What is interesting in Thessaloniki, Greece. Entertainment and attractions in Thessaloniki. Walk along the embankment, White Tower and 1-hour tour along the Cultural Route

The Church of St. Sophia was built in the middle of the 7th century.

Previously, an ancient Christian basilica stood on this site, on the ruins of which a church now stands. It is noteworthy that the ancient basilica was almost three times larger in size than the modern Church of St. Sophia.

During the period of Byzantine rule, in the vicinity of the church there were numerous buildings and structures of not only a religious, but also an administrative nature.

The interior decoration of the Church of St. Sophia includes a variety of mosaics and frescoes by the great Greek masters of the 9th-10th centuries, and the dome of the church is decorated with the famous fresco of the Ascension.

Museum of Photography

The Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, opened in 1997, presents visitors with about 1,500 works by Greek and foreign photographers, including photographs, glass plates, negatives and other valuable objects.

The museum’s activities also include holding exhibitions, educational programs, and scientific research. Since 2000, the museum has held the “Photosynciria” festival, and since 2008 it has become the “Photobiennale”, which takes place from April to May.

The museum opened on the initiative of photographers Aris Georgiou, Giorgos Vanidis and Apostolos Maroulis. Their photo collections were used as the basis for the museum exhibition. The museum is the only public museum in Greece that is dedicated exclusively to photography.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

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Fortress wall

Almost immediately after the construction of Thessaloniki, the city was surrounded by fortress walls (Kastra), which later protected it from many conquerors: Celts, Normans, Bulgarians, Mongols, Arabs. The fortress walls are one of the most important attractions of the Greek city.

The walls were built by Theodosius the Great in the 4th century AD. After numerous raids, the walls were restored more than once, so they have survived to this day. The walls are located at the very beginning of the Upper City, so you can reach them by moving from the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius in the opposite direction from the sea.

The length of the walls is quite long, because from them you can walk to the Upper City. The architectural structures are stunning with their medieval architectural grandeur.

The Church of St. Panteleimon (Ayios Panteleimon) in Thessaloniki is a striking example of Byzantine era architecture. The temple is located near the Arch of Galeria, in the east of the Old City. The construction of a cruciform church with one nave dates back to the end of the 13th - beginning of the 14th century, during the reign of the Palaiologan dynasty.

In the XIV-XV centuries the temple played an important role in the spiritual and cultural life Christian. With the Ottoman Empire coming to power in 1548, the Turks converted the church into a mosque, erected a minaret and built a marble fountain in the courtyard. The unique Byzantine frescoes were destroyed by the new owners or covered with a layer of plaster, and during the renovation, the walls of the gallery surrounding the church of Agios Panteleimon were irrevocably destroyed. The chapels at the gallery have been preserved; modern restorers have managed to restore part of the wall paintings, which are of the highest historical and artistic value.

In honor of Saint Panteleimon, the temple was consecrated only at the beginning of the 20th century, after the liberation of Thessaloniki. Since 1988, the early Christian architectural monument of the Byzantine era has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Thermaic Gulf

The Thermaikos Gulf stretches from south to north. Its length is slightly more than 100 meters. Along the banks of Thermaikos there are Greek nomes. The most famous of them are Chalkidiki, Larisa, Imathia and many others. The coastline is mainly occupied by city and private beaches owned by hotels. Although there are also wetlands.

Throughout Greece, the bay is famous for its ports. There are not many, not few, but 13 piers. The largest of them is Thessaloniki. By the way, there is no longer a bay in the country that could accommodate so many ports.

In addition, many rivers flow into Thermaikos. Vardar, Aliakmon and Penei are considered the largest of them.

As for attractions, there are a great many of them throughout the bay. Of course, in first place in popularity is the great Mount Olympus, on which, according to legend, the gods lived.

Church of the Prophet Elijah

Byzantine frescoes on the walls, in the window and door openings show that it is quite possible that the church was dedicated to Christ and belonged to the most important monastery of Thessaloniki, Akapniou, which existed during the Palaiologan dynasty - hence the variant name "House of Palaiologos".

An architectural solution with many decorative elements on the external walls and harsh hewn two-color stone masonry, alternating in rows, is not a very common solution for Macedonian religious buildings. However, this type of architecture is quite traditional for Byzantine Constantinople. The paintings on the walls of the narthex, in the chapel and main church their appearance is less expressive. Historians also consider it to be outside the law fine arts 60-70 years of the XIV century, when the church was decorated with paintings, realism, color scheme and detail in the writing of individual figures. The unique Profitias Elias church was recently under restoration, in 2012.

Aristotle Square

Aristotle's Square (local name - Plat a Aristot lous) starts from the promenade along the Thermaikos Gulf and rises up to the hill on which the Basilica of St. Demetrius is located.

Aristotle Square was designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard in 1917, after the great fire of Thessaloniki almost completely destroyed the city. Thanks to the numerous cafes and restaurants concentrated in the galleries around the square, it is popular place meetings, especially evening ones.

In addition, the pedestrian area in the center of the square is also great for rest and relaxation during the day.

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Rotunda of St. George

The Rotunda of St. George was built in 306, during the heyday of architecture and art.

The rotunda was part of the funeral complex of Emperor Galerius, during whose reign a large number of magnificent structures were built. The round rotunda is covered with a dome with a diameter of 24.5 meters, and the thickness of the walls is 6.3 meters.

