Welcome to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia, located on the Thermaic Gulf in northern Greece.
Location & Size Thessaloniki is one of the country’s most important urban, cultural, and economic centres. The city stretches along the waterfront of the Thermaic Gulf, with Mount Olympus visible across the water on clear days. Its metropolitan area is home to more than one million people.
History Founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon and named after his wife Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great, the city has a history spanning more than 2,300 years. Thessaloniki became an important centre during the Roman and Byzantine periods and later formed part of the Ottoman Empire for almost five centuries before becoming part of modern Greece in 1912.
Key Features The city is known for the White Tower, its most recognisable landmark, as well as the Arch of Galerius, the Roman Agora, and numerous early Christian and Byzantine churches. Several of Thessaloniki’s Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Aristotelous Square, opening onto the waterfront, is one of the city’s most prominent public spaces.
Landscape Thessaloniki combines a dense historic city centre with a long waterfront promenade along the Thermaic Gulf. The redeveloped seafront is popular for walking and cycling and offers views across the gulf. The surrounding region provides easy access to mountains, archaeological sites, and the beaches of Halkidiki.
Cultural Notes Thessaloniki is known for its lively atmosphere, strong food culture, and large student population, particularly because of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The city has a rich multicultural heritage shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish communities. It is also famous for its cafés, nightlife, festivals, and distinctive local cuisine, including pastries such as bougatsa and the ring-shaped sesame bread koulouri.
