric and Hellenistic times to the Byzantine era. Among the numerous historical monuments that are worth visiting, is the Roman Agora, the Arch from which begins and continues in the Hippodrome Square, a complex building complex, the so-called Galerian complex. The Byzantine castles that dominate the Upper Town offer a unique view of the Thermaic Gulf and the eternal symbol of Thessaloniki in the White Tower, inside which operates a museum with interesting exhibits. Finally, a walk on the new beach, a reference point for our city, will lead us to its newest jewel in the Concert Hall, which houses artistic and various activities.
The historical physiognomy of Thessaloniki is mainly linked to the Byzantine period. It was, after all, the gateway to the Balkans for the ideological, cultural and religious influence of Byzantium. Works and buildings of the pre-Christian, early Christian and Christian period are preserved to this day. In a general view, the religiosity of the city is strong, as the Byzantine churches of the city are numerous. Some of them have even been included in the UNESCO Treaty and are part of the World Religious and Cultural Heritage. Of particular interest are the Rotunda, Agios Dimitrios – who is also the patron saint of Thessaloniki, the Handmade, the Monastery of Vlatada, the Virgin of Chalkeon. In the city, however, the visitor can admire Muslim monuments such as the Geni Mosque, Alatza Imaret Mosque, Bezesteni (covered market) and many neoclassical buildings that adorn the city with their architectural grandeur.
Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos ( Find it on the map )
9:00 a.m.
We start early in the morning, around 9.00, from the center of Thessaloniki. We board our bus from the statue of Venizelos and start a wonderful walk in our magical city. Passing by the coastal road, we have the opportunity to admire on the one hand, the bustling cafes, restaurants and shops that are a trademark of the city and on the other, the endless sea that plays with the sun of Thermaikos.
We disembark at the historic White Tower, from where we will walk along Nea Paralia to the height of Macedonia Palace, gazing at the … “pirate” boats that sail by us, the street vendors and musicians who fill it with notes and color air and the hundreds of people enjoying their walk with a wide smile painted on their lips.
Then we will go through the Universities, where the heart of the city’s student life beats. Our next stop is the Castles and specifically a genuine part of the Byzantine fortification of the city and one of its most famous places, due to its amazing view, the Tower of Chain (Triangle). We will have the opportunity to be photographed but also to learn many interesting stories that will spring from the carved boulders of the walls.
Walking in Ano Poli, little by little our steps will lead us to the Monastery of Vlatada, an imposing monastery that overlooks Thessaloniki from above and fills visitors with awe with its solemn aura. Then, we will pass by the Monastery of Saint David, which with its incomparable Byzantine beauty, the beautiful mosaics and the wonderful view. It is worth noting that In fact it is the katholikon of the pre-existing Latomou Monastery, which dates back to the 5th to the 6th century! An ornament of Christianity hidden among cantons, cobbled streets and in one of the oldest and most picturesque corners of the city.
Next, we descend to the Rotunda, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built around 306 AD by Galerius, as a temple of Zeus or according to others as his Mausoleum and marks the border between the pagan and the Christian world. During the early Christian years, it was converted into a Christian church and to this day, it still evokes awe with its imposing look. A short distance away is one of the most historic, characteristic and most recognizable points of Thessaloniki, the Galerius Arch or, more commonly, the “Arch”. It was built in the 4th century to celebrate the reception of the Roman emperor Galerius, after his victories against the Persians. We will tour this excellent example of architecture that dominates the historic center, where the heart of the city beats!
From there, we will walk to Navarino Square, where the illuminated monuments of the past meet the modern shops and the lively groups of students. The city that always lives, always has fun and is always full of happy voices … We will follow them to the pedestrian street of Hagia Sophia that has taken its name from the homonymous church that is located there. It is one of the oldest and most important Christian churches in the city, which has remained intact over time and still functions today as the Cathedral of Thessaloniki. On the nearby pedestrian street and its side streets, we can enjoy our dessert or our drink by seeing the smiling faces of the people who do their shopping in the nearby shops or enjoy their walk …
