There is no doubt that the covered markets include a different aspect of the way of life of Thessaloniki. They are characterized by a distinctive atmosphere that travels the visitor to another era. Among them are Kapani, Modiano, Athonos, and Bezesteni, from which the two first are the biggest and the most popular ones.
What is the Kapani in Thessaloniki?
Kapani (or Vlali Market) is the oldest traditional market of Thessaloniki that dates from the 15th century, while it is located on the west side of Aristotelous Square. The first version of the market's name derives from the Turkish expression "Un Kapan-i" which literally means flour market.
After the beginning of the Greek revolution of the northern parts of Greece in 1821, the Ottoman rule executed at Kapani a great number of Greeks and Greek officials who were accused of being members of the Greek secret revolutionary organization (Filiki Etairia). Among them, bishops, priests, and George Vlalis the first member of Filiki Etairia in Thessaloniki. His name was given to the market after 1912 when Thessaloniki became a member of the Hellenic State.
Kapani is very close to Egnatia Street and more specifically it's located at the right part of Aristotelous as someone is heading to the seafront. It includes a series of shops that sell meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits but also house gear, clothes, and shoes. Small cafés and restaurants offer extraordinary spots to admire and "inhale" the special atmosphere and smells of the market.