8 Incredible Places to Visit in Thessaloniki, Greece

White Tower of Thessaloniki

The 15th century, six-storeyed tower is the most prominent monument in Thessaloniki. The tower served a dual purpose as a fortress and a prison. Today, it houses a museum that traces the history of the city.

White Tower of ThessalonikiRotunda

The striking 4th century domed structure is one of the city’s oldest religious monuments. Constructed at the behest of the Roman Emperor Galerius, the Rotunda was a part of the ruler’s palace complex.

Arch of Galerius

The beautiful arch was a tribute to the victory of Galerius over the Sassanid Persians. The elaborate carvings on the arch depict scenes from the victorious battle.

Church of St. Demetrius (Hagios Demetrios)

The imposing five-aisled basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki, Saint Demetrius. The church crypt holds intriguing artifacts that were unearthed during excavations.

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The wonderful museum is a wellspring of artifacts from Thessaloniki and Macedonia, spanning Prehistorical, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. The notable exhibits include the Derveni Papyrus, an ancient Macedonian papyrus roll that is called the oldest ‘book’ of Europe.

The gorgeous square teems with stately mansions and is the hosting place of the city’s cultural and political events.

Aristotelous Square

The plaza is the home of the Olympion Theatre Cinema that hosts the Thessaloniki International Film Festival every March.

Museum of Byzantine Culture

As a city steeped in Byzantine culture, it is no wonder to find a museum with an extensive collection of objects, including mosaics, rare books, wall paintings, and coins, that provide a glimpse into the ancient Byzantine way of life.

Roman Forum of Thessaloniki (Ancient Agora)

This is one of the city's hidden gems. Follow the ‘Cryptoporticus’ arcade to reach an underground museum, a rich vault of ancient history.