Thessaloniki the second capital of Greece
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In this article, we introduce Thessaloniki, the second capital of Greece, with many historical monuments. If you are not already there, why not visit this beautiful city for a few days? You can get to Thessaloniki from Athens by train, bus and plane. Train and bus usually take 6-7 hours; by plane, you will land at Thessaloniki's airport in 45 minutes.
The prefecture of Thessaloniki is the largest in Macedonia and Northern Greece. It is located in Central Macedonia and borders the areas of Kilkis, Serres, Imathia, Pella and Halkidiki. The Gulf of Thermaikos borders it to the west and the Gulf of Strymonikos to the east. Thessaloniki is one of the 13 prefectures of Macedonia.
The tourist movement presented by the prefecture is highly developed. The main attractions are the well-organized tourist holiday centres, the unique natural beauties, the countless historical and Byzantine monuments and the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki, organized every September.
The historic city of Thessaloniki and the capital of the prefecture of the same name is the second largest city in Greece after Athens and is today one of the first centres where the life and creation of modern Hellenism are reflected. With many magnificent Byzantine monuments, it claims the status of a Byzantine city par excellence.
The "nymph of Thermaikos", known as the co-capital, was founded in 316 BC. by the king Cassander and was named after Alexander the Great's sister, Thessalonica, who was Cassander's wife. The innumerable archaeological, Byzantine, Muslim and neoclassical monuments bear witness to the progress and development of the city in the course of history.
The symbol of Thessaloniki is the White Tower, also one of Greece's most important monuments. It was built in the 15th century on the city's harbour as a fortified tower and was then used as a Janissary garrison and as a death row prison. Today, a wonderful collection of Byzantine exhibits of the city is kept inside.
The site of the ancient Agora was the social and religious centre of the entire city. The city is adorned with many monuments from the Roman period. The Roman Conservatory of the Agora is used today as a summer theatre.
The Galerian complex, built at the beginning of the 4th century, is worth visiting and includes the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius, the Octagon, the Hippodrome and the Palaces. The Rotunda is a circular building with a hemispherical dome that Galerius used as a mausoleum. In contrast, it is a place of worship and an exhibition space today. The Arch of Galerius, also known as the "Arch", was built to symbolize his victory against the Persians. The Octagon is an octagonal building whose use has been suggested: mausoleum, throne room or temple. The Hippodrome was the main place of entertainment for the citizens.
The Byzantine fortification walls built by M. Theodosios in the 4th century are one of the city's most important attractions. Thessaloniki lists many Byzantine churches of great historical importance, adorned with remarkable frescoes, hagiographies and mosaics. A visit to the church of Agios Dimitrios, the city's patron saint, is mandatory. A 7th-century building, after many lootings, it was restored and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.