How to Get to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki International Airport Makedonia (SKG)
Many European airlines and charter companies fly direct from locations such as Paris, London, Berlin, Milan, Moscow, Cyprus, Amsterdam, Cologne, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Budapest. All major airlines from the US, Asia, Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East fly direct to Athens, with a 40-minute connection to Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki is also connected with direct flights from major Greek destinations such as Crete (Heraklion and Chania), Rhodes, Santorini and Myconos.
From the harbor
From the harbor, one can travel by cruise liners, ferries, or hydrofoils to all the popular island destinations of the Aegean. These include the pine-forested north and east Aegean islands of Limnos, Chios, Lesvos, Skiathos and Samos; the whitewashed Cycladic islands of Mykonos, Paros, Ios, Naxos, Syros, Tinos and the south Aegean cosmopolitan destinations of Santorini, Rhodes, Kos and Crete. For timetables and prices please contact the travel agencies which are members of the TCVB.
Thessaloniki, the Cultural Capital of Europe 1997
Thessaloniki, the Cultural Capital of Europe 1997, is the centre of the Greek North and the country' s second largest city. With a history of twentythree centuries reflected in its countless ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and modern monuments, this port city, now home to a million people, has always been a cosmopolitan metropolis and a powerful economic and cultural force throughout the entire southeastern European region. Today, more than ever, Thessaloniki is in a position to offer its visitors unique and UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.
With its own very special atmosphere
A blend of western civilization and eastern influences. With natural beauty spots and endless emerald-green shores less than an hour away. With a fascinating journey into art and civilization through its museums, galleries and unique monuments. In addition Thessaloniki is renowned for its lively nightlife and is considered to be the gastronomic capital of the country, with famous restaurants and many local specialties.
As destination choice
As destination choice for conference organisers, Thessaloniki excels. With a wide selection of venues and hotels open all year round, it caters for all levels of conference and the requirements of the most discerning delegate. From the smallest meeting to an international congress hosted in Thessaloniki, the Convention & Visitors Bureau provides all useful information for organising successful events, that combine MEETING AND PLEASURE
A crossroad of continents and civilizations
King Cassander of Macedonia founded Thessaloniki in 315 B.C. and named the new city after his wife, Thessaloniki, the sister of Alexander the Great. Throughout its long history, the city has received several designations which are indicative of Thessaloniki's grandeur and glorious past: Capital of Macedonia, Joint-administrative capital of the Byzantine Empire, Second City of modern Greece.
Thessaloniki has witnessed
Thessaloniki has witnessed in the 2300 years of its life the might and glory of the Macedonians, the power of Rome and the grandeur of Byzantium. Its position and the contribution it has made have helped it play a major role in world history. Standing as undeniable proof of that role are its many antiquities, monuments and other impressive archaeological finds, representing every historical period.
Geographical location
The city's geographical location in Southeastern Europe and its impressive infrastructure - two universities, the international trade fair, a large port and modern airport, an extensive road and rail network, the seat of the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace - are its most significant assets, both of which have been increasing its prestige in all respects. In recognition of the increasingly important role it has assumed in the region, Thessaloniki was designated Cultural Capital of Europe in 1997.
Within fifty kilometers of Thessaloniki are several sites of exceptional historical importance. There is Olympus, the mountain of the gods and seat of ancient Greek mythology, with its rare flora. Athos, "the Holy Mountain," is a sanctuary for a unique monastic community, safeguarding orthodox Christian tradition and priceless historical treasures. Pella, the ancient capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, features the palace of Alexander the Great, with its exquisite mosaics of immense historical value. Vergina became known worldwide when golden urns containing the remains of Phillip II and his wife - the parents of Alexander the Great - were unearthed during excavation of royal Macedonian tombs.
Roman - Byzantine legacy
This kind of architectural legacy is evident in the city center, which is interspersed with open-air archaeological sites and fine churches. Of particular interest among the numerous monuments of the Roman period are the triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius, built to commemorate his victory over the Persians in 297 A.D. and the excellently preserved circular "Rotonda", the Galerius Mausoleum. However, Thessaloniki is more famous for its monuments which date from the Byzantine period. Several churches, whose fine mosaics and wall paintings are representative of various periods of Byzantine art, have survived to enhance the historical image of the city. These include Aghios Dimitrios, Aghii Apostoli, Aghia Sophia, Aghia Aikaterini, Aghios Nikolaos, Profiti Ilia, Moni Vlatadon and several others.
The White Tower - The symbol of the city
What was to become Thessaloniki's symbol, the White Tower was built in the fifteenth century as a coastal defense tower. It originally linked the city's east and south walled perimeter, which was demolished in 1866. For centuries it was used both as guards' quarters and as a prison. Today, it houses a museum with various collections of icons, frescoes, and other artifacts, most of them dating from the Byzantine era.
Neoclassic additions and Modern cultural landmarks
Neoclassical influences are evident in several significant buildings such as the old Humanities faculty in the University campus and the arcaded buildings of Aristotelous Square, which was the cornerstone of the new city planning.
Neoclassicism is also present in many edifices throughout the city, albeit mixed with other architectural trends. Most of them are pre -1917 mansions that used to house upper class families and have become nowadays, museums, art galleries, cultural centers, public buildings and consulates. Many were restored on the event of the declaration of Thessaloniki into the cultural capital of Europe in 1997.
The port area of Thessaloniki
The port of Thessaloniki, the gate to the sea for the Balkan region, is developing rapidly to accommodate the ever-increasing number of international cruise liners that visit the city and the local ferries that ply the Aegean. The new "Macedonia Passenger Terminal" was recently opened to cater for this traffic. Commercial activities have also increased significantly over the last few years, and due to the various expansion projects that the port authority has undertaken and completed, Thessaloniki now ranks among the largest commercial ports in the eastern Mediterranean. In addition, the port authorities, in attempting to give more than just economic benefits to the city, have renovated several old traditionally-styled warehouses and converted them into modern multipurpose buildings, while still preserving their external architectural features. This recent restoration has added a special color and a vintage atmosphere to this section of the city.
"Ano Poli"
Although partly modernized, Ano Poli - meaning Upper Town - is still one of the most picturesque districts in Thessaloniki, with a distinct character of its own. Its Byzantine walls and towers are of striking beauty, and in its maze of tiny streets and traditional houses, the way of life of its inhabitants seems untouched by modernity. "Ano Poli" is certainly the most fundamental part of Thessaloniki's architectural heritage and its old churches and monuments will also stir the visitor's interest. The many small taverns to be found there complete the idyllic picture.
|
