“Music to decrease inequality at school”

BRIEF TOURIST GUIDE OF

The 1st vocational school of Thessaloniki and its students invite you to visit our beautiful city !!! Thessaloniki is the second largest city in , situated at the edge of the Thermaikos Gulf. Thessaloniki is the second most important centre of Greece in politics, industry, finance, commerce. The city is renowned for its festivals, cultural events and is regarded as the cultural capital of Greece. Events like the Thessaloniki International Fair, the International Film Festival and the International Documentary Film Festival are held every year. The city was chosen as the European Youth Capital for the year 2014.

TRANSPORTATION

On air tickets the city is written as SKG (Salonika Greece) and the airport of the city is called “ Airport” The distance from the centre of the city is about 15 km. Inside the city the public transportation available is buses as the metro construction has not finished yet. You can find information about buses on the web site: www.oasth.gr Taxis are available 24 hours a day. Useful taxi numbers are: 0030231550500 and 0030231214900.

NOW YOU CAN HAVE A LOOK AT OUR CITY AND WE WILL OFFER YOU THINGS TO DO AND INTERESTING MONUMENTS TO VISIT The White Tower It has been standing there proudly since 1535, when it was built by the Ottomans. It was used for centuries as a prison and place of execution, hence the term "blood tower". As for the title of 'white tower', the prevailing theory is that it is due to a Jewish prisoner, called Nathan Guidili, who was offered to lime the tower in 1891 in exchange for his freedom. Until 1912 the Jewish population of the city called it "Torre Blanca" and the Turks "Beyaz Kule", meaning, "White Tower". You can learn more about the hallmark of the city if you visit the permanent exhibition departments in the Byzantine Museum, and of course if you climb up to the top of the tower, from where the view will enchant you!

(Entrance € 3, € 2 reduced. Daily 09: 00-16: 00, www.lpth.gr, maximum number of guests simultaneously: 70)

Aristotle Square The most famous square of Thessaloniki is always bustling and cheers the passers-by in all seasons thanks to the exuberant beauty reflected by the architectural features, such as the Olympian and Helectra Palaces, and countless options offered by cafés and stylish bars and shops.

Statue of Alexander the Great Thessaloniki honours the great Macedonian commander, as his statue near the White Tower is the largest in Greece. It has a height of 6.15 metres, and is signed by the sculptor Ev. Moustakas, who created it in 1974.

Nea Paralia (New Seafront) All the young people of Thessaloniki meet here, feeling the "freshness" of the city flourishing in this region.

Saint Dimitrius Church It is worth spending some time visiting a truly unique Christian monument, the most important of all Greece! In this emblematic ancient church, with its huge history are kept the relics of the Saint who is the patron and protector of Thessaloniki

The "Castles" Ιn the evening the famous "Castles" are highlighted by their sophisticated lighting. The view from the Tower Trigonio across town is breathtaking. Keep the best for the end: a “raki” and delicious snacks in one of the atmospheric taverns!

Kamara Τhe Arc of Galerius is known as "Kamara". This is the preserved part of the complex that was built by Emperor Galerius in the early 4th century AD to celebrate his victories against the Persians!

Rotonda This monument was built in the 4th century AD for the Roman Caesar Galerius to serve as the Pantheon or Mausoleum. The building was left unused for years until it was converted into a Christian church of St. George. In the 16th century the Ottomans turned it into a mosque. Earthquakes of the 7th century destroyed a large part of it. Fortunately, however, the intricate mosaics considered representative samples of the early Christian period were preserved.

Ladadika People enjoying all sorts of appetizers, and laughs from friends mingle with the music that comes out from ouzo taverns, bars and clubs. The nights on the cobbled narrow streets of this neighbourhood, next to the port, are always a celebration.

Some of the Museums in Thessaloniki

Αchaeological Museum (6, M. Andronikou street, tel.: 2310 - 831,037) An exciting tour of the history of ancient Macedonia through important findings dating back to the prehestoric period. The museum was inaugurated in October 1962.

Byzantine Civilization Museum (2, L. Stratou street, tel.: 2310- 868.570): One of the most important museums of the country, with valuable Byzantine exhibits dating back from the Early Byzantine period to the Turkish occupation. The museum often hosts modern art works and cultural events. Museum of ancient Greek, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine music instruments (12-14 Katouni street, , tel.: 2310- 555.263). More than 200 instruments dating from the Copper era until the early 20th century are exhibited in the three galleries of the restored building. Macedonian Museum of Contemporary art (International Fair of Thessaloniki, tel.: 2310-281.567). The museum houses, paintings, sculptures, engravings, photos and films made by Greek or foreign modern artists. Jewish Museum (13 Aghiou Mina street, tel.: 2310-250,406-7) Housed in a preserved building of 1904, it presents the historical course of the Jews of Thessaloniki until their genocide by the Nazis during the German occupation in the Second World War.

Cinematography Museum (Port of Thessaloniki, tel.: 2310- 508,398): It exhibits rare machines, negatives, photos and films from cinemas dating back to the pre-war period.

Museum of : A museum about the struggle of keeping Macedonia Greek at the beginning of the 20th century.

Photography Museum (Port of Thessaloniki, tel 2310-566,716) exhibiting a great deal of photos and negatives.

War Museum (4, Gr. Labraki street, tel.: 2310-249,803) The museum emphasizes the continuation of the Hellenic race throughout history, while simultaneously contributing to the documentation of the history of Greece at war For more info: www.warmuseumthessaloniki.com The Science Centre and Technology Museum “NOESIS” is a welfare, non-profit cultural and educational foundation that promotes Technology Culture and creates an appropriate environment for informing the public of the latest developments in Science and Technology. Ataturk Museum: The house where Mustafa Kemal was born and grew up is now used as the Turkish Consulate and Museum. (75 Apostolou Pavlou, tel:2310 248452)

For the whole list of museums you can visit the webpage: http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/culture/museums/museums_in_thessaloniki

GASTRONOMY OF THE CITY

Thessaloniki is highly gastronomic capital and the visitor should not miss some of the most famous dishes here! During our walk in the city centre or around Thessaloniki, take the time to discover the local cuisine. The journey begins with the traditional “koulouri” (sort of round bread covered in sesame) said to be the most famous pleasure to be enjoyed in Thessaloniki.

A speciality of the city is the puff with cream known as "bougatsa". Its creator inspired by the appearance of the French croissant and the famous pie from Salonika made this mild hybrid! You can also visit the "taverns" and "ouzeri", discover pies with herbs, excellent grilled meats, the "mezedes" (a sort of hors d'oeuvres), veal kebabs, Greek salad with "feta"cheese in generous portions!!!

Of course, you should not miss the unique experience of a little spicy sandwich with pork or chicken known as “gyros” !!!

This brief guide presents only some of the most important aspects of our town, for the students and teachers who will visit Thessaloniki for the European Program Erasmus Plus. I hope you will enjoy your visit to our city!! Useful phone numbers: Police: 100 Ambulance: 166 Fire Brigade: 199 Italian Cosnulate: 0030231914045 Portugese Consulate: 0030231228138 Romanian Consulate: 0030231340089 Lithuanian Consulate: 0030231478730 Turkish Consulate: 0030231965070