Guide of monuments in Thessaloniki
Αξιοθέατα
Τhe White Tower has housed the new permanent exhibition on Thessaloniki from the age of its founding in 316/15 B.C. to the present. The exhibition summarily presents aspects of the city’s history, which is distinguished by its long and unbroken historical presence.
The White Tower was built in the fifteenth century after the fall of Thessaloniki to the Ottomans in 1430. At its location there had been an older tower belonging to Thessaloniki’s Byzantine fortifications, where the eastern wall met the sea wall.
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Torre Blanca de Tesalónica
Τhe White Tower has housed the new permanent exhibition on Thessaloniki from the age of its founding in 316/15 B.C. to the present. The exhibition summarily presents aspects of the city’s history, which is distinguished by its long and unbroken historical presence.
The White Tower was built in the fifteenth century after the fall of Thessaloniki to the Ottomans in 1430. At its location there had been an older tower belonging to Thessaloniki’s Byzantine fortifications, where the eastern wall met the sea wall.
Alexander the Great was born in Pella, Macedonia in 356 BC. His parents were Philippos the Second of Macedonia and princess Olympiada of Epirus. He is considered to be the best Greek general of ancient Greece, because he became a king in the age of 20 after the assassination of his father and showed his great military skills in the battle of Chaironeia. His teacher was the great Greek philosopher Aristotle and his hero was Achilles. Alexander the Great was a great leader, led his army in victories and spread the Greek civilization in many different countries and cultures, but still respecting the local cultures. The statue of Alexander the Great is very close to the White Tower, right on the seafront and he is presented to be on his horse, the famous Voukefalas. It was created by sculptor Evaggelos Moustakas in 1974.
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Alexander the Great Statue
Alexander the Great was born in Pella, Macedonia in 356 BC. His parents were Philippos the Second of Macedonia and princess Olympiada of Epirus. He is considered to be the best Greek general of ancient Greece, because he became a king in the age of 20 after the assassination of his father and showed his great military skills in the battle of Chaironeia. His teacher was the great Greek philosopher Aristotle and his hero was Achilles. Alexander the Great was a great leader, led his army in victories and spread the Greek civilization in many different countries and cultures, but still respecting the local cultures. The statue of Alexander the Great is very close to the White Tower, right on the seafront and he is presented to be on his horse, the famous Voukefalas. It was created by sculptor Evaggelos Moustakas in 1974.
The famous Rotonda of Thessaloniki, Macedonia: The Rotonda (or Rotunda) is one of the most important Roman monuments in Thessaloniki. It stands just next to the Arch of Galerius in the city center and it is also known as the Church of Agios Georgios. This cylindrical structure was built in 306 AD by the Roman tetrarch Galerius, who intended it to be his grave. At first, it worked as a temple but it remains unknown to which god this temple was dedicated.
Eventually, Galerius died in 311 AD and he was buried in Felix Romuliana, modern Serbia. In the 4th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Constantine I converted it into an Orthodox church and many frescoes were painted inside, some of which survive today on the walls of Rotonda.
In the 14th century, the Ottomans occupied Thessaloniki and in 1590, the Rotonda was converted into a mosque. In fact, a minaret was added to the building that has been restored and survives till today. In 1912, the Greeks deliberated Thessaloniki and Rotonda was converted into an Orthodox church again, till 1979, when a strong earthquake caused serious damage to the structure. Presently, the Rotonda has been restored and works as a sculpture museum. Also, it frequently hosts various exhibitions.
The Rotonda has a diameter of 24,5 meters and its walls are more than 6 meters thick, which has protected the monument from time, sieges and earthquakes. This is one of the oldest Orthodox churches and has been included in the UNESCO list of the World Heritage Sites. In fact, all Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki were included in this list in 1988.
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Rotonda
5 Pl. Agiou Georgiou RotontaThe famous Rotonda of Thessaloniki, Macedonia: The Rotonda (or Rotunda) is one of the most important Roman monuments in Thessaloniki. It stands just next to the Arch of Galerius in the city center and it is also known as the Church of Agios Georgios. This cylindrical structure was built in 306 AD by the Roman tetrarch Galerius, who intended it to be his grave. At first, it worked as a temple but it remains unknown to which god this temple was dedicated.
Eventually, Galerius died in 311 AD and he was buried in Felix Romuliana, modern Serbia. In the 4th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Constantine I converted it into an Orthodox church and many frescoes were painted inside, some of which survive today on the walls of Rotonda.
