Thessaloniki

A crossroads between East and West, Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by the Macedonian King Kassandros, who named the city after his wife, Thessaloniki, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Situated in the heart of ancient Macedonia, the city retains strong historical connections to Alexander and his father Philip II, with the surrounding region steeped in the history of the Macedonian kingdom. Today, visitors can explore monuments and archaeological finds that reflect this illustrious past.

Conquered by the Romans in 165 BC and later ruled by the Byzantines, Thessaloniki became the second-largest city of the Byzantine Empire, a legacy visible today in its wealth of architectural and religious treasures. The city’s fabulous Byzantine churches—so numerous and historically significant—have earned Thessaloniki UNESCO World Heritage Site status. These include the Church of Hagia Sophia, Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Rotunda, each offering a glimpse into the city’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Thessaloniki is also a city of layers: Ottoman monuments such as the White Tower, the city’s iconic symbol, stand alongside Roman ruins, neoclassical buildings, and contemporary architecture. The streets are alive with modern cafés, shops, and vibrant neighbourhoods, giving the city a dynamic, cosmopolitan feel.

Cultural life in Thessaloniki is rich and varied, with concerts, theatre, opera, and film festivals held throughout the year. Its museums showcase the city’s multicultural history, from Classical and Roman artefacts to Byzantine treasures and ethnological collections, helping visitors understand its importance as a centre of trade, culture, and learning over the centuries.

Strategically positioned, Thessaloniki is an ideal base for exploring Macedonia’s historic landscapes, including Vergina, the burial site of Philip II, and other archaeological treasures connected to Alexander the Great’s legacy.