Are you curious to know more about Solun, Thessaloniki– what to see there? For those who are not familiar with the place, Thessaloniki is the second largest city of Greece and the capital of Central Macedonia that boasts a history that can be traced as far back as 315 BC.
Through the centuries, Thessaloniki has acquired a significant assortment of Roman, Jewish, Hellenic, Hellenistic, and Sephardic structures. The place has also been recognized as a thriving and vibrant center of music and lively festivals.
Thessaloniki also boasts one of the most innovative nightlife scenes in Greece. Anyone interested in world religions, art, and archaeology would surely be amazed by the extensive number of temples in the area.
Here are some of the most popular destinations in Thessaloniki that you shouldn’t miss visiting:
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Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki serves as the home to items from four of the most archeologically significant historical periods of Thessaloniki as well as other Macedonian regions.
The collection of the museum includes objects from the Roman, Classical, Archaic, and Hellenistic periods. However, some find it ironic that the structure is constructed in the contemporary Greek style of architecture.
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one of the largest museums in Greece.
The museum focuses on historical aspects as well as when people of ancient Macedonia used gold to adorn themselves. Since Thessaloniki is prehistoric, you will also find a part of the museum that tries to recreate the image of the Thermaic gulf area that completely predates the entire city.
Aristotelous Square
Although most parts of the Aristotelous Square were already recreated during the 1950s, specifically the movie theater and the Electra Hotel, it was originally designed in 1918 by the French architect Ernest Herbart.
The square was a stark shift away from the unplanned busy and narrow streets that were developed during the centuries of expansion of the Ottoman Empire to a more contemporary scheme spearheaded by Hebrard.
Aristotle Square in Solun was designed in 1918 by French architect Ernests Herbar
The completion of the square took place shortly after a 1917 fire, marking a dramatic change in the archaeological evolution of the city.
Today, the square serves as the venue for many civic meetings and parties.
Arch of Galerius
Kamara or the Arch of Galerius is no doubt the most recognizable Roman edifice in Solun, Thessaloniki. It is considered one of the most popular attractions in the area together with the White Tower.
Emperor Galerius was the one who commissioned the construction of the arch as a triumphal monument to celebrate the victory against the Sassanid Periods during 298 AD as well as the downfall of the capital Ctesiphon.
Originally, the Arch of Galerius had four secondary and four primary pillars. Only one of the secondary and two of the primary pillars remain to this day. However, visitors still have the chance to admire the intricately carved battle scenes on the surviving pillars of the archway.
The Rotunda
The oldest landmark of Thessaloniki is none other than the Rotunda. It is a massive circular structure that was once a Roman temple, a church for Christians, and ultimately a mosque.
The walls of the Rotunda stand over 20 feet high which allows the structure to withstand earthquakes. The cylindrical structure was constructed on the orders of Galerius, the Roman Emperor, in 306 as a part of a massive palace complex. The edifice was built as either a shrine or a mausoleum for the emperor.
Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece
Before the site was conquered by the Ottomans, the Rotunda served as a church for more than 1,200 years. It was in 1590 when the Church of Agios Georgios was turned into a mosque.
The good news is that the mosaics were able to endure the test of time to the extent that they didn’t suffer any further damage and were simply painted over. Today, the Rotunda serves as a museum because it represented three different faiths.
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia Church is among the oldest surviving standing edifices in Solun, Thessaloniki. It was constructed during the 8th century on the foundations of a monastery that dates back to the third century.
During the Byzantine era, the church was constructed according to the architecture of its more renowned namesake in Constantinople.
It currently serves as one of the best examples of its period’s famous Greek domed churches. The central medallion of the dome of Hagia Sophia features a glorious mosaic of the Ascension where Christ sits on a rainbow throne. Trees separate the Apostles while angels surround Virgin Mary.
Heptapyrgion
Also popularly called Yedi Kule, its Ottoman name, Heptapyrgion is known far and wide as the fortress of the seven towers. You can see this fortress in the northeast corner of the acropolis of the city.
The five towers in the north are believed to have been built during the fortification of the city during the later part of the 4th century, while the five towers in the south were constructed during the 12th century.
It served as a military base until the late 1800s. During this time, it was also a prison for 100 years. Right now, the Heptapyrgion has become a famous tourist attraction because of its harbor and the panoramic city views it offers.
Museum of Byzantine Culture
The vast and massive Museum of Byzantine Culture houses thousands of items from the Byzantine and Pre-Christian eras. Wall paintings, frescoes, and mosaics as well as textiles, ceramics, and rescued arches from historic houses were among them.
The everyday life, values, and traditions of early Christians are featured notably in the permanent exhibits of the museum. You can also see some of the graves and tombs of early Christians that were discovered in the area.
Adults can enjoy self-guided or guided tours around the museum while schoolchildren can join the educational programs available.
Nea Paralia
Nea Paralia is a huge pedestrian waterfront located in the eastern urban part of Thessaloniki. It is also one of the country’s best public projects in the last 20 years.
This is a very long but small in-depth promenade that stretches for approximately 3.5km to Megaro Mousikis from the White Tower and offers an amazing space between the settlement and the sea. It has now become one of the most famous places to see and go for a stroll in Solun, Thessaloniki.
Boat and cycle rentals are available around the flanks of the promenade as well as a selection of vibrant bars and restaurants.
