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.