Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC and was an important city of the Byzantine Empire. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1917 but later rebuilt. Today it is a major trade center and home to Greece's largest university. Key landmarks include the White Tower museum and the 6th century Church of Saint Dimitrios. Thessaloniki has 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites and Aristotelous Square is a popular meeting place in the city center known for its cafes. The city is famous for its food and lively tavernas with music, as well as its nightlife scene and friendly residents.

1. OUR
CITY
THESSALONIKI

2. HISTORY
THEN AND NOW
The city was founded in 315 BC and it was the
second most important city of the Byzantine Empire.
In 1917 a huge part of the city was almost completely
destroyed by a fire and was later rebuilt.
Today Thessaloniki, with its big port, is an important
trade and business centre. The city has the biggest
university in Greece and the Balkans – Aristotle
University. It has several museums and theatres, an
opera house, many byzantine churches, parks,
cinemas and shopping centres.

3. LOCATION
Thessaloniki is located in the north in the
region of Macedonia. It is the second largest city
in Greece and it was named after the sister of
Alexander the Great. Its population is about
1.000.000.

4. LANDMARKS
The city’s most famous landmarks are the White Tower and the
Church of Saint Dimitrios.
The White Tower
It was built by the Ottoman Turks in
1430 and it was used as a fort and a prison.
Countless Greeks were executed there by
the Ottomans and the tower was given the
name “Tower of blood” or “Red Tower”.
When the Greeks took the city back in 1912
the tower was whitewashed and was given
its present name. Today it is a museum and
an art gallery.
The church of Saint Dimitrios
This beautiful church was built in
629 AD and it is devoted to Saint
Dimitrios who is the patron saint of
the city.

5. LET’S GO SIGHTSEEING
Thessaloniki has a lot of important archaeological sites. In fact
there are 15 sites which are UNESCO world heritage sites. These
include the Eptapirgion in the old town, the Rotonda, the Arch of
Galerius, the ruins of a Roman palace and lots more.

6. ARISTOTELOUS SQUARE
Located in the city centre, it is a meeting point for people who
want to enjoy their frapé (cold coffee) in one of the numerous cafés

7. FOOD
Thessaloniki is famous for its good food. In the morning most
people start the day by eating “koulouri” or “bougatsa”.
For dinner there is a big variety of restaurants but the best
choice is a traditional taverna with live music. These small
restaurants serve local dishes and they are located in narrow streets
in the centre of the city.

13. Thessaloniki is the fifth best party city in the world not
only because of its numerous bars and clubs, but mainly
because of its friendly and open-hearted people.
A FUN CITY