In the 14th century, the Ottomans occupied Thessaloniki and in 1590, the Rotonda was converted into a mosque. In fact, a minaret was added to the building that has been restored and survives till today. In 1912, the Greeks deliberated Thessaloniki and Rotonda was converted into an Orthodox church again, till 1979, when a strong earthquake caused serious damage to the structure. Presently, the Rotonda has been restored and works as a sculpture museum. Also, it frequently hosts various exhibitions.
The Rotonda has a diameter of 24,5 meters and its walls are more than 6 meters thick, which has protected the monument from time, sieges and earthquakes. This is one of the oldest Orthodox churches and has been included in the UNESCO list of the World Heritage Sites. In fact, all Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki were included in this list in 1988.
South of the Rotunda was the triumphal arch (known today as “Kamara”), probably built by the city of Thessaloniki between 298 and 305 A.D. to commemorate Galerius’ victorious campaign against the Persians.
In its final form, the structure consisted of eight piers arranged in two parallel rows, four in each row. Between the piers were created three arched openings, of which the central one was wider and higher than the other two. The four central piers, which carried marble slabs with relief decoration, were larger than the outer piers and were connected by semi-circular arches supporting a dome.
Today only three of the eight original piers are preserved (the position of the destroyed central piers on the east is indicated on the sidewalk of Egnatia Street by a different paving), of which two carry reliefs depicting scenes from the Romans’ victorious campaigns against the Persians in 297 A.D., in addition to symbolic images propagandizing Galerius’ military might and the Tetrarchy’s power.
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Arco de Galerio
144 EgnatiaSouth of the Rotunda was the triumphal arch (known today as “Kamara”), probably built by the city of Thessaloniki between 298 and 305 A.D. to commemorate Galerius’ victorious campaign against the Persians.
In its final form, the structure consisted of eight piers arranged in two parallel rows, four in each row. Between the piers were created three arched openings, of which the central one was wider and higher than the other two. The four central piers, which carried marble slabs with relief decoration, were larger than the outer piers and were connected by semi-circular arches supporting a dome.
Today only three of the eight original piers are preserved (the position of the destroyed central piers on the east is indicated on the sidewalk of Egnatia Street by a different paving), of which two carry reliefs depicting scenes from the Romans’ victorious campaigns against the Persians in 297 A.D., in addition to symbolic images propagandizing Galerius’ military might and the Tetrarchy’s power.
Agia Sophia is one of the oldest and most important Christian temples in the city which has remained intact over the years and operates to this day as a Cathedral of Thessaloniki, being at the same time a recognized World Heritage Site.
Agia Sofia or Agia Sophia for several years was the metropolis of Thessaloniki.
Hagia Sophia is a great Basilica (domed) built over the ruins of an earlier gigantic basilica (which was destroyed in the 6th century AD)
The church was built to commemorate the Hagia Sophia in Constantinopolis.
The construction began in the 7th century AD but during the years of construction there were many modifications and additions. During the Ottoman Empire this church as many others became a mosque but it was destroyed by fire in 1890 to reopen and offer its holly service, in 1913. Visitors of Hagia Sophia will be able to observe the existence of very impressive pictures and carved decorations retained by the 8th, 9th and 11th century.
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Hagia Sophia de Tesalónica
Agias SofiasAgia Sophia is one of the oldest and most important Christian temples in the city which has remained intact over the years and operates to this day as a Cathedral of Thessaloniki, being at the same time a recognized World Heritage Site.
Agia Sofia or Agia Sophia for several years was the metropolis of Thessaloniki.
Hagia Sophia is a great Basilica (domed) built over the ruins of an earlier gigantic basilica (which was destroyed in the 6th century AD)
The church was built to commemorate the Hagia Sophia in Constantinopolis.
The construction began in the 7th century AD but during the years of construction there were many modifications and additions. During the Ottoman Empire this church as many others became a mosque but it was destroyed by fire in 1890 to reopen and offer its holly service, in 1913. Visitors of Hagia Sophia will be able to observe the existence of very impressive pictures and carved decorations retained by the 8th, 9th and 11th century.
The church of Agios Dimitrios, patron saint of Thessaloniki, is located at the centre of the city, on Agios Dimitrios street, over the Ancient Agora and consists undoubtedly its most important Early Christian monument, both due to religious and historical reasons.
