Thessaloniki Photo: joaoa Byzantine churches, Roman constructions, Muslim buildings, modern architecture, intensive nightlife and stunning beaches - this is the essence of Thessaloniki. Being the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines more than 2,300 years of history with every facility and excitement that a modern European city can offer a visitor. Tilemahos Top 5 The White Tower The White Tower is a widely known symbol of the city and a point of reference for locals and visitors. It stands next to the s... Ladadika Quarter The area from Koudouriotou to Diamanti streets and from Hiou to Lemnou streets is known as Ladadika. Here you can find many ba... Aristotelous Square Photo: Tilemahos This is the most impressive square in Thessaloniki. It features buildings with great architecture inspired by European and col... Saint Dimitrios Church The church of the patron saint of the town is a must see in Thessaloniki. The first church of Saint Dimitrios was built in 313... Galerius Arch (Kamara) In addition to The Rotonda, this is one of the two most characteristic monuments in town. Galerius arch is situated near the e... Photo: Dave Proffer Updated 15 July 2014 Destination: Thessaloniki Publishing date: 2014-07-15 THE CITY ArrivalGuides goes ArrivalTV! Photo: Tilemahos Thessaloniki is the capital of the region Central Macedonia and it was rst established in 316 BC by Kassandros and named after his wife, Thessalonike, half-sister of Alexander the Great. The name Thessaloniki means "Thessalian Victory". It was the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire, next to Constantinople. Thessaloniki is a town with rich history and an exciting present. The city is bustling with life and movement. Large avenues, parks and squares provide nice green spaces, and trees line the commercial streets. There are old houses and Neoclassical buildings that stand side by side with modern constructions. The people of Thessaloniki are known for their friendliness and hospitality throughout Greece. The city is also known for its great cuisine. No one can resist the tasteful sweets, delicious pies, or numerous taverns that oer special Greek dishes. No one can resist a town like Thessaloniki! Destination: Thessaloniki Publishing date: 2014-07-15 DO & SEE the day. Address: Aristotelous square Saint Dimitrios Church The church of the patron saint of the town is a must see in Thessaloniki. The rst church of Saint Dimitrios was built in 313 AD. It was completely rebuilt in 1948, according the original plans since it has been destroyed twice by re. Photo: Dave Proer Address: Saint Dimitrios church Thessaloniki has many historically interesting sights Galerius Arch (Kamara) reminding us of past times. The White Tower still stands In addition to The Rotonda, this is one of the two most tall. It was once a part of the ancient walls that protected characteristic monuments in town. Galerius arch is the city, and they have also survived several earthquakes. situated near the eastern walls of the city, a short distance from the Kassandreotiki gate. The romantic alley ways and streets makes Thessaloniki a Address: Galerius Arch perfect destination for couples in love. The Rotonda The White Tower Unique in Greece, the Rotonda is a cylindrical building of The White Tower is a widely known symbol of the city and the early 4th century AD. It used to be a Pantheon or a a point of reference for locals and visitors. It stands next to Mausoleum for Emperor Galerius, now it’s the Saint the sea front of the town as a reminder of old times. In the George church. The entrance is free and the mosaics 19th century it was a prison and nowadays it’s a museum inside are really impressive. of art and history. Address: Rotunda of St George Address: White Tower Mylos Ladadika Quarter Mylos is a large entertainment complex in the warehouse The area from Koudouriotou to Diamanti streets and from district of the port where you will nd bars, galleries, Hiou to Lemnou streets is known as Ladadika. Here you restaurants, cafés, theatres and plenty of varieties of live can nd many bars, restaurants and the Museum of music. ancient Greek and Byzantine instruments. Address: 56 Andreadou Yioryiou Address: Ladadika Phone: +30 2310 551838 Internet: www.mylos.gr Aristotelous Square This is the most impressive square in Thessaloniki. It Museum of Byzantine Culture features buildings with great architecture inspired by In Thessaloniki, said to be the most "Byzantine" city of the European and colonial models, cafés, shops etc. This modern Greek state, you nd this unique museum. It square is where big celebrations take place, such as the shows the everyday life during the byzantine and coming of the New Year, it is also a meeting place during post-byzantine period and how it has aected the modern Destination: Thessaloniki Publishing date: 2014-07-15 society. OTE Tower This telecommunications tower reach 76 metres