Thessaloniki Attractions

Thessaloniki has a few ancient Roman monuments, but it's mostly known for a dozen or more Byzantine churches, some of which are in an exceptional state.

The seafront of Thessaloniki including high residential buildings and the promenade.
photo: Herbert Frank / CC BY 2.0

Thessaloniki Attractions

A brick-built Byzantine church with a few arched windows among blocks of apartments.
photo: Armineaghayan / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem
#1

Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos

Built in the place of an ancient Temple of Venus, the Church of the Virgin Mary Acheiropoietos has the finest columns and mosaic floors.

The front part, including a part of the yard, and the main entrance of the church of St. Demetrius.
photo: Dan Lundberg / CC BY-SA 2.0
must visit
#2

Church of Saint Demetrius

It's worth visiting the cathedral of Thessaloniki's patron, St Demetrius. It is included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

The arches of the brick-built church of St. Panteleimon pointing to the sky.
photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY 2.0
#3

Byzantine Church of St. Panteleimon

St. Panteleimon is a Byzantine church still in use. A piece of living history surviving on Egnatia, a busy street. Worth a short visit, if you come across it.

The statue of Alexander the Great with skaters in front of it and the sea in the background.
photo: Guillén Pérez / CC BY-ND 2.0
hidden gem
#4

«Alexander the Great» Statue

The city takes pride in its ancient history, and in particular its Macedonian heritage. Alexander's statue attracts tourists and skaters.

The White Tower among green trees against a blue sky at the background.
photo: Balcon del Mundo / CC BY-SA 2.0
#5

White Tower

Thessaloniki's trademark, the White Tower, was built by Eastern Romans, turned into a prison by the Ottomans, and into a museum by the Greeks.

The front and the main entrance of Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki including a big part of the churchyard.
photo: Andrew Zorin / CC BY-SA 3.0
#6

Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki

For more than 1300 years, Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki has been attracting believers. It has excellent mosaics and a heavy but elegant architecture.

A stack of see-through umbrellas viewed from below with the sky as background.
photo: Annatsach / CC BY-SA 4.0
#7

Zongolopoulos Umbrellas

A urban-environment contemporary art piece decorates the seafront promenade. Enjoy a long walk and you will encounter Zongolopoulos Umbrellas.

The brick-built Byzantine Church of Panagia Chalkeon behind the paved park and a few trees, surrounded by block of apartments.
photo: XeresNelro / CC BY-SA 4.0
#8

Byzantine Church of Panagia Chalkeon

A small oasis of history, the Byzantine Church of Panagia Chalkeon is in the heart of a small park. Certainly get inside for a spiritual break.

A panoramic picture showing people in Aristotelous Square in front of a white building and the sea in the background.
photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / CC BY-SA 2.0
#9

Aristotelous Square

Thessaloniki's showcase square is a place for coffee, dining, and shopping, often with an exceptional sunset. Start or finish your walk here.

The Arch of Galerius with some big buildings and the blue sky as a background.
photo: Dan Lundberg / CC BY-SA 2.0
#10

Arch of Galerius

Today, the favorite meeting point of young Thessalonians, Kamara - the Arch - was built to celebrate Roman victory over Sassanid Persians.

The Roman Rotonda in Thessaloniki is a circular building with a minaret leftover from its time as mosque.
photo: Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0
#11

Rotonda of Galerius

Galerius would-be mausoleum, the Roman Rotunda was finally turned into a church and a mosque. A place steeped in history and arts.

People walking by the walls of Thessaloniki's fortification.
photo: Andy Montgomery / CC BY-SA 2.0
#12

Eptapyrgio Fortification

The impressive Byzantine fortification has a small promenade offering panoramic views over Thessaloniki, and fantastic tavernas nearby.

A picture of the cryptoporticus, an arched tunnel, of the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki.
photo: Antonios Eleftheriadis / CC BY-SA 4.0
#13

Roman Agora of Thessaloniki

The Roman Forum (Agora) was Thessalonica's administrative heart. A cryptoporticus, an odeum/council room, and baths have been excavated.

A three-story villa of earthy colours surrounded by trees behind a fence.
photo: Pappasadrian / CC BY-SA 4.0
#14

Villa Bianca

A century ago, the wealthy quartier of Thessaloniki was full of houses like Villa Bianca. Today, it is a fabulous bar-restaurant.

A picture of Navarinou Square and the ruins of Galerius Palace surrounded by high buildings.
photo: Jean Housen / CC BY-SA 4.0
#15

Navarinou Square

The ancient square and walkway in the heart of Thessaloniki's Roman complex is alive with students hanging around, especially at night.

The white marble statue of Eleftherios Venizelos with his right hand lifted as if he is addressing a crowd.
photo: Jean Housen / CC BY-SA 4.0
#16

Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos

The statue honors the great 20th century politician who played a key role in Greece's modernization and expansion. The statue is part of a huge square.

Piece of signage and the brick-built Bey Hamam in the background.
photo: Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0
#17

Bey Hamam

Built in 1444 by Ottomans, the Bey Hamam is today an exhibition hall. It's visit-worthy for its well-preserved state and interesting architecture.

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