Over its long history, the rotunda was rebuilt more than once, as a result of which it acquired the appearance of a three-nave basilica. The interior niches and dome were decorated with mosaics.

After the capture of Thessaloniki by the Turks, the rotunda was turned into a mosque, and a minaret was built next to it, which has survived to this day.

Since 1912, the rotunda has housed a museum, and during the great Orthodox holidays services are held.

The most popular attractions in Thessaloniki with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Thessaloniki on our website.

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More attractions of Thessaloniki

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

For several years in a row I visited Greece, the region of the Chalkidiki peninsula, and only on my most recent visit I finally managed to go to Thessaloniki (or it is called Thessaloniki). I fell in love with the city immediately. Thessaloniki can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Modern buildings and the historical part coexist perfectly here. The history of the city is visible everywhere. It seems that everywhere you look, various architectural structures remind you of the ancient past of this glorious city and all of Greece.

To see the whole city, it is better to come to it yourself. You can use public transport, or rent a car, as I did. The rental cost varies depending on the brand of the car and the number of days. On average for three days 6500 rubles. You can travel with a guide on a tourist bus. The cost is 40 euros. However, you will have to inspect everything very quickly due to time constraints. But this option is also quite good to see this wonderful city.

What can you see in Thessaloniki on your own? To get around well, you should purchase a guidebook. Iconic places everything is marked there. I chose to leave the car in the parking lot, not far from the central market.

By the way, I also recommend visiting the market. There you can buy fresh vegetables and fruits. I counted at least seven varieties of olives alone.

There's a lot of interesting stuff here.

Optimal sightseeing of the city - hiking. To avoid going astray, you can stick to the embankment. Walking along it you will definitely come to Aristotle Square.

The city has Aristotle University and the square of the same name. On both sides of it are snow-white buildings, one housing the modern Olympion cinema, and the other a five-star hotel. By the way, it was the buildings on this square that set the architectural tone for the reconstruction of the entire city, which was being restored after the fire.

There are also street cafes on the square. In the evening, a large number of young people gather, this is also a favorite place for dates, and all sorts of festivals are held here. There are also a lot of tourists here, because this is a great place to relax after hot sunny days. Directly across the road is the sea, from where the cool air blows. On the opposite side, on a hill, the Basilica of St. Demetrius is visible.

True, this tower was not always white. During the period of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires There was a prison in the tower and it was red. Only after Thessaloniki passed to the Greeks was the tower repainted and the prison liquidated. The museum's exhibits, which are open inside, testify to the tower's past. You can go up to the observation deck and see the city and all its surroundings. The entrance fee to the museum is 5 euros.

Next to the tower is a monument to Alexander the Great. It stands right by the sea. A grandiose monument. That's how he should be. Great man deserves such attention from his contemporaries.

Other iconic landmarks include the arch and rotunda of the Roman Emperor Galerius. It can be seen not far from the central highway of the city. The arch stands somewhat apart from the rotunda, but previously it was a single architectural composition.

True Christians live in Thessaloniki. So don't be surprised a large number temples and even small chapels. There are a lot of the latter. Entrance to the temples is free. Candles can be taken from small chapels next to the temple. There is no need to pay for them, but in Greece it is customary to leave donations. The most famous are the churches of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia.

Monuments remind of the city's Turkish past. The Greeks greatly respect history and treat it with care.

If you are tired from walking, you can stop in a city park or have lunch in a cafe. There are a lot of cafes, small restaurants, and shops here. The cost of lunch per person is approximately 10-15 euros.

Excavations also speak about the ancient past of the city. It’s somewhat strange and unusual to see them right in the center, between modern buildings.

During the summer discount season (July - August) there is excellent shopping in Thessaloniki. That’s why I wrote that it’s better to come here on your own. Spend the first day in the city sightseeing, the second day shopping. You can stay overnight at a hotel, there are many of them. In 3-star hotels the price is approximately 2000 rubles per night, in guest houses it is cheaper. It all depends on the hotel category.

The trip to Thessaloniki was unforgettable for me. As soon as I am in Greece again, I will definitely return to this city. Is it possible to see all its sights in a couple of days, and you just want to get back into its welcoming atmosphere again. And how many excellent and friendly people live here. It happened that when you lost your way, you approached any person, no one refused to help. There are a lot of Russian speakers, so there were no problems with mutual understanding.

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We were traveling around Greece one day in June. We had no intention of visiting Thessaloniki at all. But the road through Romania/Bulgaria to Athens still passes by Thessaloniki. Therefore, when we were returning home, and we had one more day of the Schengen visa left, we decided to drop into this city.

Thessaloniki is the second most important and, in my opinion, the second largest city in Greece. And definitely the second port after Piraeus. Thessaloniki is also called the “northern capital”. Historically, it has always been the second city of the Greek state. Its correct name is Thessaloniki (and in Greece that’s the only name they call it), the same is written on the road signs. The city was built in the 3rd century BC by the Greek king Cassander and named after his wife - Thessaloniki(part-time sister of Alexander the Great).

In Thessaloniki we went straight to the center. The car was parked near Roman Forum. Its other name is the Ancient Agora. Once upon a time, important issues concerning the life of ancient Thessalonica were resolved here. It is believed that the Forum was built in the 2nd century, and was found only during excavations in the 60s of the last century. First of all, the most preserved part, the Odeum Theater, was restored. The size of the theater, of course, is not large, but perhaps the performances were shown for a select few... We did not go into the museum, but according to the stories, the exhibition is quite interesting.

