Thessaloniki is known as the cultural capital of Europe and is a museum of Byzantine art in the open. In honor of the half-sister of Alexander the Great, whose name was Thessalonica, the city was named Thessaloniki. Historic sights in the city in large numbers, it is rich in churches, temples, sanctuaries, museums and theaters. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are city attractions. Thessaloniki (Greece) is a truly precious pearl of human history. Excavations are being conducted right in the middle of the city, including in the yards. You can look at some excavations, others are inaccessible for viewing 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 can not 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 gained the glory of Red, or Bloody. In 1912, when the city was liberated from the Turks, the tower was whitewashed and became known as Bela. Nowadays, a museum has been created in the tower that tells about the unique city of Thessaloniki. Sights of the northern capital, their history and photos are also presented here. From the observation deck you can admire the magnificent views of the city and the bay.
Fortified walls of Eptapirgio
7 towers rise above the city walls defending the city. On these walls, everyone has the opportunity to make excursions.
Basilica of St. Demetrius
The Basilica of St. Demetrius is one of the largest basilicas in Greece. And this is no coincidence. Thessaloniki is the center of the cult of St. Demetrius. He is the patron and protector of the city. Demetrius preached Christianity at a time when the Roman emperor exterminated Christians. For this he was arrested and suffered terrible torment. He was later executed. At the place where the holy great martyr was buried, a church was erected. The temple is famous for its marble wall cladding, beautiful mosaics and frescoes, graceful stucco molding and majestic capitals created during different eras. Pilgrims strive here to bow to the relics of the saint. It attracts the church and art scholars of Thessaloniki. The sights that are in the church have significant historical value.
Church of St. David
The Church of St. David was dedicated to Christ. But because of the confusion with the documents, she began to be called the name of David. In the temple under a layer of stucco, a well-preserved mosaic "Vision of Ezekiel" with the image of young Jesus was found.
Church of St. Sophia
The church of Hagia Sophia was erected on the ruins of an ancient Christian basilica. But the church, unlike the basilica, is three times smaller. It was rebuilt at one time in a mosque, and then back to church. Konstantin Mesopotamitis and Grigorios Kutalis, the metropolitans of the city, are buried in it. It is decorated with a variety of mosaics and frescoes.
Rotunda of St. George
Its diameter is 24 meters, the wall thickness is 6.3 meters. The rotunda is crowned by 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. Now it 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!