Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki waterfront (photo by Rufus) and location map (© MSN).

Thessaloniki (also called Salonika) is the second-largest city in Greece, located 516km (320 miles) north of Athens.

Thessaloniki may be second to Athens in size and political importance, but in popular songs, Thessaloniki is celebrated as "the most blessed of cities" and "the city whose praises are sung."

Thessaloniki is also very popular with visitors, thanks to its beautiful sea views, tree-lined streets, many museums, Turkish-influenced food, thriving modern culture and ancient Byzantine churches. It also makes an excellent base for exploring Mount Athos and the historical sites associated with Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great.

Thessaloniki has a long and fascinating history. Founded in 315 BC and named for Alexander the Great's sister, Thessaloniki became an important Roman trading center and an early center of Christianity. The Apostle Paul preached here in the first century and many churches were built in the Byzantine era. In the Middle Ages, Thessaloniki was repeatedly invaded: it was successively occupied by the Slavs, the Saracens, Crusaders, and Ottoman Turks until its return to Greece in 1913. The city suffered a major fire in 1917 and was occupied again in the 1940s by the Nazis. Today, it has a population of over 300,000 and is known for its lively nightlife.

Thessaloniki Map
Our own detailed, interactive satellite map of Thessaloniki, plus links to more Thessaloniki maps.

History of Thessaloniki
A brief overview of Thessaloniki's long history.

Visiting Thessaloniki Churches
Overview, tips and etiquette for visiting Thessaloniki's many churches.

Thessaloniki Hotel Reviews
Unbiased reviews, ratings and price comparisons on hotels in Thessaloniki from fellow travelers.

Thessaloniki Travel Forum
Practical travel advice and insider tips on Thessaloniki from those in the know.

	Agios Dimitrios Church and Crypt A Byzantine church with an interesting history, some fine mosaics, and a crypt with a miraculous font. Recent heavy restoration has taken away some its ambience but it is still well worth visiting.
	Agios Nikolaos Orfanos Contains well-preserved frescoes from the 14th century.
	Agia Sophia The largest church in Thessaloniki, the heavily restored Agia Sophia was inspired by its famous namesake in Istanbul. It has a long and rich history and contains some fine original mosaics.
	Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki Includes items associated with Philip of Macedon, Roman mosaics, and lots more.
	Moni Vlatadon An active 14th-century monastery built on the site where St. Paul preached. Here you can enjoy a great view of the city and a flock of peacocks raised by the monks.
	Museum of Byzantine Culture This is currently the only museum in the world entirely devoted to Byzantine art and civilization. Its impressive collection includes many Byzantine and early Christian frescoes, icons and artifacts.
	Museum of Jewish History A collection of photographs and artifacts illustrate Jewish life in Thessaloniki before the devastation of the Holcaust.
	Osios David (Latomou Monastery) A humble exterior hides perhaps the best mosaic in Thessaloniki.
	Panagia Acheiropoietos A 5th-century basilica built after the Council of Ephesus in 431 declared Mary the Mother of God. It is still fully intact in its original form.
	Panagia Chalkeon An 11th-century church with a fancy facade.
	Profitias Elias A fine 14th-century church with a great city view.
	Rotunda (Agios Giorgos) A massive round building that was first a Roman temple, then a Christian church, then a mosque.