The early Christian basilica was built in the area where in the Roman Period was a complex of public baths. According to traditions, it was in these baths that Agios Dimitrios was imprisoned and martyred with a spear. At this location, after the Edict of Milan regarding religious tolerance in 313, a small church was built over the saint’s tomb. Soon believers from all over started to arrive and pray at the saint’s tomb in order to help them heal from various diseases. Among the pilgrims was the Prefect of Illyricum Leontius, who after being healed and to show his gratitude to Agios Dimitrios built a new, more impressive church in its place.
They transferred the saint’s tomb there from the baths and they placed it in a ciborium in the middle aisle. Today the renovated marble ciborium is at the northern aisle.
The 5th century church was destroyed by an earthquake in 620 and was rebuilt in the middle of the 7th century according to the standards of the older church. The church was an important pilgrimage centre throughout the Byzantine Period and Agios Dimitrios became the patron saint of the Balkans.
In 1493, after the occupation of Thessaloniki by the Turks, the church was converted into a mosque (Kasimiye Camii). Christian worship was limited then at a small area on the northwestern of the church, where they made the saint’s cenotaph. It was returned in Christian hands in 1912, after the liberation of the city.
However, in the great fire in 1917 the church was largely destroyed. Its restoration lasted until 1949.
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Iglesia de San Demetrio
Agiou DimitriouThe church of Agios Dimitrios, patron saint of Thessaloniki, is located at the centre of the city, on Agios Dimitrios street, over the Ancient Agora and consists undoubtedly its most important Early Christian monument, both due to religious and historical reasons.
The early Christian basilica was built in the area where in the Roman Period was a complex of public baths. According to traditions, it was in these baths that Agios Dimitrios was imprisoned and martyred with a spear. At this location, after the Edict of Milan regarding religious tolerance in 313, a small church was built over the saint’s tomb. Soon believers from all over started to arrive and pray at the saint’s tomb in order to help them heal from various diseases. Among the pilgrims was the Prefect of Illyricum Leontius, who after being healed and to show his gratitude to Agios Dimitrios built a new, more impressive church in its place.
They transferred the saint’s tomb there from the baths and they placed it in a ciborium in the middle aisle. Today the renovated marble ciborium is at the northern aisle.
The 5th century church was destroyed by an earthquake in 620 and was rebuilt in the middle of the 7th century according to the standards of the older church. The church was an important pilgrimage centre throughout the Byzantine Period and Agios Dimitrios became the patron saint of the Balkans.
In 1493, after the occupation of Thessaloniki by the Turks, the church was converted into a mosque (Kasimiye Camii). Christian worship was limited then at a small area on the northwestern of the church, where they made the saint’s cenotaph. It was returned in Christian hands in 1912, after the liberation of the city.
However, in the great fire in 1917 the church was largely destroyed. Its restoration lasted until 1949.
The Hebrard plan for the reconstruction of Thessaloniki after the big fire of 1917 predicted the extension of Aristotelous to the north, to create a large administrative center. During the excavations (1962) for the construction of the city courthouse, the ruins of the Roman Agora (Forum) were discovered. The area was listed as an archaeological site. It was revealed that during the Roman period, the Agora stretched in an area of 5 acres and included services such as a documents archive, mint and a conservatory-meeting hall.
On its south side, there was a domed arcade, most likely used as a public warehouse. Attached to the gallery, there were shops which survived until the 13th century, according to the sources. At the southeastern part of the findings lies a complex of baths, which is particularly important as the oldest surviving edifice of the late Hellenistic city. During the Byzantine period, the area of the ancient market declined. After the Sultan invited the persecuted Jews of Spanish descent to come reside in Thessaloniki, it was allocated to them to inhabit.
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Foro Romano de Tesalónica
75 OlimpouThe Hebrard plan for the reconstruction of Thessaloniki after the big fire of 1917 predicted the extension of Aristotelous to the north, to create a large administrative center. During the excavations (1962) for the construction of the city courthouse, the ruins of the Roman Agora (Forum) were discovered. The area was listed as an archaeological site. It was revealed that during the Roman period, the Agora stretched in an area of 5 acres and included services such as a documents archive, mint and a conservatory-meeting hall.
On its south side, there was a domed arcade, most likely used as a public warehouse. Attached to the gallery, there were shops which survived until the 13th century, according to the sources. At the southeastern part of the findings lies a complex of baths, which is particularly important as the oldest surviving edifice of the late Hellenistic city. During the Byzantine period, the area of the ancient market declined. After the Sultan invited the persecuted Jews of Spanish descent to come reside in Thessaloniki, it was allocated to them to inhabit.
