Thessaloniki (
Salonica), in the Greek region of
Macedonia in the north, is the countrys' second largest city and a major cultural and commercial centre. This thriving and modern city has a long and varied history, and is one of the oldest in
Europe, with
Thessaloniki being first established in 316 BC. Home to some fascinating sites, churches and museums, the city is full of unique monuments and architecture, from Roman to Byzantine, and retains a strong Balkan influence. Many tourists come to visit
Thessaloniki to experience the vibrant city life and soak up the history and culture, or arrive at the international airport and travel south to visit the wonderful beach resorts on the peninsula of
Halkidiki (
Chalkidiki).
Thessaloniki sits on the coast, its' harbour facing the Bay of Thermaikos.
An attractive city,
Thessaloniki has a modern feel to it, and is pleasant to walk around, with its' wide streets, and numerous parks and squares. Mostly destroyed in a huge fire in 1917, the city was successfully rebuilt and today the lively and cosmopolitan metropolis is a unique mix of past and present. Regulations have meant that the buildings in
Thessaloniki city remain low-rise, due to the threat of earthquakes, so there are wonderful views from all over the city. Parts of the Byzantine walls which separated the old Jewish quarter are still standing, along with the famous White Tower, the symbol of the city, an important fort and one-time prison, and now a museum.