Very close to the Roman Forum is located Cathedral of St. Demetrius. This temple is one of the main shrines and attractions of Thessaloniki. Built in the 10th century on the burial site of this saint. The cathedral building was almost completely destroyed by fire. Now restored. The building is not very flashy, but its importance for local residents cannot be overestimated. The relics of St. Demetrius are kept here (by the way, this saint is the patron saint of the city), and several ancient frescoes have been preserved. The basilica is active, there are always a lot of parishioners and there is a service going on, so you need to behave quietly. Taking photographs and filming is permitted, but without flash.

Next in Thessaloniki I recommend going to Aristotle Square, fortunately it’s also nearby. The area is large, there are a lot of people. You can have a snack here, as there are many restaurants (which we did). By the way, coffee in Greece is excellent. Then we headed deeper into the square to “gain our wits.” There is a monument to Aristotle, and if you rub your toe, according to local belief, you can supposedly become smarter.

From Aristotle Square we go to the embankment. Here we see the “calling card” of Thessaloniki - the so-called White Tower. It is located right on the shore of the bay and, as it turns out, is not that white. It was built by the Turks in the 15th century, initially to defend the city from the sea; later there was a prison there. It was painted white after reconstruction in the 19th century. Now there is a museum inside the tower. Entrance ticket costs 3 euros, you also have the opportunity to go up to the observation deck from which you can see interesting view to Thessaloniki. We didn't waste time on this. There are “pirate” ships right next to the White Tower near the pier; entry to them is free. It seems like you can sit at the tables and look at the sea and the city.

But where we went is in Archaeological Museum. A quick inspection was carried out, since time was running out. Entrance – 6 euros. I read there that there are some days when visiting the museum is free, but I didn’t really understand. The museum's exposition is really interesting; it contains exhibits from all historical periods of Greece and Macedonia. There are many statues, a large collection of ancient coins (including gold), jewelry, various weapons, ammunition, and armor. The pearl of the Archaeological Museum is the golden coffin of King Philip II of Macedon. Leaves a strong impression.

Well, we quickly arrived at St. George's Square. Here, in honor of the victory over the Persians, a Arc de Triomphe Galeria. The arch has clearly been preserved not in the same form as it was originally, mainly only the load-bearing parts of the structure. The base of the arch is decorated with bas-reliefs with scenes of military battles.

On the same square, very close to the Arc de Triomphe, you can see a slightly unusual structure - Rotunda. The history of this building alone is so rich that it cannot be told in a few words. It was originally built as the tomb of King Galerius. Now the Rotunda is a museum, inside which you can see well-preserved mosaics with paintings on Christian themes.

There was no time left for more; the Motherland was waiting for us.

In general, to explore Thessaloniki, you need to stay here for at least a few days. Just to take your time visiting the sights, to delve into most interesting story cities. There are a lot of beautiful temples, cathedrals and churches, there are several museums, as well as the State Theater of Northern Greece and the National Art Gallery.

As you know, it was in Thessaloniki that the Apostle Peter preached.

Today Thessaloniki is modern city and a large industrial center. The architecture of modern buildings is mixed with Roman buildings, Byzantine churches, and old taverns. Several blocks with narrow streets and old houses have been preserved. And of course, a picturesque embankment overlooking the Thermic Gulf. And the Aristotle University is the largest in Greece. At the same time, it is considered prestigious to eat in a restaurant located in the Thessaloniki TV tower.

Yes, I almost forgot to note that road traffic is very difficult to organize in Thessaloniki. It seems that most of the roads are one-way. Even the GPS navigator gets confused. You have to meander long and hard through the city streets in search of the right point.

I also wanted to say that Mount Olympus, which is located about 100 kilometers from Thessaloniki, we could not see. The Olympic Gods decreed that when we drove along the highway past this famous mountain, fog settled in her area and Olympus was shrouded in an impenetrable haze. It's a shame.

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The Archaeological Museum is considered one of the most visited museums in the city. It is located a little far from the center, so it is better to get there by bus. Bus number 8 takes you almost to the museum itself. In order to pay for the bus fare, try to buy a ticket at the ticket office on the street. If this was not possible. then on the bus itself there are cash machines that only accept coins and do not give out change, which is important.

If you want a 1 euro ticket and you put in a 2 euro coin, you will only get one ticket and no change. You won't be able to buy 2 tickets at once either.

Entrance to the museum costs 6 euros per person.

If you ask for one ticket to enter the Archaeological and Byzantine Museum, the price will be 8 euros.

The large Jewish Museum is in the city, it is open from 11 o'clock, entrance is 3 euros. The museum tells the story of the life of the Jewish community in the city, which made up 50% of the population in 1912.

Be sure to walk around the city on foot, along the embankment, go to the White Tower, which is considered the symbol of the city of Thessaloniki.

All this can be done independently, at your own pace and without the help of a guide.

The photo shows a pedestrian street and access to the sea.

Runs around the city tourist bus, where you can take headphones and listen to a tour of the city. If you wish, you can get off the bus and get on the next one. This is blue bus number 50.

One of the stops is directly opposite the Archaeological Museum. The bus runs every hour.

