Thessaloniki Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has been shaped by layers of empire, trade, and migration for more than two millennia. It was founded in 315 BCE by Cassander, king of Macedon, who merged several smaller settlements around the Thermaic Gulf into a single city. He named it after his wife, Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. The name Thessalonikē combines Thessaloi and nikē, meaning victory, commemorating a Macedonian victory of the Thessalian forces—literally “Victory of the Thessalians”.
Thanks to its strategic coastal position, Thessaloniki quickly grew into a key commercial hub. Under Roman rule, it prospered as a major stop along the Via Egnatia, the great road linking the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium. The city enjoyed a degree of autonomy and became an early center of Christianity; the Apostle Paul addressed two of his New Testament letters to the local Christian community.
During the Byzantine period, Thessaloniki emerged as the empire’s second most important city after Constantinople. It was a fortified stronghold and a major intellectual and religious center, renowned for its churches, mosaics, and theological scholarship. Despite frequent sieges by Slavs, Arabs, Normans, and others, the city remained a vital Byzantine outpost for centuries.
In 1430, Thessaloniki fell to the Ottomans, entering a long new chapter that reshaped its population and culture. The city became notably diverse, especially after the arrival of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, who transformed Thessaloniki into one of the most important Jewish centers in the Mediterranean. Mosques, baths, and markets altered the urban fabric, while trade kept the port active and cosmopolitan.
Thessaloniki was incorporated into modern Greece in 1912, following the Balkan Wars. A devastating fire in 1917 destroyed much of the historic center, leading to a large-scale redesign that gave the city its present layout. The 20th century brought further upheaval, including the near destruction of its Jewish community during the Second World War.
Walking through Thessaloniki’s city center, you move between open waterfront space and dense layers of history. Aristotelous Square opens toward the sea, setting a grand civic stage. Inland, the Rotunda of Galerius and the Arch of Galerius mark the Roman heart of the city. Nearby, the Church of Hagia Sophia and Hagios Demetrios reveal Byzantine continuity, while the White Tower of Thessaloniki anchors the shoreline as the city’s enduring symbol, within a compact, walkable urban core.
Today, Thessaloniki stands as a living archive of antiquity, empire, and resilience—defined by continuity, adaptation, and an unusually deep sense of historical memory.
Thanks to its strategic coastal position, Thessaloniki quickly grew into a key commercial hub. Under Roman rule, it prospered as a major stop along the Via Egnatia, the great road linking the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium. The city enjoyed a degree of autonomy and became an early center of Christianity; the Apostle Paul addressed two of his New Testament letters to the local Christian community.
During the Byzantine period, Thessaloniki emerged as the empire’s second most important city after Constantinople. It was a fortified stronghold and a major intellectual and religious center, renowned for its churches, mosaics, and theological scholarship. Despite frequent sieges by Slavs, Arabs, Normans, and others, the city remained a vital Byzantine outpost for centuries.
In 1430, Thessaloniki fell to the Ottomans, entering a long new chapter that reshaped its population and culture. The city became notably diverse, especially after the arrival of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, who transformed Thessaloniki into one of the most important Jewish centers in the Mediterranean. Mosques, baths, and markets altered the urban fabric, while trade kept the port active and cosmopolitan.
Thessaloniki was incorporated into modern Greece in 1912, following the Balkan Wars. A devastating fire in 1917 destroyed much of the historic center, leading to a large-scale redesign that gave the city its present layout. The 20th century brought further upheaval, including the near destruction of its Jewish community during the Second World War.
Walking through Thessaloniki’s city center, you move between open waterfront space and dense layers of history. Aristotelous Square opens toward the sea, setting a grand civic stage. Inland, the Rotunda of Galerius and the Arch of Galerius mark the Roman heart of the city. Nearby, the Church of Hagia Sophia and Hagios Demetrios reveal Byzantine continuity, while the White Tower of Thessaloniki anchors the shoreline as the city’s enduring symbol, within a compact, walkable urban core.
Today, Thessaloniki stands as a living archive of antiquity, empire, and resilience—defined by continuity, adaptation, and an unusually deep sense of historical memory.