Bey Hammam is a Ottoman-era building in Thessaloniki and is located on Egnatia Street at approximately Aristotelous Street. It was built in 1444, 14 years after the occupation of Thessaloniki by Murat II, on remnants of Byzantine churches. It functioned as a steam bath until the 1960s and was restored in the 1980s. It is also known as Loutra Paradise. Today it serves as a venue for cultural events.
They had separate spaces for men and women without direct contact with each other. The entrance for the men was on the Southwest side of the building, while the second one on the North side offered more discretion to the women. It is the largest hamam of Thessaloniki and one of the most important in the Balkans.
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Bey Hamam
84 EgnatiaBey Hammam is a Ottoman-era building in Thessaloniki and is located on Egnatia Street at approximately Aristotelous Street. It was built in 1444, 14 years after the occupation of Thessaloniki by Murat II, on remnants of Byzantine churches. It functioned as a steam bath until the 1960s and was restored in the 1980s. It is also known as Loutra Paradise. Today it serves as a venue for cultural events.
They had separate spaces for men and women without direct contact with each other. The entrance for the men was on the Southwest side of the building, while the second one on the North side offered more discretion to the women. It is the largest hamam of Thessaloniki and one of the most important in the Balkans.
The Aristotelous square is the connection link between the architectural history of Thessaloniki and its modern style.
After the fire of 1917, the French architect Ernest Hébrard was assigned to redesign the whole area of the city center and due to the historical significance of this central point he put Aristotelous Square in the heart of the new plan.
The Aristotelous square is the point where the sea meets the land in the most central point of the city and the starting point of a place full of open spaces to the public.
The Aristotelous square is described as a crucial place for Thessaloniki since is the only open space in the center of the city with this vast dimension turning to be the point of hosting numerous events throughout the year, people’s meeting place, place of recreation and promenade for the citizens and the visitors.
It is mentioned and in fact is a rare example of a preplanned architectural design while its careful orientation is offering a captivating view of Mount Olympus.
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Aristotelous Square
The Aristotelous square is the connection link between the architectural history of Thessaloniki and its modern style.
After the fire of 1917, the French architect Ernest Hébrard was assigned to redesign the whole area of the city center and due to the historical significance of this central point he put Aristotelous Square in the heart of the new plan.
The Aristotelous square is the point where the sea meets the land in the most central point of the city and the starting point of a place full of open spaces to the public.
The Aristotelous square is described as a crucial place for Thessaloniki since is the only open space in the center of the city with this vast dimension turning to be the point of hosting numerous events throughout the year, people’s meeting place, place of recreation and promenade for the citizens and the visitors.
It is mentioned and in fact is a rare example of a preplanned architectural design while its careful orientation is offering a captivating view of Mount Olympus.
In the southeast corner of Liberty Square, the Holocaust Memorial was erected in memory of Greek Jews, citizens of Thessaloniki, who were exterminated in Nazi crematoriums. It is a modern bronze sculpture depicting the seven-headed lamp, the menorah, with its flames wrapping down human bodies. Crafted by a Serbian artist, professor at the Belgrade Academy of Applied Arts, Nantor Glid and completed by his son Daniel Glid. His models were the Holocaust Monuments in Belgrade and Dachau, works by the same artist.
Holocaust Memorial
Leoforos NikisIn the southeast corner of Liberty Square, the Holocaust Memorial was erected in memory of Greek Jews, citizens of Thessaloniki, who were exterminated in Nazi crematoriums. It is a modern bronze sculpture depicting the seven-headed lamp, the menorah, with its flames wrapping down human bodies. Crafted by a Serbian artist, professor at the Belgrade Academy of Applied Arts, Nantor Glid and completed by his son Daniel Glid. His models were the Holocaust Monuments in Belgrade and Dachau, works by the same artist.
Ladadika is a historic district of the city of Thessaloniki. It is divided into the Ladadika and Ano Ladadika areas. The area of Ladadika is bordered by "Ionos Dragoumi", "Tsimiski", "Salaminos" and "Navarchou Kountouriotou" streets while Ano Ladadika by "Tsimiski", "Frangon", "Leontos Sofou", "Dodecanese" "and" Veria ". The area's boundaries are identified by its Declaration of "Historic Site"
The area is located near the Port of Thessaloniki and has been one of the most important shopping centers of the city for centuries. The name Ladadika itself derives from the existence of many wholesale stores in the area where mainly olive oil was sold. Many Thessaloniki Jews lived in the area thus constituting the old Jewish quarter of Thessaloniki, while the area where French and Italian traders lived, "Frangomahalas", is located right next to the Ano Ladadikon area.
