An irresistible attraction for travelers from all over Europe: especially in summer, thanks to the mild and pleasant climate. In the post, we recommend the 5 must-see attractions during your stay in fascinating Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki it is undoubtedly a city that intrigues and fascinates visitors who come from all over Europe a lot. It enjoys a temperate climate and especially in summer it is an irresistible attraction as a starting point for visiting the Mainland Greece.
5 unmissable things to see in Thessaloniki
1. The White Tower: symbol of Thessaloniki
The Thessaloniki waterfront and it is a historical relic from the Ottoman era. It can be visited inside, called the White Tower because in recent centuries it was whitewashed as a sign of defeat of the Ottoman Empire and reconquered by the Greek people. In the past it was infamous as the city prison, as a defensive fortress and as a garrison. The White Tower is the symbol of the city because the history of Thessaloniki is inextricably linked to this building.
2. Arch of Galerius: meeting place
It can well be defined as one of the most famous places in Thessaloniki. This arch is decorated with the depictions of the emperor Galerius during the Sassanid campaigns that saw the Roman victory against the Persians. Part of these representations are still well preserved and detailed. Known by the locals as Kamara, in the jargon of young people it says: “Let's meet at Kamara” or: “Let's meet in Kamara”. A place where, in addition to wanting to take many souvenir photos, you will see many students who meet in their "Kamara" or under the Arch of Galerius.
3. Aristotelous Square: street and local artists
This square initially bore the name of Piazza Alessandro Magno and only later was it renamed Piazza Aristotele. It was a French architect who conceived it and immediately Aristotle Square became a meeting point for the inhabitants. Impossible not to notice the flower clock and the statue of Aristotle.
A curiosity
Among the students it is rumored that touching the tip of the nose of the statue of Aristotle will help them pass exams brilliantly. Under its arcades you can find several shops, especially for souvenirs and major brands that alternate attracting the visitor's gaze. You will certainly know how to best pass the time!
Various street artists exhibit paintings, merchandise of various kinds or stage small improvised shows. This part of the city will certainly catch your attention, especially in the evening, when the pace gets slow. Traffic decreases and the taverns, restaurants and bars come alive with music and good food.
4. Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
The Museum is a fundamental point in visiting Thessaloniki, I would define it unmissable to better understand the history that has taken place over the centuries and to better appreciate the Hellenic culture by making a total overview of useful information. The museum hosts a rich exhibition that goes from prehistoric times to late antiquity in the Macedonian region and obviously with greater importance regarding the city of Thessaloniki and its surroundings. There are objects from the daily life of ancient Macedonia that will make you relive the gestures and habits of an ancient past helping you to understand the customs and traditions that have influenced the present. Well preserved artifacts in an exhibition that is the real visiting card of Greek civilization.
5. Bey Haman
The Turkish baths of Thessaloniki are a must-see. Defined as the most beautiful in Greece, were built in 1444 during the Turkish-Ottoman period, also known as the "Baths of Paradise". After the 1978 earthquake, which devastated the city of Thessaloniki enormously, the bathrooms underwent a restoration. Cultural events and exhibitions take place in this unmissable stop: visiting them you can still see the colors and frescoes that adorn the walls, providing an idea of ​​the splendor that characterized them in the past.