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Thessaloniki Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Thessaloniki Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Greece » Thessaloniki (See other walking tours in Thessaloniki)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Greece » Thessaloniki (See other walking tours in Thessaloniki)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Aristotelous Square
- Church of Hagia Sophia
- Greek Agora and Roman Forum
- Hagios Demetrios (Church of St. Demetrios)
- Rotunda of Galerius
- Arch of Galerius
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- Leoforos Nikis/Nikis (Victory) Avenue
1) Aristotelous Square (must see)
It was August 1917. Greece had joined the Allied side in the Great War, and Thessaloniki was crowded with British and French troops, along with refugees from the collapsing Ottoman world across the Aegean Sea. In a small refugee house at Olympiados Street, a stray ember from a kitchen fire ignited stored straw. Fanned by strong winds, the flames spread rapidly. For two days, much of the city burned.
French architect Ernest Hébrard happened to be in Thessaloniki at the time. Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos immediately banned any ad-hoc rebuilding and ordered that reconstruction proceed only under a comprehensive modern plan. Hébrard was commissioned to redesign the devastated center. He proposed a city of broad avenues, generous public squares, and monumental facades drawing inspiration from Byzantine architecture. Among these new civic spaces was Alexander the Great Square, later renamed Aristotelous Square, designed as the city’s ceremonial heart.
A monumental axis was laid out from the sea-facing Aristotelous Square inland toward Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum. Looking uphill from the square, toward the north, the line of the Byzantine city walls remains visible in the distance. Symbolism appears within the square itself: Aristotle sits casually in chiton and sandals near the eastern side of the square. If you stand facing inland, away from the sea, the statue will be to your right. Aristotle’s statue is a favorite local ritual; students polish the big toe of his left foot in hopes that some wisdom might rub off.
Today, Aristotelous Square functions as Thessaloniki’s principal gathering space, regularly hosting rallies, demonstrations, and major public celebrations, including Christmas and carnival events. If you stand facing inland, the western side of the square is dominated by the Electra Palace Hotel. Its symmetrical facade forms part of Hébrard’s original composition, while the Orizontes Roof Garden on the upper level opens southward toward the Thermaic Gulf.
Turn right and you'll see the Olympion Theatre on the eastern side of the square. It is a neoclassical cinema and one of the square’s key cultural landmarks. The building serves as the main venue of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. During the festival, the square becomes an extension of the screenings themselves, filling with queues, conversations, and informal gatherings that spill directly into the surrounding streets.
French architect Ernest Hébrard happened to be in Thessaloniki at the time. Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos immediately banned any ad-hoc rebuilding and ordered that reconstruction proceed only under a comprehensive modern plan. Hébrard was commissioned to redesign the devastated center. He proposed a city of broad avenues, generous public squares, and monumental facades drawing inspiration from Byzantine architecture. Among these new civic spaces was Alexander the Great Square, later renamed Aristotelous Square, designed as the city’s ceremonial heart.
A monumental axis was laid out from the sea-facing Aristotelous Square inland toward Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum. Looking uphill from the square, toward the north, the line of the Byzantine city walls remains visible in the distance. Symbolism appears within the square itself: Aristotle sits casually in chiton and sandals near the eastern side of the square. If you stand facing inland, away from the sea, the statue will be to your right. Aristotle’s statue is a favorite local ritual; students polish the big toe of his left foot in hopes that some wisdom might rub off.
Today, Aristotelous Square functions as Thessaloniki’s principal gathering space, regularly hosting rallies, demonstrations, and major public celebrations, including Christmas and carnival events. If you stand facing inland, the western side of the square is dominated by the Electra Palace Hotel. Its symmetrical facade forms part of Hébrard’s original composition, while the Orizontes Roof Garden on the upper level opens southward toward the Thermaic Gulf.
Turn right and you'll see the Olympion Theatre on the eastern side of the square. It is a neoclassical cinema and one of the square’s key cultural landmarks. The building serves as the main venue of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. During the festival, the square becomes an extension of the screenings themselves, filling with queues, conversations, and informal gatherings that spill directly into the surrounding streets.
2) Church of Hagia Sophia (must see)
The church takes its name from the Greek Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom”. It is one of Thessaloniki’s most important Byzantine monuments and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki.
