The monuments of the city
The great number of monuments in the historic center of Thessaloniki accentuate its rich historic course in the passage of centuries.
Beginning with the roman market at the heart of the city and moving on to the Arch of Galerius, known as “Kamara”, your walk will end in the rich archaeological findings in Ippodromiou Square which compose an imposing building complex, known as Galerian complex.
The Castles of Thessaloniki is mainly the work of Byzantine Emperors and the view of the city from there, the area of Ano Poli on which they dominate, is truly breathtaking.
A perpetual symbol of Thessaloniki, the White Tower stands proud and imposing, being one of the most important monuments in the city.
Of great interest are also the Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki a treasured religious and cultural heritage. Some of them have been included in UNESCO’s treaty and are protected as international heritage monuments. The “Paleo-Christian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki”, as they are known, include the Church of St. George or Rotunda, the Church of Acheiropoiitos, the Church of St. Demetrius, the Monastery of Latomo, the Church of Hagia Sofia, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon, the Church of Sts. Apostles, the Church of Agios Nicolaos Orfanos and the Church of Agios Panteleimon.
Muslim mosques also feature in the historic walk in Thessaloniki’s monuments: Hamza Bey Mosque, Alatza Imaret Mosque, Geni Mosque, Bezesteni (roofed market), Yiahudi Hamam and Syntrivani (the Fountain).
Finally, Thessaloniki has also many characteristic samples of neoclassical buildings, erected at the end of the 19th-beginning of the 20th century: the Residency, the School of Philosophy, the old Customs House, Villa Allatini, the Orphanage at Papafi, the hospital of St. Demetrius, Caza Bianca, Mitta Villa, Mahomet Kapantzi Villa, the Fifth Boys Gymnasium are just some of these splendid architectural edifices which can be discovered in the city.
Photography: Haris Kakarouhas
Courtesy of GNTO