In the years before the first world war many houses of tolerance and capitol began to appear in the area, and after the great fire of Thessaloniki the area lost its momentum. The period of decline lasted until the Great Earthquake of 1978, when it was abandoned for about two decades. In 1985, Ladadika was declared an area of cultural value by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The unique architectural style of 19th century buildings is preserved and protected. The special significance of the area is that despite its small size, it gives the visitor a picture of how Thessaloniki was built before the 1917 fire that destroyed 70% of the city.
Today, after undergoing renovations in the 1980s, Ladadika is a recreational area of Thessaloniki, where many bars, nightclubs, restaurants and taverns once housed oil stores and shops. warehouses. In Ladadika there are Morichovo squares, Petrakaki square, and in upper Ladadika the trade square with exit to Polytechniou street.
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Ladadika
Ladadika is a historic district of the city of Thessaloniki. It is divided into the Ladadika and Ano Ladadika areas. The area of Ladadika is bordered by "Ionos Dragoumi", "Tsimiski", "Salaminos" and "Navarchou Kountouriotou" streets while Ano Ladadika by "Tsimiski", "Frangon", "Leontos Sofou", "Dodecanese" "and" Veria ". The area's boundaries are identified by its Declaration of "Historic Site"
The area is located near the Port of Thessaloniki and has been one of the most important shopping centers of the city for centuries. The name Ladadika itself derives from the existence of many wholesale stores in the area where mainly olive oil was sold. Many Thessaloniki Jews lived in the area thus constituting the old Jewish quarter of Thessaloniki, while the area where French and Italian traders lived, "Frangomahalas", is located right next to the Ano Ladadikon area.
In the years before the first world war many houses of tolerance and capitol began to appear in the area, and after the great fire of Thessaloniki the area lost its momentum. The period of decline lasted until the Great Earthquake of 1978, when it was abandoned for about two decades. In 1985, Ladadika was declared an area of cultural value by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The unique architectural style of 19th century buildings is preserved and protected. The special significance of the area is that despite its small size, it gives the visitor a picture of how Thessaloniki was built before the 1917 fire that destroyed 70% of the city.
Today, after undergoing renovations in the 1980s, Ladadika is a recreational area of Thessaloniki, where many bars, nightclubs, restaurants and taverns once housed oil stores and shops. warehouses. In Ladadika there are Morichovo squares, Petrakaki square, and in upper Ladadika the trade square with exit to Polytechniou street.
The Heptapyrgion (Ancient Greek: Ἑπταπύργιον), modern Eptapyrgio (Επταπύργιο), also popularly known by its Ottoman Turkish name Yedi Kule (Γεντί Κουλέ), is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the north-eastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki in Greece. Despite its name, which in both languages means "Fortress of Seven Towers", it features ten, and was probably named after the Yedikule Fortress in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey). It served as the major redoubt of the city's acropolis, as well as the seat of its garrison commander in Ottoman times, until the late 19th century. It was then converted to a prison (Φυλακές Επταπυργίου), which remained open until 1989. References to the infamous Yedi Kule prison abound in the Greek rebetika songs. Restoration and archaeological work began in the 1970s and continues to this day.
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Museo Histórico de Tesalónica
130 EptapirgiouThe Heptapyrgion (Ancient Greek: Ἑπταπύργιον), modern Eptapyrgio (Επταπύργιο), also popularly known by its Ottoman Turkish name Yedi Kule (Γεντί Κουλέ), is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the north-eastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki in Greece. Despite its name, which in both languages means "Fortress of Seven Towers", it features ten, and was probably named after the Yedikule Fortress in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey). It served as the major redoubt of the city's acropolis, as well as the seat of its garrison commander in Ottoman times, until the late 19th century. It was then converted to a prison (Φυλακές Επταπυργίου), which remained open until 1989. References to the infamous Yedi Kule prison abound in the Greek rebetika songs. Restoration and archaeological work began in the 1970s and continues to this day.
Trigoniou Tower is an impressive point in the walls of Thessaloniki and one of the most popular and frequented spots in the city. Many choose the place to take photos while the view is breathtaking. On the northeast side of the walls of the Upper Town lies one of the most important historical, morphological and architectural monuments of Thessaloniki, the incorrectly named Trigonium Tower. The actual name of the building is Tower of Alyssa. The Turks called them Cincirli Kulesi (Gingerli-Kule) Tower of the Chain, or Zakaklı Kulesi (Kuskal-Kule) Living Tower. And this is probably due to the stone ornament that surrounds the Tower's trunk like a chain.