A church has existed on this site since Late Antiquity, with earlier structures dating to the 5th century, likely replacing a Roman civic building. The present church was constructed in the late 7th century, following damage to its predecessor, and was clearly inspired by Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
Architecturally, the church follows a domed Greek-cross basilica plan. As you step into the nave, the space immediately draws your eye upward, with strong vertical lines guiding attention toward the dome. A highlight of the church is the 9th-century mosaic of the Ascension, showing Christ rising within a mandorla, surrounded by angels, the Virgin Mary, and the Twelve Apostles. To see it clearly, stand directly beneath the dome and look straight up from the center of the nave.
After taking in the dome, move toward the eastern end of the church, near the sanctuary. Here, along the arches and upper wall surfaces, you can spot fragmentary mosaics dating to the 8th and 9th centuries. These are more subtle than the dome mosaic and require closer attention. Look for isolated tesserae patterns and partial figures, often set against gold backgrounds and embedded among later fresco layers. As you continue around the interior, notice how these mosaic remnants coexist with frescoes largely dating to the 11th century, revealing multiple phases of decoration within the same space.
During the Fourth Crusade, Thessaloniki fell to Western rule, and in 1205 the church was converted into a Catholic cathedral, remaining so until 1224. After the Ottoman capture of the city in 1430, Hagia Sophia continued to function as a church for several decades before being converted into a mosque in 1524. Architectural additions at that time included a minaret and a portico.
When Thessaloniki was incorporated into the modern Greek state in 1912, the building was returned to Christian worship. The minaret and portico were removed, though the base of the minaret remains visible outside, at the northwest corner of the building.
A church has existed on this site since Late Antiquity, with earlier structures dating to the 5th century, likely replacing a Roman civic building. The present church was constructed in the late 7th century, following damage to its predecessor, and was clearly inspired by Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
Architecturally, the church follows a domed Greek-cross basilica plan. As you step into the nave, the space immediately draws your eye upward, with strong vertical lines guiding attention toward the dome. A highlight of the church is the 9th-century mosaic of the Ascension, showing Christ rising within a mandorla, surrounded by angels, the Virgin Mary, and the Twelve Apostles. To see it clearly, stand directly beneath the dome and look straight up from the center of the nave.
After taking in the dome, move toward the eastern end of the church, near the sanctuary. Here, along the arches and upper wall surfaces, you can spot fragmentary mosaics dating to the 8th and 9th centuries. These are more subtle than the dome mosaic and require closer attention. Look for isolated tesserae patterns and partial figures, often set against gold backgrounds and embedded among later fresco layers. As you continue around the interior, notice how these mosaic remnants coexist with frescoes largely dating to the 11th century, revealing multiple phases of decoration within the same space.
During the Fourth Crusade, Thessaloniki fell to Western rule, and in 1205 the church was converted into a Catholic cathedral, remaining so until 1224. After the Ottoman capture of the city in 1430, Hagia Sophia continued to function as a church for several decades before being converted into a mosque in 1524. Architectural additions at that time included a minaret and a portico.
When Thessaloniki was incorporated into the modern Greek state in 1912, the building was returned to Christian worship. The minaret and portico were removed, though the base of the minaret remains visible outside, at the northwest corner of the building.
3) Greek Agora and Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is an excavated Roman-era civic complex, also commonly referred to as the Ancient Agora. It was uncovered in 1966, when construction work began on a new Thessaloniki Municipal Courthouse. Following the discovery, plans for the courthouse were abandoned, and the site was set aside for systematic archaeological excavation.
When Thessaloniki came under Roman rule, the earlier Hellenistic agora was expanded and reorganized into a large Roman forum laid out on two main levels. Construction began in the late 2nd century CE, and the complex remained in use until at least the 6th century. During this period, it functioned as the city’s primary administrative, commercial, religious, and social center, closely connected to the main streets of Roman Thessaloniki.
The forum included a central open square surrounded by two-story porticoes, along with public buildings and amenities typical of Roman urban planning. Archaeological remains indicate the presence of two bath complexes and an odeon, originally intended for musical performances, public meetings, and civic gatherings. Some interpretations suggest that the odeon itself may have been adapted to host gladiatorial contests and hunts with wild animals.
