- Embankment
- Museums
- Christian shrines
- Restaurants and taverns
- Gastronomic entertainment
The city of Thessaloniki is not only one of the oldest settlements in Greece, but also the cultural center of the country. There are amazing architectural monuments preserved here, most of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Also Thessaloniki is a wonderful resort on the Aegean coast. Tourists who come here will always find where to go.
Embankment
Embankment
A tour of Thessaloniki should be started with its main attraction - the city embankment. It was built in the 19th century on the site where the fortified city wall used to be. An excellent tourist infrastructure has been created along the embankment: wide pedestrian walkways, equipped bicycle paths, green squares, recreation areas, cafes and hotels.
Walking along the promenade, you will plunge into the atmosphere of the city and will be able to get acquainted with the many objects of the cultural heritage of Greece. The first of these is Aristotle's Square. The largest reconstruction of the center of Thessaloniki was carried out at the beginning of the 19th century, when a terrible fire broke out in the city, which destroyed 70% of the buildings. After reconstruction, two grandiose buildings were erected on the square, which now houses the Olympion cinema and the luxurious Electra hotel.
On the embankment you can see another landmark landmark of the city - the monument to Alexander the Great. This legendary historical figure played a major role in the rise and flowering of Greece. The sculpture is made in the form of a horse, on which the Macedonian sits, holding a spear in his hands. The pedestal of the monument depicts various symbolic inscriptions in ancient Greek.
Museums
Most of the country's museums are located in Thessaloniki, as archaeological excavations are regularly conducted on the territory of the city and in its vicinity. Museum expositions, as a rule, are devoted to the historical past and culture of Greece. If you happen to be in Thessaloniki, be sure to include the following museums in your travel program:
- Museum of Byzantine Culture, created at the initiative of the Greek Ministry of Culture in 1994. The first decision to organize the museum was made back in 1913, but during the First World War, the rarest collection was taken to the Athenian museums for security purposes. The exhibits returned to their native walls only in 1995. Several spacious halls showcase thematic collections dedicated to the formation and development of Byzantine culture. Ancient vessels, jewelry, weapons, dishes, sculptures, paintings - all this can be viewed in the museum absolutely free.
- The Archaeological Museum is a visiting card of the city. The main building was designed by the famous architect Quarantinos, according to whose idea the architectural appearance of the museum was to become a separate landmark of the city. The museum was opened for mass visits in 1962, after which the Greek authorities recognized it as one of the best in the country. The collection includes over 10,000 artifacts brought from different parts of Greece. Of particular note are such exhibits as clay statues of ancient Greek gods, massive ritual bowls and interior items.
- The Ataturk House Museum is popular in Greece, as it is dedicated to the life and political activities of the great Greek reformer. Thessaloniki is the birthplace of Ataturk, therefore, in the middle of the 20th century, the local authorities decided to open a museum in the house where the national hero was born and lived. The peculiarity of this museum is the fact that all things, documents, interior elements are authentic and have been preserved in excellent condition.
- The Technology Museum is considered the "youngest" museum in Thessaloniki. Its foundation dates back to 1980. The goal of the museum management is to popularize and preserve knowledge about technical achievements and scientific discoveries. The museum will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. The building houses a digital planetarium, an experimental laboratory, attractions and an interactive park of technical devices.
Christian shrines
It is impossible to imagine a trip to Thessaloniki without visiting its unique temples, churches and monasteries. They are an integral part of the country's history and culture. The most popular are:
- The Basilica of Saint Demetrius was built in the fourth century on the site of the former Roman baths. The first structure of the temple was destroyed in the 7th century by earthquakes and fires. However, after several centuries, the basilica was restored and in the 14th century a mosque was placed in it. The basilica became a Christian church only at the beginning of the 20th century. The building attracts tourists due to its unusual architectural elements in the form of massive brick walls and arched windows. The entrance is allowed only on certain days when there are no services. The basilica contains the relics of St. Dmitry Thessalonica, who is considered one of the most revered saints in Orthodoxy.
- The Temple of Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century, is famous throughout the country. In the 10th century, the church served as a cathedral, and during the reign of the Crusaders it was the cathedra of a Catholic bishop. After 1430, the cathedral became a mosque, so all the Orthodox symbols of the temple were destroyed. The cathedral is distinguished by a rare architectural composition: a three-aisled basilica is harmoniously combined with elements of a cross-domed church. The interior space is divided into parts by tall columns. All frescoes and icons were restored by Greek masters and today amaze visitors with their splendor.
- The Cathedral, located in the central part of the city, was erected at the end of the 19th century. The best architects of Europe took part in its creation, resulting in a unique structure in the Byzantine style. The main building is made in the form of a cross, on all sides of which bells are symmetrically located. Their ringing spreads throughout the city during Orthodox holidays. The pride of the cathedral is its frescoes, icon painting by the artist Nicolao Kessanli, floors paved with multi-colored mosaics and stained-glass windows. The relics of St. Gregory Palamas are kept in the temple.
- The Vlatadon and Latomou monasteries are located in the central part of Thessaloniki. The first of them was founded in the 14th century on the initiative of the Byzantine Empress Anna Palaeologus, who lived in the city during this period. She allocated a large sum of money for the construction of a monastery. Over the course of several centuries, the shrine has undergone reconstruction and restoration, but the main building has been preserved to this day almost unchanged. The founding of the Latomu monastery dates back to the 5-6 centuries. The first buildings were destroyed during the reign of Turkish rulers in Greece. Like many shrines, the monastery became a mosque. At the beginning of the 20th century, restoration work was carried out in it and rare frescoes of the 12th century were found under a layer of plaster. Today Latomu is a functioning monastery and is open to the public once a week.
Restaurants and taverns
Greece is known for its fine cuisine, wines, cheeses and coffee. Therefore, tourists pay special attention to visiting local taverns, food markets and private wineries.
In Thessaloniki, cafes and taverns are located everywhere. Moreover, each of them offers a wide variety of traditional dishes. The most popular restaurant is located inside the TV tower. Having visited it, you will not only taste delicious coffee with national delicacies, but also enjoy an amazing panoramic view from the window.
If you prefer more democratic places, then go to any local tavern. For example, Palati, Full tou Meze or Nea Diagonios will offer you a wide variety of seafood, souvlaki, meze, saganaki and other delights of Greek cuisine. In these establishments, live music performed by the best creative teams of the city is played every day.
Gastronomic entertainment
Between Egnatia and Tsimiski streets is the city's most famous market called Modiano. Already at 5 in the morning, active trading begins here, so it is worth coming here before lunch. The long stalls are littered with fresh seafood, freshly caught from the sea, vegetables and fruits, olives, local dairy products. All of this can be purchased at very affordable prices.
On Komninon Street, there are several cheese shops selling only organic products. Here you can easily find such varieties of cheese as manuri, kaseri, feta, kefalotiri, graviera, etc. In addition, the buyer is allowed to taste the product before purchasing it.
The private wineries of Thessaloniki are also worth mentioning. They are located in the suburbs and can be reached by bus or car. The oldest winery Domaine Gerovassiliou is located 15 kilometers from the city, whose products have repeatedly won various international competitions. The principle of the management of the winery is to make wine exclusively from natural ingredients in accordance with a traditional recipe. On the basis of Domaine Gerovassiliou there is a museum and a shop where you can buy wine for every taste.
The Petralona Winery, which specializes in the production of alcoholic beverages from white and red grapes, is popular among the residents of the city. The assortment of the winery includes such wines as Sauvignon, Muscat, Retsina, Xinomavro, Merlot, etc. The winery's hospitable owners will take you on a tour and introduce you to their best products.