The Tower of Alyssa or Tower of Triangle as it is called today is not exactly known when it was built. It is believed that it was erected sometime after the occupation of 1430 and until the beginning of the 16th century. The aim of the Turks was to strengthen the fortifications of the city with a cannon tower. When it was completed, the Triangle Tower, along with the White Tower and the Vardar Tower, were the strongest forts built to strengthen the fortification of Thessaloniki.
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Torre Alysseos
Trigoniou Tower is an impressive point in the walls of Thessaloniki and one of the most popular and frequented spots in the city. Many choose the place to take photos while the view is breathtaking. On the northeast side of the walls of the Upper Town lies one of the most important historical, morphological and architectural monuments of Thessaloniki, the incorrectly named Trigonium Tower. The actual name of the building is Tower of Alyssa. The Turks called them Cincirli Kulesi (Gingerli-Kule) Tower of the Chain, or Zakaklı Kulesi (Kuskal-Kule) Living Tower. And this is probably due to the stone ornament that surrounds the Tower's trunk like a chain.
The Tower of Alyssa or Tower of Triangle as it is called today is not exactly known when it was built. It is believed that it was erected sometime after the occupation of 1430 and until the beginning of the 16th century. The aim of the Turks was to strengthen the fortifications of the city with a cannon tower. When it was completed, the Triangle Tower, along with the White Tower and the Vardar Tower, were the strongest forts built to strengthen the fortification of Thessaloniki.
The balcony of Thessaloniki!
Walking up from the city’s center, leaving behind the dense construction and apartment buildings a different Thessaloniki is discovered, a nostalgic city, something out of the past. On your walk you will pass by picturesque neighborhoods with small houses and beautiful mansions of Macedonian architecture, flower-filled gardens, narrow cobbled streets, winding alleys, squares with traditional cafes and taverns serving delicious local delicacies that will take you back in time and at the end of your path, you will face from above the amazing view of the sunset. Starting essentially from Agiou Dimitriou Str, you will pass by important monuments and churches, among them UNESCO World Heritage, such as the Church of Saint Catherine, the Vlatadon Monastery, The church of Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, Saint David, the temple the Archangels, the Alatza Imaret mosque, the mausoleum of Musa Baba.
In your route you’ll be accompanied by the walls of Thessaloniki, eternal defenders of security, the Eptapyrgio or Yedi Koule as was the Ottoman name, in the northeastern part of the Acropolis and the Trigoniou Tower (Triangle Tower), haughty and imposing while a panoramic image of the city hugging the sea will remain to you unforgettable
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Ano Poli
The balcony of Thessaloniki!
Walking up from the city’s center, leaving behind the dense construction and apartment buildings a different Thessaloniki is discovered, a nostalgic city, something out of the past. On your walk you will pass by picturesque neighborhoods with small houses and beautiful mansions of Macedonian architecture, flower-filled gardens, narrow cobbled streets, winding alleys, squares with traditional cafes and taverns serving delicious local delicacies that will take you back in time and at the end of your path, you will face from above the amazing view of the sunset. Starting essentially from Agiou Dimitriou Str, you will pass by important monuments and churches, among them UNESCO World Heritage, such as the Church of Saint Catherine, the Vlatadon Monastery, The church of Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, Saint David, the temple the Archangels, the Alatza Imaret mosque, the mausoleum of Musa Baba.
In your route you’ll be accompanied by the walls of Thessaloniki, eternal defenders of security, the Eptapyrgio or Yedi Koule as was the Ottoman name, in the northeastern part of the Acropolis and the Trigoniou Tower (Triangle Tower), haughty and imposing while a panoramic image of the city hugging the sea will remain to you unforgettable
Near the walls of the Acropolis, at Ano Poli, is the stauropegic monastery of Vlatadon. The stauropegic monasteries, depending directly on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, are called thus since according to tradition, during their foundation they placed a cross in the area ("stauros” 'cross', and pegnumi 'to affirm").
Its location may provide visitors with a wonderful panoramic view, however when it was founded it was considered a “strategic” location, given the fact that there was the ability to reconnaissance the wider area and the sea.
It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, while initially to Christ Pantocrator. According to a marble inscription, it was founded by the brothers Dorotheos and Markos Blatis. Dorotheos was a student of Agios Gregory Palamas, leader of the hesychasm movement in the 14th century, and was the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki in the years 1371-1379.
