The northern capital of Greece is Thessaloniki. Attractions and interesting places

Thessaloniki is considered the cultural capital of Europe and is a museum of Byzantine art in the open air. In honor of the half-sister of Alexander the Great, who was called Thessalonika, the city was named Thessaloniki. Historical sights in the city in large numbers, it is rich in churches, temples, sanctuaries, museums and theaters. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are city attractions. Thessaloniki (Greece) is a truly precious pearl of human history. Right in the middle of the city, including in the courtyards, excavations are under way. You can look at some excavations, others are inaccessible for viewing and are fenced with high fences.

White Tower

The White Tower on the embankment is one of the symbols of the city of Thessaloniki. Attractions of the northern capital of Greece can not be imagined without it. The tower was built by the Turks in the 15th century, after the capture of the city. At first it was used for defense, later it served as a prison. In the XIX century, after mass executions, the tower gained the glory of the Red, or Bloody. In 1912, when the city was liberated from the Turks, the tower was whitewashed and began to be called the White Tower. Nowadays in the tower a museum is created, telling about the unique city of Thessaloniki. The sights of the northern capital, their history and photos are also presented here. From the observation deck you can admire the magnificent view of the city and the bay.

The fortress walls of Eptagirgio

Over the walls, defending the city, towers seven towers. On these walls all those who wish can have the opportunity to make excursions.

St. Dimitry's Basilica

The Basilica of Saint Demetrios is one of the largest basilicas in Greece. And this is not accidental. Thessaloniki is the center of the cult of St. Demetrius. He is the protector and protector of the city. Demetrius preached Christianity at a time when the Roman emperor exterminated Christians. For this he was arrested and subjected to terrible agony. Later he was executed. On the spot where the holy GreatMartyr was buried, a church was built. The temple is famous for marble facing of walls, beautiful mosaics and frescos, graceful stucco and majestic capitals created in times of different eras. Pilgrims seek to worship the holy relics. Attracts the church and art scholars of the city of Thessaloniki. The sights that are in the church have a significant historical value.

Church of Saint David

The Church of St. David was dedicated to Christ. But because of the confusion with the documents, she began to be called the name of David. In the temple under the layer of plaster found a well-preserved mosaic "Vision of Ezekiel" depicting a young Jesus.
Hagia Sophia Church

The Church of St. Sophia was erected on the ruins of an ancient Christian basilica. But the church, in contrast to the basilica, is three times smaller. It was rebuilt in due time in a mosque, and then again in church. It buried Konstantin Mesopotamitis and Grigorios Kutalis - metropolitans of the city. It is decorated with a variety of mosaics and frescoes.

Rotunda of St. George

Its diameter is 24 meters, the thickness of the walls is 6.3 meters. Crowned rotunda 30-meter brick dome. The Rotunda of St. George enters the funeral complex of the Roman emperor Galerius. At different times the rotunda served as an ancient temple, a Christian church dedicated to St. George the Victorious, and a mosque. Now it houses a museum of Christian art.

For a self-guided tour of the city, you can buy a booklet "Thessaloniki." Landmarks on the map. " Enjoy your impressions!