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Culture of Thessaloniki. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Agios Grigorios The fist settlement on the territory of the modern city of Thessaloniki was established as far back as in prehistoric age. This fact is proven with archeological findings of current digs. The Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki offers its guests a priceless collection of showpieces aged several thousand years. The main showpieces of its collection are considered to be the wealth and jewels of Macedonian King Phillipos II which were discovered by archeologists during the dig in Vergina. Tourists will find among the showpieces of the museum collection household items, gold ware and ancient sculptures.
Your active city break in Thessaloniki. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Thessaloniki is considered to be a youth resort as the city boasts a plenty of bright night clubs and dance floors, brand boutiques and upscale restaurants. The city offers an excellent … Open
The Church of Saint Demetrius is one of the most remarkable religious sites of the city of Thessaloniki. The first religious construction on a place of the church was erected in the 5th century. However it stood only for two centuries and was badly damaged with a powerful earthquake. Afterwards the construction was many times restored and ruined each time significantly changing its look. The last reconstruction took place in the first part of the 20th century after the next natural disaster.
Despite its hard luck the church has managed to preserve its inimitable inner decoration and splendor. Its walls keep numerous artifacts among which tourists will observe the relics of Saint Demetrius, patron saint of the city. The White Tower is another remarkable landmark of the city known far beyond the country boundaries. It is a remaining part of the fortifying construction which has by miracle been preserved after the Greco-Turkish War. The construction of the tower took place in 1430. For a long period of time the tower was used as a prison building. Punishments of the sentenced to death prisoners took place there as well. In memory of that time the tower has got the nickname of the Tower of Blood or the Red Tower. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Thessaloniki
1. Tourist can choose either public bus or a taxi to cruise the city. The taxi service features rather attractive prices. The taxi will be the most profitable way to explore the city for … Open
In the 1985 the Museum of Byzantine culture was established in this marvelous tower which height is 35m. The exhibition of the museum tells its visitors about the most remarkable events of the history of the city. A part of the exposition is formed with archeological findings. The St. Sophia Church is the same interesting and remarkable architectural construction to visit. The church was established as far back as in the 8th century. The church is known for a luxurious decoration of its inner halls. The main hall of the church is decorated with ingenious mosaics and marvelous wall paintings. A part of priceless showpieces was destroyed by massive fire of 1917. The northern part of the city of Thessaloniki locates the Aristotle Square close to which tourists will find several beautiful historical buildings and art galleries.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Thessaloniki and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Thessaloniki and surroundings

Plan your own excursion through Thessaloniki: churches, museums and castles

Church of Panagia Dexia, Thessaloniki

Location on the map:   Facts: » There is a beautiful brick building near the Arc de Triomphe. It is called Panagia Dexia.
»  The modern church was built in 1956. It replaced the Byzantium Hypatius’s Church.
»  The facade of the religious building is decorated with columns placed near the central portal. The House of God is built of light blocks. The altar is faced with patterned tiles. Wall panels are covered with the bright art painting. It depicts saints and Biblical stories.
»  Pilgrims are attracted by the Icon of the Kikk's Mother of God. It is also called the Merciful as the Virgin begs Christ for preserving the human race. There is a belief that the Holy Scripture made by the Evangelist Luke was blessed by the Mother of God. It is considered that it is her in-life portrait.
»  The name of the church derives from Kykkos.
»  The miraculous painting traveled a lot until it found refuge on the island of Cyprus. It had been in the Orthodox community in Egypt and in Constantinople.
»  The picture depicts the Virgin holding the baby on the right (Dexia), which contradicts the tradition.

Rotunda of Galerius, Thessaloniki

Location on the map:     Facts:
» Rotunda (“round” in Latin) is a cylinder building. The ancient temple has existed for 17 centuries. The House of God has been reconstructed many times.
»  The tower, the adjacent gallery with the entrance and columns, and the Imperial Palace of Galerius make a uniform complex.
»  During the Byzantium reign, Rotunda was visited by Christians. When it was conquered by the Ottoman, the building had served as a mosque until 1912.
»  The only minaret and the artificial water source for washing.
»  According to the historical chronicles, the tower was built in 300. The huge building has a diameter of 24.5 m and is almost 30 m high. The monumental walls (6.3 m) served to protect the construction.
»  In the upper walling, there are a lot of holes through which the air and daylight are provided.
»  The mosaic has been preserved only in some inner rooms. You can see the saint with a halo in the central part of the dome.
»  There is a gilded cross in the central entrance below the arched vault. It was allegedly made in the 4th-6th century.
»  During excavations, the fan-shaped pedestal, from which sermons were pronounced, was found. The ambo was created in the 6th century.

Arch of Galerius, Thessaloniki

Location on the map:     Facts:
» The Sasanid’s victory over the Persian Empire is represented by the monument in the form of the arch doorway. It was constructed upon the order of Emperor Galerius.
»  The triumphal construction date back to the late 3rd-early 4th century. The arch linked galleries that led to the mausoleum and the palace.
»  There are embossed scenes of battles on all the walls of the brick pedestal. Wide panels of the four-tier canvasses depict the great defeat of the enemy.
»  Canvasses are separated from each other by a chain decorated with flowers and leaves. The upper cornice is decorated with sculptural chamomiles.
»  The solid molded picture depicts figures with improper proportions, for example, horses look smaller than riders. This style is called “narrative composition”.
»  According to the inscriptions, the sculpture was created by Greek masters.
»  It depicts battles, forgiven captives, and parts of city constructions. Figurines of elephants and camels represent battles held in the East.
»  The preserved part of the wall is 29 m long.
»  The arch of the early Christian and Byzantium architectural style gained the status of the guarded cultural object.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Thessaloniki

The White Tower
Telephone: +30 2310 267832;
Ladadika
Aristotelous Square
Saint Dimitrios Church
Galerius Arch (camara)
The Rotonda
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Thessaloniki
♥   Palace 'Thessaloniki Government House' , 3.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Thessaloniki and around
♥   Art museum 'Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki' Thessaloniki, 1.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Thessaloniki

Thessalia Region
Another cultural center of the region is Karditsa; there are many interesting museums in the city, so we recommend spending at least a couple of days here. In addition to the Archaeological Museum, you can visit the Water Supply Museum, dedicated to the history of ... Open »
Larisa
The main religious center of the city is the modern temple Ieros Naos Agiou Achilliou. The very first church was built on its site at the beginning of the 18th century. A few years after the consecration, it was destroyed by the Turkish conquerors, however, the ... Open »
Kavala
St. Lydia's Baptistery is one more church that definitely deserves a visit. The shrine is located not far from the city of Philippi. The history of this church is also connected with Paul the Apostle. It is believed that the first baptism in the region, and in Europe ... Open »
Bansko
Bansko is really small. However, there are several dozens of interesting attractions in its territory. The Holy Trinity Church in the center of the town is one of the most recognizable and popular among them. Founded in 1835, the marvelous church is famous for its ... Open »
Thassos
Thasos attracts tourists who like to rest on the sea shore, but it also has to offer a number of landmarks. Museums and antique buildings can be found at every small town on the island. Limenas, the island capital, is an interesting historical place to visit. There are ... Open »
Skiathos
The historical center of Skiathos is its capital - the city of the same name. There are numerous old buildings on its territory; the stroll through the picturesque streets will give a lot of impressions. Special attention should be paid to the house of famous writer ... Open »
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