Η ιστοσελίδα του Δήμου Θεσσαλονίκης
Friendly, charming and with a hint of mystery and wealth of cultural attractions, the second largest city in Greece is located in the northern part of the country. It is a longtime melting pot of cultures, a feature that is reflected in the spicy flavors with eastern influences, as well as flavors from France and the Balkans, as well as the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Due to the strategic importance of the Thermaikos Gulf and its residential advantages, numerous settlements developed around it, starting in the Neolithic Era and the Bronze Age. Archaeologists have unearthed sites from the Iron Age and the later eras (9th-4th century BC). According to sources, these settlements comprised the 26 towns that united to form the city.
The administrative organisation of the city during the Hellenistic era followed the model employed in other Greek cities. It retained a type of administrative autonomy after its conquest by the Romans, who contributed to its rapid growth.
The historical character of Thessaloniki is undoubtedly linked to its Byzantine life. The walls and extant inscriptions record the tumultuous history of the city. The walled city and its monuments could reasonably be described as an open museum.
The city acquired an Eastern character. Mosques were built throughout its neighbourhoods, new building complexes, religious schools, Bezesteni (an indoor market) and bathhouses became the hubs of the city’s new reality.
The 20th century held a number of changes for Thessaloniki. In 1912, Thessaloniki was liberated from the Ottoman Empire and annexed to the Greek state. Within a few decades, major historical events took place in the city.
Places where the past is consistent with the future. Stores that offer daily fresh products, spices, olives, fish, meat, cafes, bakeries, candy and marshmallows, restaurants and snack bars, clothes and much more.
Nowhere else in Greece can one find so many different flavours combined on the same table. Various ingredients are combined wisely and artfully to produce tasty, balanced dishes.
If you think that everyone in Thessaloniki is rushing somewhere all day, just wait until nightfall.
The walled city and its monuments can reasonably be called an open Byzantine Museum. All city monuments, Byzantine, Post-Byzantine and Ottoman – have been declared as historical landmark monuments. Fifteen (15) of the Early Christian-Byzantine monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
The area of Thessaloniki hosts numerous cemeteries from all historical periods. Some of them are of particular importance to the city and its people.
