Thessaloniki
Prefecture: Thessaloniki
Capital: Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki was Alexander the Great's sister and her name was given to the city built in
the 4th c. BC by her husband, Kassandros. In 50 AD Apostle Paul came here to preach
the new religion of Christianity for which many martyrs died during the Roman times.
Among them was Dimitrius, a Roman officer, who became the patron Saint of the city.
Below the ground where the church of St. Dimitrios stands today one can still visit the
catacombes where he and other early Christians died. Thessaloniki was the second most
important city of the Byzantine empire. Trade always played an important role in the history
of the city making it a cosmopolitan urban center as well as a target for invaders (Slavs,
Avars, Saracenes, Normands, Katalans, Turks) who left their signs. The White Tower, now
a museum and landmark of the city, used to be a Venetian prison known as "The Tower of
Blood". The city was also marked by fires and earthquakes, throughout the centuries.The last
destructive earthquake was in 1978, causing many old buildings to collapse or be demolished.
Today, Thessaloniki is a vibrant city full of life day and night. Countless taverns, cafés, bars
and clubs cater for every taste. Thessaloniki is traditionally associated with "rebetika", the
distinct music genre often referred to as "the Greek blues", which sprang out of the
"underground" communities of Greek refugees from Asia Minor in the 1920s.
Thessaloniki enjoys a rich contemporary cultural life besides its rich cultural past. The city hosts
various cultural events and annual festivals such as the Greek and International Film Festival
and Dimitria, a festival dating back to Byzantine times. During the summer months (September
included) theatrical perfomances of ancient drama take place at open-air amphitheatres. The
same sites host concerts of contemporary international and Greek artists and bands, while
the new Concert Hall by the sea is ideal for various other music events. Thessaloniki
was proclaimed Cultural Capital of Europe in 1997.
September is a month of great importance for Thessaloniki. That's when companies and visitors
from around the world gather here for the International Trade Fair of Thessaloniki, a major event
open to the public and accompanied by cultural activities.September is also the month when
the Institute of International Public Law and International Relations of Thessaloniki hosts its
annual session with participants from various countries dealing with contemporary issues of
International Law.
Further information and photos:
Saloniki.org
City Guide
Thessaloniki Travel Guide
Thessaloniki weather
Photos
Radio Stations
Greek National Tourism Organisation
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Thessaloniki is said to be the most
enchanting city in Greece. Situated
between a forest and the sea, being
the country's second largest city
(with one million inhabitants) and the
most important trade center of the
Balkans it manages to retain its own
personal character and warmth, which
make it the most beloved city in Greece.