From the initial Byzantine monastery only the catholicon survives today, while the rest of the buildings are modern (1968) and belong to the Patriarchal Institute of Patristic Studies.
In the period of the Turkish Occupation, the monastery was known as “Cavus Monastir”, a name that was probable related to the head of the Turkish garrison. This garrison protected the monastery, since the monks helped sultan Murad II to capture the city, suggesting to him to interrupt its water supply. Another view relates the name with an official of the sultan Murad II, who as a commander of Thessaloniki repaired in 1431 the nearby tower of the entrance of Heptapyrgion.
Architecturally, the catholicon of the monastery belongs to a rare form of the cross-on-square church, whose dome is not supported on columns, but on two pillars on the west and on the walls of altar area on the east. On the three sides it is surrounded by a portico, which ends on the east to two chapels. There were repairs and additions in the 19th and the 20th century.
The wall paintings date from 1360-1380. To this date leads the representation of Agios Gregory Palamas, who died in 1359. This is the oldest representation of the saint, immediately after they declared him a saint. The dome depicts the Pantocrator, while at other spots in the church wall paintings survive with scenes from the Dodekaorton, figures of ascetics, monks and military saints, the Baptism of Christ and fragments from his miracles.
The wood-carved screen probably dates from the 17th century. Unique relics are kept at the sacristy of the Monastery. Among them, sacred vessels, manuscripts and icons, dating from the 12th to the 19th century.
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Monasterio de Vlatadon
64 EptapirgiouNear the walls of the Acropolis, at Ano Poli, is the stauropegic monastery of Vlatadon. The stauropegic monasteries, depending directly on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, are called thus since according to tradition, during their foundation they placed a cross in the area ("stauros” 'cross', and pegnumi 'to affirm").
Its location may provide visitors with a wonderful panoramic view, however when it was founded it was considered a “strategic” location, given the fact that there was the ability to reconnaissance the wider area and the sea.
It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, while initially to Christ Pantocrator. According to a marble inscription, it was founded by the brothers Dorotheos and Markos Blatis. Dorotheos was a student of Agios Gregory Palamas, leader of the hesychasm movement in the 14th century, and was the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki in the years 1371-1379.
From the initial Byzantine monastery only the catholicon survives today, while the rest of the buildings are modern (1968) and belong to the Patriarchal Institute of Patristic Studies.
In the period of the Turkish Occupation, the monastery was known as “Cavus Monastir”, a name that was probable related to the head of the Turkish garrison. This garrison protected the monastery, since the monks helped sultan Murad II to capture the city, suggesting to him to interrupt its water supply. Another view relates the name with an official of the sultan Murad II, who as a commander of Thessaloniki repaired in 1431 the nearby tower of the entrance of Heptapyrgion.
Architecturally, the catholicon of the monastery belongs to a rare form of the cross-on-square church, whose dome is not supported on columns, but on two pillars on the west and on the walls of altar area on the east. On the three sides it is surrounded by a portico, which ends on the east to two chapels. There were repairs and additions in the 19th and the 20th century.
The wall paintings date from 1360-1380. To this date leads the representation of Agios Gregory Palamas, who died in 1359. This is the oldest representation of the saint, immediately after they declared him a saint. The dome depicts the Pantocrator, while at other spots in the church wall paintings survive with scenes from the Dodekaorton, figures of ascetics, monks and military saints, the Baptism of Christ and fragments from his miracles.
The wood-carved screen probably dates from the 17th century. Unique relics are kept at the sacristy of the Monastery. Among them, sacred vessels, manuscripts and icons, dating from the 12th to the 19th century.
Built in the 5th century as the catholicon of the Latomos Monastery, this church is situated in Ano Poli (Upper City) of Thessaloniki, near the Monastery of the Vlatades. After the fall of Thessaloniki, in 1430, it was converted into a mosque and in the beginning of the 20th century, when it became again a church, it was also named Osios David, in order to honor the important ascetic and saint of Thessaloniki. The name “Latomos” came from the quarries (latomeia in Greek) that were in the area.
For this monument there is a testimony in the text of monk Ignatius in the 9th century, the Narration, which says that the monument was built by Theodora, the daughter of emperor Maximian, prosecutor of Christians. Theodora became a Christian in secret and asked her father to build a house and a bathhouse. She converted the bathhouse into a church and decorated it with a mosaic, which was covered by the skin of an ox and mortar, so that no one would expose her secret. The mosaic was revealed miraculously to monk Senouphios after the iconoclasm, when during an earthquake the mortar and the skin fell off.
