Thessaloniki Key Attractions

Greeces second city is a fascinating place to spend a holiday, with a good mix of cafs and bars among some of the finest archaeological finds in the world. The famous White Tower is the major landmark in the city and from here, it is a short walk to some beautiful churches and interesting museums. The centre of the city is a great place to lose yourself in the atmosphere and enjoy the citys architecture. As the birthplace of Mustafa Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, the city houses a museum in his name.

White Tower of Thessaloniki

The White Tower on the waterfront is the symbol of the city and is a major landmark. The tower was built in the 15th century, on the site of an older structure, as part of the citys sea defence, and it was also used as a prison and a place of execution, with the tower once having been known as the Tower of Blood. It is an imposing circular structure and houses an interesting museum. The city was captured by the Greeks during the Balkan War (1912), when King George I ordered the tower to be painted white as a symbolic gesture of cleansing, hence its present name. Today, the tower is a faded brown colour, but some of the white paint can still be seen. Phone: +30 2310 267832; website: www.culture.gr/2/21/212/21209m/e212im02.html.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The Archaeological Museum in Thessaloniki was opened in 1962 as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the city. The museums main exhibits are prehistoric findings from northern Greece, Macedonia and Thrace in particular. The museum has a wing dedicated to findings from Vergina including the contents of Philip of Macedons tomb, which were unearthed in 1977. There is a strong focus on gold, with a collection entitled The Gold of Macedon. The bones of Philip are also on display here. There is some interesting Archaic and Classical art as well as some fascinating finds from the excavation of Sindos Cemetery. Other collections include Macedonian coins, Roman sculptures and mosaics. The museum is considered one of the finest of its kind and is a must-see. Phone: +30 2310 830538; website: www.macedonianmuseums.gr/Archaeological_and_Byzantine/Arx_Thessaloniknhs.html.

Museum of Ataturk

Mustafa Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, was born in Thessaloniki and the house where he was born has been converted into a museum. The 19th century building has three floors and most of the furniture inside is original from the time Ataturk lived here, as well as some pieces from his mausoleum that were added after his death. The most impressive room in the house is the one in which he was born, on the second floor, where some of his personal belongings are displayed as well as documents relating to his school days. Throughout the museum, there are photographs of Ataturk at various times in his life. Due to tensions between Greece and Turkey, security is quite tight here and you may be asked to show your passport.

The Church of Agios Dimitrios

The Church of Agios Dimitrios is the most important church in the city and the biggest in Greece. Dedicated to Agios Dimitrios, the patron saint of the city, the church was first built in 313 AD, and significantly rebuilt following fires in 1917 and 1949. The church is famous for the crypt, accessed by a staircase behind the sanctuary, which contains the Roman baths and is said to be where the saint was jailed and martyred. The crypt has been beautifully restored to its original design and displays some of the items that survived the fire. The most impressive features in the church are the six Byzantine mosaics depicting St Dimitiros with the children of the city. Phone: + 30 2310 270 008.

The Museum of Byzantine Civilisation

This interesting museum, situated near the university, is one of the most impressive Byzantine collections in the world. It was established in the 1980s to provide a centre for research and study of Byzantine civilisations. The museum has a mix of permanent and regular temporary exhibitions including sculptures, mosaics, paintings, tombs, jewellery, clay pots and glassware. The permanent exhibitions focus on three periods; early Christian, middle Byzantine, and late Byzantine. The museum is within walking distance of the city centre and is well worth a visit. Phone: +30 2310 868 570; website: www.mbp.gr/html/en/index.htm.

Agia Sofia Church

Agia Sofia is a beautiful 8th century church, modelled on the church of the same name in Istanbul. During the Byzantine era Agia Sofia was the cathedral of Thessaloniki and the church was built on the Roman baths of the city. The interior of the church has some wonderful mosaics and frescos from the early Byzantine period and in particular, a superb mosaic of the Ascension. There is also an impressive sanctuary. The church is located in the centre of the city, within easy walking distance of Aristotelous Square and the White Tower.