Welcome to Thessaloniki

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Thessaloniki, also known as Thessalonica, Saloniki or Salonica, is the second-largest city in Greece, with over 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, and the capital of Macedonia. It is also known in Greek as η Συμπρωτεύουσα (i Simprotévousa, literally "the co-capital") a reference to its historical status as the Συμβασιλεύουσα (Simvasilévousa) or "co-reigning" city of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, alongside Constantinople. From the city, you can admire Mount Olympus, where PROMETHEE stole fire from the Gods.

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The seafront of Thessaloniki, in 1917

The city of Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. It was conquered by the Ottomans in 1430, and remained an important seaport and multi-ethnic metropolis during the nearly five centuries of Turkish rule. It passed from the Ottoman Empire to Greece on 8 November 1912. It is home to numerous notable Byzantine monuments, including the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, as well as several Roman, Ottoman and Sephardic Jewish structures.

Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination in Greece. In 2013, National Geographic Magazine included Thessaloniki in its top tourist destinations worldwide, while in 2014 Financial Times FDI magazine (Foreign Direct Investments) declared Thessaloniki as the best mid-sized European city of the future for human capital and lifestyle.

There are many interesting historical places to visit in Thessaloniki:

• The White Tower (15th Century) is the hallmark of the city:

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• Byzantine monuments like Saint Sophia church (7th Century):

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• Galerius arch (303 AD):

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There is also a lot of lively places in the center of the city:

• Aristotle Square is the largest square in Greece:

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• Thessaloniki by night:

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For more information on Thessaloniki, please visit the Thessaloniki website:

https://thessaloniki.gr/?lang=en