Thessaloniki - A historic city

Thessaloniki is a place where the past and the present "live" together.

The past on every street corner

Thessaloniki is located north of the Thermaic Gulf, at the foot of the majestic Chortiatis mountain. This port city is divided into three parts. The northwestern part lies within the ancient city walls dating back to the Byzantine Empire. This is where the world- famous Upper Town (in Greek, “Ano Poli”) is located. The central part of Thessaloniki concentrates most of the population and commercial and entertainment activities. The southeastern part of the city features beaches interspersed with a few villages and towns.

Most streets in Thessaloniki run parallel to the coastline. A simple rule to remember for visitors to Thessaloniki is that if a street slopes downwards, just follow the direction of the slope and you'll reach the sea.

Most tourists begin their exploration of Thessaloniki from Aristotelous Square – designed by the French architect Ernest Hébrard in a style that combines elements of ancient Byzantine architecture with contemporary European design. The square overlooks the picturesque sea; in the evenings, Thessalonian locals flock here to enjoy the sea breeze and watch performances by local and international artists. Aristotelous Square regularly hosts concerts, film screenings, circus performances, fairs, and more.

Travelers from Aristotelous heading east along the coast will reach the White Tower, a symbol of Thessaloniki. After the Ottoman Empire conquered Thessaloniki in the 15th century, they built the tower along with the city walls to protect the city. At that time, this structure was called the "Blood Tower" because the Ottomans imprisoned and executed prisoners there. Legend says that in 1980, a prisoner, hoping for a pardon, painted the tower white from top to bottom. Since then, the tower has been known as the White Tower.

Standing atop the White Tower, visitors have the opportunity to admire panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea, which has been immortalized in ancient poetry for its romanticism. Inside the tower is a small museum displaying ancient artifacts from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

The landscape of Thessaloniki is dotted with ancient ruins. One of the most notable is the Galerius Arch, also known locally as Kamara. Built in the 4th century to commemorate the victory of the Roman Emperor Galerius over the Persians, the arch is constructed of marble and features carvings depicting Galerius' battles interspersed with illustrations of ancient Greek mythology and legends. The Galerius Arch was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Located near Kamara is another World Heritage site: the Rotunda. This structure was originally built by Emperor Galerius along with the Galerius Gate. The emperor wanted to be buried in the Rotunda, but later changed his mind and placed his tomb in Gamzigrad, Serbia. Later, Emperor Theodosius I converted the Rotunda into a Catholic church, and then in 1591, the Ottoman Empire transformed it into a mosque. It wasn't until 1912, when the Greeks recaptured Thessaloniki from the Ottomans, that the Rotunda reverted to its original function as a church. The structure has endured numerous earthquakes and subsequent extensive restoration efforts. Inside the Rotunda, visitors will see Roman-era carvings alongside Persian-colored tiles and frescoes by the renowned English painter Alexander Rossi.

Thessaloniki is not lacking in centuries-old churches. One notable example is St. Demetrius Cathedral, a World Heritage site built in the mid-seventh century. Today, thousands of Orthodox pilgrims still make annual pilgrimages to this cathedral to pray and admire the relics of St. Demetrius. The building is also a prime example of the architectural style prevalent during the height of the Byzantine Empire.

The Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki is one of the oldest churches in Europe. Regardless of which empire Thessaloniki was under, the authorities always showed respect for this religious building. As a result, the Hagia Sophia has preserved many of its ancient architectural features and historical artifacts.

City of festivities

The best place to enjoy Thessaloniki's nightlife is the Egiptou pedestrian street. It's packed with cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Young people from the universities around Egiptou flock here in the evenings. For a more intimate experience, tourists can visit Karipi Street or the village of Agios Pavlos near the beach of the same name. Locals frequent these areas for dinner and to watch Gypsy artists perform.

Every weekend, Thessaloniki transforms into a grand "party." Many families and neighborhoods host outdoor gatherings, readily inviting guests from afar to join in the festivities. On bustling streets like Nikis, people eat, drink, sing, and dance as if the sky were about to fall. Whether you choose to mingle with the crowds or find a quiet corner in a bar to watch the revelry, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/du-lich/tin-tuc!!/thessaloniki-thanh-pho-lich-su-178853.html