Thessaloniki is known as the cultural capital of Europe and is an open-air museum of Byzantine art. In honor of the half-sister of Alexander the Great, who was called Thessaloniki, the city was named Thessaloniki. There are a lot of historical sights in the city, it is rich in churches, temples, sanctuaries, museums and theaters. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are city sights. Thessaloniki (Greece) is truly a precious pearl of human history. Right in the middle of the city, including in the courtyards, excavations are underway. Some excavations can be viewed, others are not visible and are fenced with high fences.
White Tower
The White Tower on the waterfront is one of the symbols of Thessaloniki. The sights of the northern capital of Greece cannot be imagined without it. The tower was built by the Turks in the 15th century, after the capture of the city. At first it was used for defense, later it served as a prison. In the XIX century, after mass executions, the tower acquired the glory of the Red, or Bloody. In 1912, when the city was liberated from the Turks, the towerwhitewashed and began to call White. Nowadays, a museum has been created in the tower, telling about the unique city of Thessaloniki. The sights of the northern capital, their history and photographs are also presented here. From the observation deck you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the bay.
The fortress walls of Eptapyrgio
7 towers rise above the fortress walls that protected the city. On these walls, everyone has the opportunity to make excursions.
Basilica of Saint Demetrius
The Basilica of Saint Demetrius is one of the largest basilicas in Greece. And it is no coincidence. Thessaloniki is the center of the cult of Saint Demetrius. He is the patron and protector of the city. Demetrius preached Christianity at a time when the Roman emperor was exterminating Christians. For this he was arrested and subjected to terrible tortures. Later he was executed. A church was erected on the site where the holy great martyr was buried. The temple is famous for its marble wall cladding, beautiful mosaics and frescoes, graceful stucco and majestic capitals created during different eras. Pilgrims come here to venerate the relics of the saint. It attracts the church and art historians of Thessaloniki. The sights that are located in the church are of significant historical value.
Church of Saint David
St. David's Church was dedicated to Christ. But due to confusion withdocuments, she began to be called the name of David. A well-preserved mosaic "Vision of Ezekiel" with the image of young Jesus was found in the temple under a layer of plaster.
Hagia Sophia
The Church of Hagia Sophia was built on the ruins of an ancient Christian basilica. But the church, unlike the basilica, is three times smaller. It was rebuilt at one time into a mosque, and then again into a church. Constantine Mesopotamitis and Grigorios Koutalis, the metropolitans of the city, are buried in it. It is decorated with various mosaics and frescoes.
St. George Rotunda
Its diameter is 24 meters, wall thickness is 6.3 meters. The rotunda is crowned with a 30-meter brick dome. The rotunda of St. George is part of the burial complex of the Roman emperor Galerius. At different times, the rotunda served as an ancient temple, a Christian church dedicated to St. George the Victorious, and a mosque. It now houses a museum of Christian art.
For independent travel around the city, you can purchase the booklet "Thessaloniki. Attractions on the map". Enjoy your experience!
