Maybe not as famous, but with a historical equal and probably more diverse than Athens Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. Located at the Thermaikos Gulf in the Aegean Sea, the city is a strategic trading port for northern Greece and the Balkans. It is also recognized by universities and colleges that attract students from all over Europe. Thessaloniki has a rich cultural heritage dating back several centuries. There are references in Thessaloniki in the New Testament, the most famous of them are the letters of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, the earliest records of Christian literature.
The city was founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedonia, on a site of ancient monuments dating from 2300 BC. He was named after his wife Thessalonica, who was the sister of Alexander the Great. Over the years, Thessaloniki suffered invasions by many cultures, including the Slavs, Arabs, Normans, Saraces, Catalans, Turks and Nazis. It testifies to the richness of this city that has prevailed through each raid, with its ancient Byzantine monuments intact.
I live in a small town just outside of Thessaloniki. All my life, I read books and articles that shot of Greek culture, the weather, the sun and the beaches. Because Greece is a popular destination for winter is never mentioned. It was only when I moved here in August 2003, I think the snow is not uncommon, especially in northern Greece. Greece Winter lasts from November to March, and the temperature can drop below zero.
Parking is at a premium in Thessaloniki, which has a lot of charm of a historic city. Narrow cobbled streets with sidewalks are a common feature - great for walking, but not so easy when you are driving a big car! Thessalonians fleet everywhere - on sidewalks, corners and "no" parking areas, and it is simply not enough parking. Double and triple parallel parking is a common sight. There are municipal parking areas, and these are close to the attractions of the city.
The White Tower is the symbol of Thessaloniki. It overlooks the coast of the city and is considered the most important historical site in the city. It looks like a round piece of giant chess and gray - not white. The tower was built in the fifteenth century, and served as a prison during the occupation of Greece by the Ottoman Empire from 1430 to 1912. Meanwhile, it became known as "The Bloody Tower". When the prisoners are the bodies were placed in the top of the tower, so that the blood ran down the sides as a reminder to the Thessalonians formidable power of the invaders. Thessaloniki was released after the tower was cleared as a symbolic gesture of purification. We were told of a Jewish prisoner tower painted himself for his release, but has not been able to verify this story a little "romantic".
Today, the White Tower is a museum. We walked up, using the stone staircase that winds its way up and down inside the structure. There are three levels on the trip, as well as banks located near windows for visitors who need to rest unfit for promotion. The steps are not steep or narrow, just a little a lot of them! The view is worth the climb, which gives a 360 degree view of the sea and the city as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, Mount Olympus is easily visible.
At the foot of memories and memories of the White Tower building are sold, as well as postcards and memories of Greece. There are also photographers who take pictures of visitors The White Tower in the background. Walking is really the best way to move in Thessaloniki, because there is much to do, and most of the historical sites are very close together. There are dozens of pharmacies and shops selling clothes, toys, stationery items and antiques. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes. He visits Thessaloniki very nice city.
There have been a series of earthquakes in the region over the last two thousand years, which means that Thessaloniki was rebuilt several times, on the ruins of the ancient city. This is noticeable when you look at some of the stores, which, while being accessible from the street, are below street level. Many churches have withstood earthquakes and remain standing, accessible by a staircase leading to the entrance of the street. The last earthquake in 1978.
Three blocks from the tower is the next historic site, a clear example of what was the city two millennia ago. Surrounded by tall buildings, shops and restaurants to street level, we approached what appeared to be a vacant lot in the center of the city. As we approached, we saw the brick walls and arches rise from the ground. When we got to the fence around the area, we were surprised to look down into a maze of ruins. To find in the center of Thessaloniki is now exciting. His name is the Palace of Galerius, and was the home of the Roman Emperor of the same name.
Built in the early fourth century AD by Emperor Galerius - ruled the area between 305 and 311 AD, the site is protected, and currently under intensive restoration. Architects working on the site, and visitors can explore the ruins with trails. There is a wealth of information on the Palace on signs erected along the roads. Some of the complex mosaic tiles are still in place, and we were able to identify the bathrooms and a sophisticated drainage. Galerius Palace covers the walls of the buildings surrounding the square, it is not difficult to imagine the amount of the palace was covered by modern architecture.
Two blocks from the Palace of Galerius is the magnificent Arch of Galerius. Built to commemorate the victory of the emperor over the Persians in 297 BC, the stone arch with sculptures that celebrate the battles. It is a testament to the great architecture structure that has survived two thousand years, and earthquakes that devastated Thessaloniki. An arc of next information panel told us that it was a part of four entrances to the complex ceremonial palace road met by more crowded city.
Behind the arc, we saw a huge circular stone structure with a dome. This building, the Rotunda, Galley was built recently, and seems to have been a place of worship. It is believed that he became a Christian church during the reign of Emperor Constantine, some 20 years after the death of Galerius. Although the building is being restored, we walk inside. There are two platforms at levels just above the ground. The roof is clearly visible to enter the building and research. There are gaps accessible off the roadway, with intricate mosaics on the ceilings. Again, it is surprising that this colossal structure has stood through the centuries and the forces of nature. Considered the oldest Christian church in Greece and one of the oldest in the world.
Above Egnatia Street is a green park, filled with benches, flowerbeds and trees ordered. When we saw a fence surrounding a large part of our curiosity was piqued - remember Galerius Palace ran to her.
Covering more than two hectares, the Roman Forum is another reminder of the rich history of Thessaloniki. Located about two meters below the modern street of Thessaloniki, the Forum was built around 297 AD. There are stone benches along three sides, overlooking a large open space, which has in mind the delusions of gladiators and lions. Two arcs are located on opposite sides of the Forum, a few meters below the floor of the arena. It was a market place, and it is easy to see where the players exchanged their products. Pieces of a huge bathroom ceramics have been restored, and this is indicated in the input market. We believe that probably had more than five hundred liters of wine - enough for a serious party! On the fourth side of the Forum are well preserved what seems traders rooms or meeting rooms ruins. Unfortunately, the ongoing restoration of the site, we were able to have access to this section of the forum since 2003. In the same place is a building which housed the Roman baths. This is well presented with lots of bathroom fixtures original and well worth a visit.
North of the Roman Forum is the largest of the 57 churches in the city. Agios Demetrios was destroyed by two fires, the first in the sixteenth century and the second in 1916. The church we see today was restored in 1947, and some of the original marble columns that survived the fire is still standing and low spots stand as a testament to smoke the hell that destroyed the previous church. It is filled with exquisite details and beautiful paintings of St. Demetrius. He is the patron saint of Thessaloniki, and was the commander of the Roman forces occupied Thessaloniki. In 303 AD, the emperor ordered Demetrius to run all Christians living in Thessaloniki. Because Demetrius was a Christian, he refused, and was martyred. There are quite a display of his remains in the church, as well as a crypt under the church through which visitors can walk. The crypt is the original church, and it is fascinating. It consists of a series of documents containing the original source and the altar. Other important churches Agios Sofia, Agios Katerina and the Church of the Holy Apostles. All contain excellent examples of mosaics, murals and relics from the Byzantine era. I admit it is quite disconcerting to see security guards sitting in a couple of churches, and they prayed. With so many old objects around security is clearly a priority.
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