high and Address: 2 Stratou Ave, 546 40 Thessaloniki on the top oor you can visit the rotating restaurant and Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 08.00 - 15.00 café. It was built in the 1960's and in 2005, the inside of Phone: +30 2310 868 570 Internet: www.mbp.gr the tower was totally renovated. The Archaeological Museum Address: OTE Tower Built in 1962 but newly refurbished, this museum provides Eat and Walk numerous updated exhibitions. You can easily spend a These walking tours reveals the true culinary gems of the couple of hours in here, loosing yourself in magical city. While you learn the history of Thessaloniki and the Macedonian golden artefacts and antique treasures. Greek cuisine you enjoy Greek delicacies. End the tour Address: Odos Manoli Andronikou 6, Thessaloniki with a cooking class to make it all complete. Phone: +30 2310 830538 Internet: www.museumsofmacedonia.gr Address: 112 Egnatia St., Thessaloniki 54622 Phone: +30 2310 278 027 Theatro Dassous Internet: www.eatandwalk.gr At this open air theatre, concerts and other cultural State Museum of Contemporary Art performances are held. The theatre organization "National This museum with an area of 3,300 square metres was Theatre of Northern Greece", one of the biggest in Europe, founded in 1997. Contemporary and modern works of art sets the programme and book famous artists to play here. are shown in dierent exhibitions. From its beginning the Address: Forest of Seich Sou, Agios Pavlos, Thessaloniki 55438 museum has steadily increased in popularity. Phone: +30 2315 200 000 Internet: www.ntng.gr Address: 21, Kolokotroni str., Moni Lazariston, 56430 Stavroupoli Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10.00-18.00 Monday: closed The Roman Agora Phone: +30 2310 589140 Internet: www.greekstatemuseum.com Right in the city centre you will nd this important and fascinating archaeological site. It was rst built in the late 2nd century AD and was excavate in the 1960's. Grab a coee from one of the many cafés located close by and enjoy the view. Address: The Roman Agora Agia Sophia Church Built as a miniature of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople in the 7th century. It is dedicated to the Wisdom of God and contains beautiful Byzantine frescoes and mosaics. Address: Agia Sophia Church Opening hours: Open daily 08.30 to 14.00 and 17.30 to 20.00 Destination: Thessaloniki Publishing date: 2014-07-15 BEACH LIFE Macedonian food, Oriental cuisine and European cuisine. Kioupia The décor is dominated by stone and wood and the speciality of Kioupia is the famous gypsy llet. A meeting place for businessmen, artists and other personalities of the town. Address: Square Morichovou 3-5, Thessaloniki 546 25 Phone: +30 2310 553239 Photo: Tilemahos Internet: www.kioupia.gr During the summer months you can visit the nearby Palati beaches of Perea, Nei Epivates, Agia Triada, Nea A really nice place where every day means live Greek Michaniona and Epanomi. There are many hotels, marinas, music and special Greek dishes. The atmosphere is play courts, camping places, taverns, etc. Most of the authentic and the service outstanding. beaches have been awarded with the blue ags by the Address: 3 Ladadika Platia Morihovou Str, 546 25 Thessaloniki European Union thanks to the high standards and the clear Phone: +30 2310 550888 waters. Internet: www.palati.gr DINING Nea Diagonios The specialties of this tavern are gyros, soutzoukakia and meatballs and the prices suit those trying to dine on a low budget as well. It is located just outside the city centre. Address: 89 Plastira Nikolaou, Thessaloniki 55132 Phone: +30 2310 029085 Extrablatt Tasteful cold and hot dishes, a wide selection of beers and Photo: George M. Groutas wines in a very nice environment. This place is known for its good service. Take a walk at the famous Ladadika area, near Aristotelous square, and you will nd a number of Address: Alexandrou Svolou str 46 Phone: +30 2310 256900 traditional restaurants, ouzeries and taverns. Enjoy grills Internet: www.extrablatt.gr and inventive recipes such as Kontosouvli, Giaprakia and Gardoubes with a glass of wine or ouzo. If you prefer El Correo Cocina Argentina seafood, you will be excited when you taste Mussels’ pilaf, For Argentinian juicy steaks head to this well-renowned grilled sardine, Frutti di mare, Shrimps Saganaki and friendly restaurant. Dishes such as Chorizo, Empanadas stued squid, in one of the many sh taverns of the town. and Angus Steaks are on the menu together with South American wines and cocktails. Thessaloniki oers a variety of tastes. Traditional Address: Katouni 6, Thessaloniki 54625 Destination: Thessaloniki Publishing date: 2014-07-15 Phone: +30 2310 506 506 Internet: www.e-rouga.gr Internet: www.elcorreo.gr Frutti di Mare B. Restaurant A seafood restaurant at a central location close to the Combine your visit at the Byzantine Museum with a meal Aristotelous Square.