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A visit to the Greek city of Thessaloniki is especially worthwhile for lovers of antiquities. This city saw Roman thinkers, Caesars, Byzantine emperors and simple multinational people. Here you will see a large number of ancient buildings - Islamic, Roman buildings, Byzantine churches...

A complete list of city monuments included in the list Cultural Heritage UNESCO is located at the following address:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/456/multiple=1&unique_number=528

City monuments

Let's look at the most popular and famous memorable places and religious buildings that visitors love to visit in Thessaloniki.

Triumphal Arch (Kamara) in Thessaloniki

The symbol of Thessaloniki is the White Tower, which rises above the seaside promenade. This building now houses a museum where you can see exhibits related to the Byzantine past of the city. This structure was erected around 1500 AD; it served a protective function for Thessaloniki.

The Arc de Triomphe (Camara) and the Galeria Palace are monumental architectural ensemble, its ruins are located in our time in Navarino Square (Octagon). The Triumphal Arch of Galerius was erected in 305 AD, after the emperor defeated the Persians, and is a characteristic monument of Thessaloniki. To this day, two main quadrangular columns and one secondary column, which are connected by a brick arch, have survived. The main columns are faced with marble relief images that introduce us to Galerius’s military actions against the Persians.

Rotunda

The rotunda is a huge building with a rounded shape and probably served as a temple dedicated to Zeus or Kaveri. A wonderful mosaic has been preserved here to this day. The Rotunda - the Temple of St. George - is located north of Egnatia Street, the credit for its construction belongs to the Emperor Galerius, and this happened in the first decade of the fourth century AD. At first it was supposed to become a mausoleum for the ruler, but to this day it has not been used for this purpose; it turned into a Christian church in which the remains of martyrs were honored.

Old Market

The activity of the Old Market dates back eight centuries - it began working with the birth of the city and existed until the fifth century AD. This place is the center of the city's social and cultural life. There are buildings here of an imposing and majestic appearance, the most important of which were erected at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth centuries. This market was discovered during archaeological research in 1966. So far, a city market, a music school, a mint and a room that most likely served as the city archive have been discovered here. In addition to all this, a fragment of a Roman bath was also found - with heating rooms and heating stoves, and other items in large quantities. The Old Market is located opposite Aristotle Square if you head in the direction opposite to the sea.

Ano Poli District (Upper City)

This place is located in the highest part of Thessaloniki, surrounded by Byzantine walls - they are on the UNESCO World Heritage Map. The main feature that distinguishes Ano Poli from the rest of the city is the presence of ancient monuments here, which date back from the Byzantine period to the Turkish rule. These hundreds of protected buildings are typical examples of ancient monuments belonging to traditional Macedonian architecture. Along narrow streets you can walk to small beautiful squares where there are fountains, plane trees, vineyards, cafes and taverns. In the northern part of the eastern wall is the Tower of Trigoniu. In the fifteenth century, it replaced the Byzantine tower located here, turning into a new building - it was used until the eighteenth century as a gunpowder and weapons warehouse. The observation deck near the tower allows you to enjoy a wonderful view of the city. And inside the fortress walls there is the “Seven Towers” - this is a Byzantine fort, for many years it was used as a prison.

Vlatadon Monastery

The Vlatadon Monastery is located on Eptalirgiou Street, close to the walls, and it is clearly visible here, and a panoramic picture is also revealed from it. The monastery was built by two monks, according to custom, as a monastic Catholicon - in the fourteenth century, with the support of Empress Anna Paleologou. Only the Catholicon, which is a structure with a vaulted gallery on three sides, has survived to this day. Other buildings in the monastery are new. The temple, which was originally dedicated to Christ the Almighty, contains unique frescoes. In addition, the Chapel of Our Lady and the “abbot’s office” are also interesting. The monastery has preserved such antiquities as manuscripts, books, sacred utensils, icons and relics of saints. In addition to all this, there are ancient underground tanks here.

The Byzantine churches located in Thessaloniki are very interesting - you can see them right in the middle of the new high-rise buildings.

Church of St. Demetrius

Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of the city, suffered martyrdom in 303 or 305 AD. At first, a temple in honor of him was erected on the site of martyrdom (the crypt under the temple sanctuary is now located here), in the central part of the old city. The first of the churches of St. Demetrius was a chapel; it was founded in the fourth century. A century passed, and a three-nave basilica was founded, which later burned down in 630. The bishop built the next church - a larger one - a five-nave basilica - which, in turn, was destroyed by fire in 1917. After this, restoration work was carried out; the temple has been in operation since 1948. Today you can see here a large number of mosaics, frescoes and architectural works from the fifth to the fifteenth centuries. The remains of the patron saint of Thessaloniki rest in a special funeral urn.

Hagia Sophia

The Temple of Hagia Sophia houses a huge mosaic painting depicting the Ascension of Christ, and a mosaic depicting the Mother of God, who sits on a throne and holds Christ in her hands. This building is located in the central part of the city, south of Egnatia Street. The temple was metropolitan from 1204 until it was converted into an Islamic one - until 1912, when the time of liberation from Turkish rule came.

Considering all these directions to be an exclusively complete list of popular and well-trodden tourist places Greece. But what about Thessaloniki, why do we forget about them?!

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, but there are frankly few tourists in it, which, in our opinion, is quite strange and is explained by the shortcomings of travel companies.