Initially the church was a square building with an arch on the eastern side, divided into four sections that made the façade of the church the shape of a cross (architecturally, cross-in-square). Today the western part of the monuments no longer survives.
The unique example of Early Christian art is the mosaic of the conch at the altar area. It depicts the vision of prophet Ezekiel with Christ without a beard, surrounded by heavenly dominions and prophets.
Also important are the wall paintings at the southern arch, which are of exceptional quality and date from the end of the 12th century. From them intact are preserved the Nativity and the Baptism of Christ. On the eastern wall of the northern arch some parts from wall paintings from the beginning of the 14th century still survive.
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Ιερός Ναός Οσίου Δαβίδ
17 EpimenidouBuilt in the 5th century as the catholicon of the Latomos Monastery, this church is situated in Ano Poli (Upper City) of Thessaloniki, near the Monastery of the Vlatades. After the fall of Thessaloniki, in 1430, it was converted into a mosque and in the beginning of the 20th century, when it became again a church, it was also named Osios David, in order to honor the important ascetic and saint of Thessaloniki. The name “Latomos” came from the quarries (latomeia in Greek) that were in the area.
For this monument there is a testimony in the text of monk Ignatius in the 9th century, the Narration, which says that the monument was built by Theodora, the daughter of emperor Maximian, prosecutor of Christians. Theodora became a Christian in secret and asked her father to build a house and a bathhouse. She converted the bathhouse into a church and decorated it with a mosaic, which was covered by the skin of an ox and mortar, so that no one would expose her secret. The mosaic was revealed miraculously to monk Senouphios after the iconoclasm, when during an earthquake the mortar and the skin fell off.
Initially the church was a square building with an arch on the eastern side, divided into four sections that made the façade of the church the shape of a cross (architecturally, cross-in-square). Today the western part of the monuments no longer survives.
The unique example of Early Christian art is the mosaic of the conch at the altar area. It depicts the vision of prophet Ezekiel with Christ without a beard, surrounded by heavenly dominions and prophets.
Also important are the wall paintings at the southern arch, which are of exceptional quality and date from the end of the 12th century. From them intact are preserved the Nativity and the Baptism of Christ. On the eastern wall of the northern arch some parts from wall paintings from the beginning of the 14th century still survive.
On the northern side of Agios Dimitrios hospital and east to Kastron street, very near to Saint Paul church, it is a green oasis with pine trees and unusual, half-ruined stone structures. This imaginative, Gaudí-style architecture centers around an ornate fountain encircled by a tunnel leading nowhere. There is also a cistern to collect rainwater, a seating area, and a small gate leading underground.
The Pasha’s Gardens were constructed in 1904 and they are the only integrated creation of the architectural trend of visionary architecture in Thessaloniki. The name of the garden suggests the pleasant feeling the position of the garden gives to visitor, with children's corners for recreation and a seating area to admire the views of the city.
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Jardines de Pasha
On the northern side of Agios Dimitrios hospital and east to Kastron street, very near to Saint Paul church, it is a green oasis with pine trees and unusual, half-ruined stone structures. This imaginative, Gaudí-style architecture centers around an ornate fountain encircled by a tunnel leading nowhere. There is also a cistern to collect rainwater, a seating area, and a small gate leading underground.
The Pasha’s Gardens were constructed in 1904 and they are the only integrated creation of the architectural trend of visionary architecture in Thessaloniki. The name of the garden suggests the pleasant feeling the position of the garden gives to visitor, with children's corners for recreation and a seating area to admire the views of the city.
Mercado Modiano
33 KidoniatouTemporary closed
Just across the street of Modiano market next to Aristotelous Square is the Kapani market. Shops here offer fresh fish, spices and milk products. It is a favorite shopping place for locals. Fresh fruits, fish, meat and household items combined with some taverns create a noisy, colorful and unique shopping experience. Here, the atmosphere is like in the eastern bazaars, with narrow alleyways that are surrounded with shops on all sides.
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Mercado Kapani
VlaliJust across the street of Modiano market next to Aristotelous Square is the Kapani market. Shops here offer fresh fish, spices and milk products. It is a favorite shopping place for locals. Fresh fruits, fish, meat and household items combined with some taverns create a noisy, colorful and unique shopping experience. Here, the atmosphere is like in the eastern bazaars, with narrow alleyways that are surrounded with shops on all sides.