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Thessaloniki When speaking of the cultural capital in Greece, Athens is often overlooked in favor of Thessaloniki, which has a rich history as a flourishing trade post during the Roman Empire, followed by over a millennium of Byzantine identity during which a series of spectacular churches were erected. Turkish rule didn’t slow down the pace of cultural development, and intense Jewish immigration of recent centuries has added yet one more layer to this cultural, historical, and fun-filled city in this virtual cradle of Macedonia.
Thessaloniki is currently a gem, with extensive green space that puts Athens to shame, and a vibrant culture – including a vibrant nightlife – that makes this city a prime destination for those who are traveling to Greece.
The White Tower of Thessaloniki is visible from afar, an imposing fortress prison whose legendary cruelty (previously named, the Bloody Tower) was enough to weaken the knees of arriving prisoners. Today, all it symbolizes to the arriving tourist is a good place to start when sightseeing at Thessaloniki. Inside, you’ll find a spectacular exhibition of notes, artifacts and photos giving you a comprehensive background of the city, as well as a decent panoramic view of the immediate area surrounding the tower.
Move on to other points of interest in Thessaloniki, including the Ayia Katerini, a breathtaking domed Byzantine church around with which four cupolas are placed. Inside, the artwork is incredible. Outside surrounding this 14th century marvel is a great place to look for rental apartments, as the new constructions place you in the most beautiful part of town. Continuing on your tour of Thessaloniki Ayios Nikolaos Orfanos is the place to go if you are a 14th century fresco aficionado. If you’re not, you should pay a visit anyway, as this is one of the best examples of Byzantine art in the world.
Nightlife in Thessaloniki is usually preceded by a long un-winder on the beach, as active – or passive – as you would like. Water sports abound, while sunbathing was officially named a Sport of the Metropolis of Thessaloniki in 2003. Well, not really, but the way locals and vacationers go at it, here, you’d think that were the case! Tanned and rosy from the exertion, people pile into the bars for more relaxing, although as the night gets darker and the music louder, people begin to regain their strength a bit for nothing less than some of the wildest partying in Greece, outside of Ios and Athens.
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