Thessaloniki interesting places and attractions

As is the case throughout Greece, Thessaloniki has many interesting historical places. The most prominent place in the city is the White Tower, which resembles a mammoth sitting by the sea. During the day, the tower works as a museum, and in the evenings people come to it to admire the beauty of the city and the sea at the observation deck.

Another important object to visit in Thessaloniki is the church of Agios Dimitrios (Basilica of St. Demetrius), which was built in the fifth century. It is also worth visiting the churches of Hagia Sophia, Cyril and Methodius.

In addition to historical attractions, Thessaloniki is a cultural and entertainment city, replete with restaurants, bars, a large number shops. Pedestrian boulevards starting at the coast and the sea promenade are especially popular for walks among vacationers and local residents.

In the sunny summer months, they resemble Miami: fashionable tourists and local Greeks eat in the open air, sitting at the tables of summer restaurants, delicious and varied snacks invented by the ancient Greeks - meze, grape dolmades (dolma), stuffed with rice and vegetables, juicy meat dishes, salty cheeses, crispy vegetable salads, generously dressed with fresh olive oil, deliciously smelling local pastries made from salty and sweet thin filo dough, which is used everywhere in the cuisine of the Mediterranean peoples.

Shopping in Thessaloniki

Typically, experienced shoppers buy necessary items and gifts in shops and boutiques located on the street. Tsimiski, in the center of Thessaloniki and outside the city, in shopping center"Mediterranean Space", which is in the direction of the airport.

Entertainment in Thessaloniki

Nightlife in Thessaloniki is also in full swing, making the city an ideal holiday destination for those who like to stay up late. Bars in the famous Greek resort spread over northern shores Aegean Sea, you won’t have to search for long.

Seaside entertainment venues are gathered on the central promenade and in Nea Krini, students gather to have fun in the bars near Navarino Square, traditional oriental establishments are located in the center of Thessaloniki, closer to Ladadika. Below is a list of the resort's most famous bars:

Seagull (Nick. Plastira, 23, Nea Krini)
rock bar Silver Dollar (Ethn. Aminis, 19)
Blue cafe (Egnatia, 117)
Café Americain (Vas. Olgas, 196) - there is always live music
Arabic bar (hookah) Nasim (Aristotelus, 8)
Taj Mahal (P. Mela, 30)

beer bars:

Ζύθος (Beer) (Katuni, 5)
Κουρδιστό γουρούνι (Clockwork Pig) (Ag. Sophias, 31)

Discos and clubs of Thessaloniki

Most discos and clubs are located outside the city so that the local population can sleep in silence and not suffer from noise at night.

One of the most popular areas for discos is near Thessaloniki airport. Here is a list of the best of them:

Discos:

Figaro (winter site - Papanastasiou, 41, summer site - 12th km of the Thessaloniki-Michaniona highway
Blue Sky (Thermi area)

Lido (Sfagia district, Friksu 5)
Casa La Femme (Sfagia district, 26 October, 61)
PR (Privilege) - airport area
XL - airport area

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Attractions in the vicinity of Thessaloniki

If you are already in Thessaloniki, then it is worth visiting the attractions near this resort. We recommend going to the Halkidiki peninsula, it is beautiful at any time of the year.

1. In your travel itinerary for Halkidiki, include enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the cafes in Afitos (this is at the beginning of the “first finger” of the peninsula - Kassandra).

2. To the southwest of Thessaloniki (distance 80 km), on the Greek mainland is the city of Vergina, which houses the famous archaeological museum, where artifacts from the richest burial of King Philip II of Macedonia are kept.

3. Not far from Thessaloniki, near the city of Veria (20 km, the village of Kastanya) in Macedonia (Northern Greece) there are holy places: the new monastery of Panagia Soumela, where the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Panagia Soumela is kept, written, according to legend, by the Apostle Luke, and in the gorge , not far from the city of Veria, on the banks of the Alakmonas River there is a men's monastery in which Saint John the Baptist lived.

4. At a distance of 160 km from Thessaloniki, in the northeast is the city of Kavala, which has long belonged to Turkey. Its main attraction is the ancient medieval Kamares aqueduct, which supplied drinking water to the city. In the vicinity of the city, at a distance of 17 km, there is the largest ancient complex in Greece - Ancient Philippi.

5. It is also worth visiting central Macedonia, the city of Edessa, to admire the unique waterfalls here. The height of the largest, Karanos, reaches 24 m.

6. In the town of Aridea, 100 km from Thessaloniki, there is a magnificent thermal spa resort of Loutra Pozar (other names - Loutra Aridea, Loutraki). Here thermal springs come to the surface in the form of small waterfalls. People come to Aridea for rejuvenation, to heal the skin, get rid of rheumatism, forget about diseases of the cardiovascular system, nervous disorders and gynecological pathologies.

7. And finally - Meteora. You need to plan a day trip here, you should leave early in the morning, then you will have time to return to your hotel in Thessaloniki in the evening. What you will see there - let it remain a little secret now... But we promise - the impressions will be unforgettable!

Thessaloniki how to get there

Thessaloniki has its own international airport, Macedonia, where planes, including those from Russia, land: Aeroflot flies from Moscow, travel time is 3 hours 50 minutes. Planes fly from St. Petersburg in the summer. Another accessible airport in Greece near Thessaloniki, where planes from St. Petersburg land in the summer season, is Kavala, 165 km from Thessaloniki. Flights to Kavala, Northern Greece operate from June to October, flying on Mondays and Thursdays.

Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia and one of the most visited resorts in Greece. According to legend, this city was founded in the 4th century BC in honor of the wife of King Cassander. The woman was famous for her beauty, and the king ordered the foundation of the same beautiful city, like his wife. The city received its name from the name of the beautiful queen, whose name was Thessalonica.

The city is a real find for tourists. Here you can visit unique ancient attractions, relax with your children on the beach and browse numerous shops. Let's look at the most popular attractions of Thessaloniki, their photos and descriptions.

The main attractions of Thessaloniki

The most famous sights of Thessaloniki can be seen in 1 day. Of course to inspect everything beautiful city– this is too little. But if you are passing through Thessaloniki, do not miss this chance, because the main attractions can be visited as part of a one-day excursion. Tour of Thessaloniki – City Guide.

Byzantine temples of the center

In the very center of the city there are three amazing Byzantine temples. They are surrounded by modern neighborhoods and are simply impossible to pass by. These buildings have a rich history and unique architecture. If you come to Thessaloniki for the first time, be sure to visit these attractions.

Church of St. Sophia

The first mention of the church dates back to the 8th century. This is an ancient Orthodox church, which today is among the objects world heritage. During Ottoman rule, the church was transferred to Islam and a mosque was located in it. But fortunately, during the refurbishment of the temple, all the valuable frescoes and paintings were simply covered with a layer of plaster, and they were restored after the temple was returned to Orthodoxy. Today all this splendor is available for viewing by tourists.

Temple of Panagia Chalkeon

This Byzantine church also suffered Ottoman rule, when all the temples in the city suffered the sad fate of being converted into mosques. The temple is recognized as a world heritage site and today is under the protection of UNESCO. The date of construction of the temple is considered to be 1028. The inscription on the entrance gate eloquently speaks about its creation, that this place was previously desecrated, but is now dedicated by Christopher to the Temple of Our Lady, for the remission of sins to him and his family. The decoration of the church has preserved unique icons and frescoes, which have no analogues in the world.

Church of St. Dmitry

According to legend, the temple was erected on the site of the death of the holy great martyr Dmitry of Thessaloniki, who died during the reign of King Diocletian. At first a small chapel was installed here, but over time the temple developed and was completed. However, earthquakes and fires at the end of the 7th century wiped out the temple from the face of the earth, and then the residents decided to build a large five-nave temple in its place. The church is famous for its unique frescoes, rich decoration and Byzantine splendor.

Embankment

Thessaloniki is a tax-free port. There is no fee either for transporting goods or for exporting them. Therefore, merchant ships from Europe and Balkan countries. The embankment is the heart of the city; tourists love to stroll here and local residents. Along the entire embankment there are small shops with local souvenirs, restaurants and entertainment venues. What makes the walk especially attractive are street musicians who, for a small fee, are ready to organize a real original concert!

White Tower

The White Tower is the symbol of the city. This structure is over 500 years old. The tower was erected by the Ottoman wars to protect the city from enemy attacks from the sea. Later, the tower served as a barracks for Turkish soldiers, and later became a prison and last refuge Greek patriots. The 27 meter high structure made of massive brickwork divides old part embankment from the modern one. Today there is a museum of Byzantine culture here, where you can see for yourself all the stages of the development and formation of Byzantium with the help of modern multimedia equipment.

Archaeological Museum

IN archaeological museum Thessaloniki has a unique collection of ancient archaeological finds from Neolithic times. The museum's galleries display weapons, ancient sculptures, household items and other interesting exhibits discovered by Greek archaeologists. The “Golden Hall” attracts special attention. Gold jewelry, medals and coins found during excavations of the burials of the royal family are collected here. What is surprising in the “Golden Hall” is the coffin made of pure gold. Historians claim that King Philip II of Macedonia was buried there. Today his remains have been reburied and his coffin is on display in the museum.

War Museum

This museum represents the period of the struggle of Greek patriots for the freedom of the state from the beginning of the 20th century until the end of the Second World War. Here you can see weapons, ammunition, awards and numerous models of warships. This period is of particular importance for the country, because thanks to the rejected struggle of the patriotic party, Greece became a free and independent state, preserving its culture and customs. In front of the entrance to the museum there are military aircraft, armored vehicles and samples of ship weapons.

Technology Museum

This modern complex, which presents the achievements of mankind from ancient times to the present day. A visit to the museum will be interesting for both children and adults. The vast territory is home to a planetarium, a technology park and a cosmotheatre. Children's special attention is attracted here by the virtual reality simulator, where children and adults can take an exciting journey into the past and future. After the tour you can visit local restaurant and buy unique scientific publications in the bookstore.

For most tourists from the post-Soviet space, their acquaintance with Greece begins from here. International airport, seaport, railway station– Thessaloniki, the second largest Greek city, the capital of the region of Macedonia is a large transport hub. But thanks rich history Thessaloniki (Greece) also has its own attractions. The city contains monuments of three eras: Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine.

Therefore, when arriving in Thessaloniki, you should not use this place only as a transit point on the way to the famous Greek resorts, devote a few days to it yourself. There are more than enough interesting things to see in the city of Thessaloniki, where ancient excavations can be seen in the courtyards of modern residential areas. Using the advice of those travelers who have been here more than once, we will try to guide you around the city and tell you what you can see in Thessaloniki in 3 days.

