History

Thessaloniki, the northern Greek city was founded by Cassander, the King of Macedonia, around 315 BC who named the new city after his wife Thessalonica, sister of Alexander the Great.

Macedonia fell into the hands of the Romans in 146 BC and they made Thessaloniki the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and the Southern Balkans. The famous road Via Egnatia together with the city's harbor was instrumental in Thessaloniki's growth and prosperity. The city had a sizable Jewish population and was also an early center for Christianity which Saint Paul visited and later addressed his two well-known epistles.

During Byzantine rule, Thessaloniki's importance as a cultural and artistic center was second only to Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in 381 AD. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Macedonia faced several barbarian invasions, and Thessaloniki went on to be occupied by the Saracens in 904 and by the Norman rulers of Sicily in 1185.

Byzantine lost Thessaloniki to the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and thereafter to the Ottoman Turks who ruled for five centuries. After the Second World War, Thessaloniki became a great modern, cultural, spiritual and financial metropolis.

What to see

Ancient ruins, historic and religious sites, monuments and statues, old churches are aplenty in Thessaloniki. The enchanting Museum of Byzantine Culture, White Tower, Archeological Museum, Panayia Archeiropoietos ( The Church of the Virgin made without hands), Rotunda, Greek Agora, Arch of Galerius of the 4th century, Alatza Imaret, Profitias Elias, Hippodrome Church, Roman Baths, Crypt of Avios Dimitrios and several other historic landmarks that take you back in time. Some of Greece’s best beaches are in the peninsula of Halkidiki, south of Thessaloniki.

When to visit

Thessaloniki enjoys typical Mediterranean coastal climate with long dry summers and short mild winters. During summer months the average temperatures run well into the 30s, but northern winds make it comfortable; however, July and August are warmer and trips to the Macedonian beaches are a must. Winter months are cooler with plenty of sunshine and are the ideal time for tourists especially September to November. March to May is also a good time to be in Thessaloniki.

Where to stay

With so much rich ancient heritage sites and monuments, Thessaloniki enjoys the status of one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world. Monuments of great historical value, modern comforts in the form of service apartments, hotels, resorts and home stays, a rocking and enjoyable nightlife and amazing shopping destinations are all there in Thessaloniki, for the tourist to spend a grand vacation stay there. Whether you want palatial luxury or a simple bed and breakfast accommodation and everything in between, is all available here.

Shopping

Bustling markets and local shops especially around central Thessaloniki sell all types of goods from olive oil to leather goods. Also located at central Thessaloniki are the enchanting shopping streets of Agias Sophias, Mitropoleos Street and the Aristotelous Square.

Mitropoleos and Proxenou Koromila shopping areas and Tsimiski Street are places where you will find clothing and fashion wear. If you are looking for great bargains, head to the shops at West Egnatia.

Food

Some of the specialties of Thessaloniki are the famous Bougatsa pastries filled with cream or cheese, Loukoumades that are golden puffs in sugar syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts. The syrupy ekmek kataifi, doughnut-like touloumba, the famous custard-filled trigona panoramatos and Patsas (Tripe Soup) you will find everywhere in Thessaloniki. Fish and sea food are a specialty in the traditional taverns.

What to wear

Casual wear is fine while you are vacationing in Thessaloniki. If you are visiting during winter ensure you have a jacket, trousers and walking shoes. Dresses and skirts are apt for the summer. Dress modestly while visiting churches and places of worship.

Local transport

You can travel to the city and suburbs by public transport buses. These buses are air conditioned. Taxis are available all over the city, all day and night. Within the main city, you will find taxis only at designated places, where a TAXI sign is displayed.

Money

Several banks and ATMs can be found all across Thessaloniki especially at Egnatia, Tsimiski, Plateia Navarino and Aristotelous as well as the port areas. There are the private exchange bureaus at western Egnatia but they charge exorbitant commissions. Most major credit cards are accepted at shops and restaurants. You would do well to compare rates at different bureaus before exchanging your money.

Medical

Call 166 for the National Center of Emergency MedicalAid
Call 1535 for appointments at Thessaloniki Hospitals
Call 14944 for information on Thessaloniki hospitals on duty
Websites:
www.invivo.gr/efnosinvivo.html
www.e-database.gr/Hospital_Duties/Now/6

Tourist office contact

THESSALONIKI Tourist Office
Tsimiski 136 - 54621 Thessaloniki
PO BOX 50213 - 54013 Thessaloniki
Tel: Center: +30 2310 252170
Director: +30 2310 254810
Tourist Facilities: +30 2310 254834

Visa

US and Canadian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a stay of 90 days provided their passports are valid for a minimum of three months beyond their stay of 90 days. Citizens of the European Union countries do not need a visa.

Contact the nearest Greek Embassy or Consular Office for any further details.

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