Again in Thessaloniki – the perfect harmony of old and new
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Again, I manage to steal a weekend just for me and head to Thessaloniki – a destination I have not explored yet! A city with a rich history and a number of sights that I can’t wait to visit! I’m heading to Thessaloniki, still not knowing what to expect, but really excited about the upcoming meeting!
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, after the Greek capital Athens. It is a magical combination of antiquity, architecture and active nightlife! Wide streets filled with greenery, city parks where you can enjoy the song of birds and good weather, old houses and neoclassical buildings stand next to modern structures. But everything looks exactly in place! The perfect harmony of old and new, achieved in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Although Thessaloniki has a population of 1 million people, everyone here is very friendly and hospitable. The city is known for its appetizing pies and pastries, which are offered in a huge variety in numerous bakeries scattered at every turn. In fact, I went to Thessaloniki in order to enjoy one of the most delicious tourist destinations near Bulgaria.
Keeping a diet for a week, this weekend the plan is to indulge in a real culinary temptation, to try every exotic and unknown to me food, to immerse myself in the unknown culture of Thessaloniki! How close and how far this city can be! And how many people miss this opportunity to visit Thessaloniki, and prefer to spend the weekend clinging to their couch in front of the TV. This thought creeps into my mind as I travel to Thessaloniki, but I quickly drive it away, happy that I’m not one of them. At least this weekend, no!
Sightseeing in Thessaloniki
Stepping into Thessaloniki, I immediately draw up a list of places that I must visit. The White Tower tops this list and I head for it. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions that everyone who visits this unique city should pay attention to. The tower houses the Byzantine Museum and is nearly 34 meters high. It has an underground floor and six more up, connected by a 120-meter spiral staircase along the outer wall. The White Tower is considered to be the symbol of Thessaloniki and for all who have visited the city, this will be their first association with it. It is depicted on all the souvenirs you can buy from the dignified city and is a favorite background for taking selfies! Exhibitions are often organized inside the tower, and from the top you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
The Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki is number two on my list. It was built in honor of the victory of Galerius over the Persians. Initially, the arch consisted of two walls connected by a roof, but currently only one wall is preserved, which is about 29 meters long. Bricks were used to erect the arch and it was lined with stone bas-reliefs – a truly impressive architectural creation!
Check the best accommodation in Thessaloniki with the highest guest reviews
If you are on a day trip to Thessaloniki, you must visit the Fortress of the Seven Towers. It was initially used as a military base, but later became a prison, a function it held until 1989.
The fortress is located in the old part of Thessaloniki, known as Ano Poli. The old town has the radiance of a small pretty village filled with colorful cottages and small cafes that attract all tourists.
The main attraction for Christians visiting Thessaloniki is the Church of St. Sophia. This is the oldest and largest Byzantine church, which is preserved to this day. Over the centuries, the church has served as a Catholic cathedral, as a mosque, and finally as an Orthodox church. Some of the mosaics you can see in it date from the ninth and tenth centuries.
My carefree weekend flies away imperceptibly and I set off again, dreaming of visiting another famous tourist destination in Greece very soon!