For many, this city initially makes a contradictory impression due to the incredible combination of eras and architectural styles. They may be neighbors nearby beautiful park, flowers, domes of old and new temples, ancient excavations and then - rusty fences, unfortunate sloppy graffiti on the walls of dull high-rise buildings... and suddenly, on the wall of another house - a completely original work of modern art! And all this alternates in Thessaloniki, block after block.

But gradually you find some special harmony in this leapfrog and kaleidoscope. Some tourists leave Thessaloniki having understood the soul of this city and even fallen a little in love with it.

And our journey has just begun. What is a must see in Thessaloniki and cannot be missed?

Walk along the embankment, White Tower and 1-hour tour along the Cultural Route

Thessaloniki is located on the shores of Thermaikos Gulf. Take an early morning walk along the wide and beautiful embankment, look at the sea, the port, fishermen with fishing rods. Turning your face to the city, you will see the outline of the most iconic city building, an architectural symbol and business card Thessaloniki - White Tower with a flag flying above it.

And although in fact it is not completely white, but “buffalo-colored,” the history of the landmark (15th century) is very interesting and deserves a separate story. You can learn about it by visiting the museum, located in a circle on 8 floors inside this 33-meter (23 m in diameter) impressive structure. At the very top of the tower observation deck, opens from here beautiful view to the embankment, port and city.

There are so many attractions in Thessaloniki that just listing the main ones would take a whole page. But there is a wonderful opportunity to see an impressive part of them even in 1 hour. Of course, this is impossible on foot, but only by taking bus No. 50 right there, on the square near the White Tower. Blue sightseeing bus departs along the Cultural Route every hour from 8:00 to 21:00. And for 2 euros in the overview mode you will travel in a time machine. And the stops (there are 15 of them) are like different eras that have survived over 25 centuries northern capital Greece. Like nowhere else, the past here closely coexists with the present.

Audio, video and guide on the bus accompany the tour in English and Greek. But this is enough for the first visual acquaintance, and you can later return to the places you particularly like, taking with you a map of Thessaloniki with attractions in Russian, so as not to get lost. The route starts and ends at the tower.

What will tourists see along the way? Not far from the White Tower there are several interesting buildings:

Royal Theater/National Theater of Northern Greece
Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Culture
Telephone Service Tower
International Exhibition
Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art

monuments of the era Ancient Rome- excavations of the Galeria Palace, Rotunda of St. George, ruins of the hippodrome and the Arc de Triomphe, Aristotle Square, excavations of the Roman Agora
Byzantine and early Christian churches and monuments - Agia (Holy) Sophia, the temple of Our Lady of Medals (11th century), the temple of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica; monasteries of Thessaloniki - St. Theodora and Vlatadon (XIV century); ruins of Byzantine baths.

The route passes by Aristotle Square, Upper city Ano Poli with cute colorful Macedonian houses.

We will tell you in more detail about one of the objects on the route through the sights of Thessaloniki.

The Rotunda of St. George, built at the end of the 3rd century, and the Triumphal Arch (IV century) are part of the palace (or funeral) complex of Emperor Gaius Galerius. In the 15th century she served Christian Church, which was named in honor of Gregory the Victorious. In Ottoman times, the Turks built a minaret nearby, and for almost four centuries there was a mosque in the temple.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was returned to the Orthodox Church, and since then there has been a Museum of Christian Art. The Rotunda is on the list of Thessaloniki monuments that are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Over the past decade, restoration work has been carried out on the territory of the complex. Among the descriptions of the sights of Thessaloniki, photos of these works are often found in the stories of travelers on forums. After all, even during the restoration, it was sometimes possible to enter some rooms (for free) with cameras, and it was not forbidden to take photographs. After the official opening, the entrance fee is 2 euros.

Divine services are held only on great Orthodox holidays.

Address: 1 Vassou, Thessaloniki 546 35

The Rotunda is located next to the University Campus and is one of the gathering and meeting places for students and local youth.

The morning of the second day and the first half of it can be devoted to canyoning at Olympus, and in the evening watch a play or concert at the Forest Theater.

Canyoning is extreme view sport, allowing lovers of traditional hiking, climbers and swimmers can combine all three pleasures in “one bottle.”

And it looks something like this: you jump into a mountain river and are carried along by its stormy foaming streams without any boats, rafts or canoes. Your only flotation device is a life jacket, and your equipment is a wetsuit and helmet. At first it will be scary: wild speed, falling down from small waterfalls, dizzying whirlpools; then the river will become wider and a measured, calm drift will begin, during which you will definitely pay attention to the beautiful scenery around Mount Olympus.

Two advantages of this extreme pastime can be noted while exploring the surrounding sights of Thessaloniki.

Going down the river has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, because during canyoning the adrenaline rush is soon followed by a pleasant relaxation.
For basic one day tour the participants are not required to have any special skills, only the ability to stay on the water for at least half an hour, and at a fast pace in about the same time to climb up or down the river mountain path. This means that the pleasure is available to the broad masses of tourists.

The tour lasts 3-4 hours, during which time participants will gradually descend from an initial height of 480 meters to 280. But first they will need to make several descents along the rocks on a rope and 6 jumps down, overcoming four water slides height from 5 to 12 meters.

A group of tourists (6-12 people) is accompanied by two certified instructors, and at the very beginning there is a half-hour safety briefing and a short training on the use of equipment.

