Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is one of the oldest cities in Europe and it is also the second- largest
city in Greece, after Athens, which is why Greeks often refer it as the country's
"co-capital". The wealth of its surviving monuments from all the periods of its history
has made the city a living museum of Byzantine art; as such it has been recognised
by UNESCO. The city stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site at the head of the
Thermaic Gulf. It is a harbour city, in whose life the sea plays an important part.
The old town was surrounded by a strong wall which ran east, from the harbour, for
about two kilometres until it reached the White Tower (the city's best known symbol-15th
century). The walls are among the finest surviving examples of city fortification
and can be compared only with those of Constantinople itself. North of the historic
is found the exhibition grounds where the city's popular annual International Trade
Fair is held. The White Tower itself, was built in the 15th century and has become
the city's most prominent landmark.
The city's principal streets are Mitropoleos, Tsimiski and Ermou which run parallel
to Nikis on the waterfront. Along Egnatia street, which is the city's main throughfare,
you'll find most of Thessaloniki's Roman ruins as well as most of the action. Also
nearby, you'll find the lively central food market bustling with vendors and hawkers
selling an endless array of fresh fish and meat, to exotic fruit and locally grown
vegetables.
Thessaloniki is also the place where you can see the treasures of the unlooted tomb
of Phillip II of Macedon now on display at the city's Archaeological Museum. Of course,
there's lot's more to see in Thessaloniki, so whatever you do, if you're in the travelling
mood, don't miss the opportunity to see this surprising city nestled in the serene
Prespa Lakes region of Macedonia.