Cost of one day tour from 65 euros, this includes: depreciation of equipment and equipment, a disk with a photo album to remember the trip and mini-snacks during the stop.

For more experienced athletes there are two-day individual routes.

Canyoning tour can be booked in the office in Thessaloniki (16 Amfitrionos); on the official website of the company www.baselinesports.gr online or by phone indicated there.

Forest Theater or Theatro Dassous

This forested theater is one of several NTNG units - National Theater Northern Greece, which also includes a theater school, is an excellent reserve for the troupe. Students are often involved in theater productions. The performance is really interesting to watch.

Each season, the Teatro Dasus schedule includes premieres and previous performances of its own troupe, as well as tour performances of other Greek theaters.

In addition to the theatrical productions themselves, major conferences and festivals, concerts of Greek and visiting celebrities, and various exhibitions take place here throughout the summer season. Such a busy schedule and busy schedule are due to the excellent acoustics of the forest stage in the form of an amphitheater and good technical equipment. The number of spectator seats is 3894.

From here there are beautiful views of the surroundings of Thessaloniki. And even if there is no performance or other event on the day of your visit, you can still have a great time outdoors, in a cafe, see the surrounding area, admiring the scenery, and bring home beautiful photos of Thessaloniki’s sights.

Theater address: Forest of Seich Sou * Agios Pavlos Thessaloniki 554 38

Dedicate the last day to shopping or just a tour of the Modiano market, and the evening to the famous Ladadika and Greek cuisine.
And be sure to take a walk along the evening embankment before leaving.

Modiano Market in Thessaloniki is an attraction that is often found in reviews and photographs of tourists; the descriptions of its “enticements” are colorful and tasty. If you have 3 days in Thessaloniki, Modiano is definitely a place worth seeing.

Although the market is not the largest, in other respects its color and many features resemble a typical oriental bazaar. Everything is as it is there: noise, hum, screams of traders.

Rows with meat - a complete set for gourmet meat eaters. A little further you can try and buy the freshest cheese and butter.

A huge selection of olives: green, black, pickled, salted, with or without seasonings, in ready-made convenient containers and by weight.

Seasonal fruits, sweets and seasonings - everyone will find everything they would like to find.

But the most interesting are the rows with seafood. You can buy fresh seafood and immediately, in the nearest tavern, turn it into a delicious lunch. All meat and fish, produce, vegetables and fruits on Modiano are only local.

The market is located in the center, at the beginning of Aristotle Avenue (from the ruins of the Roman Forum)

Buses: Nos. 03, 05, 05A, 06, 12, 33, 33A, 39, 39A; stop Platia Aristotelous & Ermou.

Working hours:

Tuesday-Friday: during the day from 9 to 13, in the evening from 17 to 19
Saturday: from 17 to 21 hours
Sunday: from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday is a day off.

There are many cafes and restaurants on Modiano, try deliciously prepared Greek dishes and drink Greek coffee. Lunch will be inexpensive, even the most filling one. And while eating, it is interesting to look at the daily life of the inhabitants of Greece and get to know the city from this side.

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Ladadika (Τα λαδάδικα)

The historical district of Ladadika is a continuation of the embankment and the architectural heritage of Thessaloniki. Hot spot and the concentration of vicious establishments in the past, since the early 2000s has become one of the brightest and modern centers nightlife in Thessaloniki.

Ladadika is divided into two parts by the central street Tsimisku. A fragment of the city wall remains on the left. Stroll through the small old streets. The highlight of this area of Thessaloniki is the architectural mixture of styles from the mid-19th century and later buildings - it is this eclecticism that attracts tourists. And the Greeks themselves always loved to spend time here in idleness, taking a break from everyday worries.

Since 1985, the port Ladadika is a protected historical monument and the construction of new houses is prohibited here.

Existing residential buildings were restored by entrepreneurs, who then opened their own businesses on the first floors of the renovated buildings. The lower part of the buildings is the core of the historical center of Thessaloniki. His special style: wrought iron doors against a background of red brick. There used to be many such houses.

Half a dozen buildings of the Thrace Bank were also renovated, warehouses and hangars were converted into shops and clubs. Many new restaurants, cafes, taverns, discos and clubs have opened.

During the day, local residents and tourists decorously sip coffee here, and in the evening and at night the doors of all establishments open and the streets are filled with the warm yellow color of lanterns. Outdoor terraces in taverns and cafes are illuminated. With a glass of wine or a glass of ouzo, you can spend the evening in a cozy restaurant with Greek cuisine and live folk music, there is a lot of them. Or you can cross the road and open the door of any club, get into a noisy disco and listen to the same live concert, but in a heavy metal bar.

Restaurant "Zifo"

Several Ladadiki restaurants popular among tourists:

"Krikelas" (6 Salaminos)

Family restaurant. The best wine list in Thessaloniki: wines from all Greek to the rarest vintages. The cuisine is traditional Greek and any seafood dishes: the highlight of the menu is game and snails from Crete.

“Zifo” (5 Katouni) – Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, nice design, reasonable prices.

Almost every more or less large establishment on Ladadik has its own website, and seats can be booked in advance online or by phone.

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So the program for the 3rd day has been completed: “sights of Thessaloniki Greece”. And although this is only a small part of what you can see in this city, the memories of everything you saw will remain firmly in your memory. And they will stay with us until the next “vacation in Greece.”

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