Decorative elements of the forum included arches, fountains, colonnades, and mosaic floors, fragments of which survive. Several Corinthian columns, once supporting the porticoes, remain standing or partially reconstructed. One of the most distinctive features of the site is the cryptoporticus, a network of semi-subterranean vaulted corridors that supported the upper level of the forum. These passages are exceptionally well preserved and can be followed by visitors today. They also provide access to the underground museum, which displays artifacts uncovered during excavation, including coins, inscriptions, architectural fragments, and marble sculptures found on-site.
When Thessaloniki came under Roman rule, the earlier Hellenistic agora was expanded and reorganized into a large Roman forum laid out on two main levels. Construction began in the late 2nd century CE, and the complex remained in use until at least the 6th century. During this period, it functioned as the city’s primary administrative, commercial, religious, and social center, closely connected to the main streets of Roman Thessaloniki.
The forum included a central open square surrounded by two-story porticoes, along with public buildings and amenities typical of Roman urban planning. Archaeological remains indicate the presence of two bath complexes and an odeon, originally intended for musical performances, public meetings, and civic gatherings. Some interpretations suggest that the odeon itself may have been adapted to host gladiatorial contests and hunts with wild animals.
Decorative elements of the forum included arches, fountains, colonnades, and mosaic floors, fragments of which survive. Several Corinthian columns, once supporting the porticoes, remain standing or partially reconstructed. One of the most distinctive features of the site is the cryptoporticus, a network of semi-subterranean vaulted corridors that supported the upper level of the forum. These passages are exceptionally well preserved and can be followed by visitors today. They also provide access to the underground museum, which displays artifacts uncovered during excavation, including coins, inscriptions, architectural fragments, and marble sculptures found on-site.
4) Hagios Demetrios (Church of St. Demetrios) (must see)
The Church of Saint Demetrios is dedicated to Saint Demetrios, the city’s patron saint and a Roman martyr of the early 4th century. According to tradition, Demetrios was a high-ranking Roman official or military commander who openly professed Christianity during the reign of Galerius. Over time, Demetrios came to be venerated as a military saint and protector of Thessaloniki, believed to have defended the city during its many sieges.
A shrine was first established over the place of his martyrdom, and in the early 5th century it was replaced by a three-aisled basilica. After a major fire in the 7th century, the church was rebuilt as a five-aisled basilica, largely defining the structure that survives today. The present building dates primarily to this reconstruction, though it has undergone repeated restoration following fires, earthquakes, and periods of conversion, including use as a mosque during the Ottoman era.
Architecturally, Hagios Demetrios is one of the largest basilicas in Greece, notable for its scale and relatively restrained exterior. As you enter the church, the interior opens into a broad forest of columns that divide the space into five parallel aisles. The church’s most celebrated artistic treasures are its Byzantine mosaics, dating from the 5th to the 9th centuries. To see them, move slowly along the central nave and into the side aisles, keeping your eyes at upper wall level, above the columns.
Several of the best-preserved mosaics are located along the north and south interior walls, especially near the transept and the area just before the sanctuary. Look for panels showing Saint Demetrios standing frontally, often flanked by clergy, civic officials, or children presenting offerings. Only nine mosaics survived the Great Fire of 1917.
After viewing the mosaics, proceed toward the sanctuary and look for the entrance leading downward. Beneath the sanctuary lies the crypt, traditionally identified as the site of Demetrios’ imprisonment and death. Today, it functions as a museum space, where you can see archaeological remains of the Roman bath complex. Each year on October 26, the feast day of Saint Demetrios, the church becomes the focal point of major religious celebrations.
A shrine was first established over the place of his martyrdom, and in the early 5th century it was replaced by a three-aisled basilica. After a major fire in the 7th century, the church was rebuilt as a five-aisled basilica, largely defining the structure that survives today. The present building dates primarily to this reconstruction, though it has undergone repeated restoration following fires, earthquakes, and periods of conversion, including use as a mosque during the Ottoman era.
Architecturally, Hagios Demetrios is one of the largest basilicas in Greece, notable for its scale and relatively restrained exterior. As you enter the church, the interior opens into a broad forest of columns that divide the space into five parallel aisles. The church’s most celebrated artistic treasures are its Byzantine mosaics, dating from the 5th to the 9th centuries. To see them, move slowly along the central nave and into the side aisles, keeping your eyes at upper wall level, above the columns.
Several of the best-preserved mosaics are located along the north and south interior walls, especially near the transept and the area just before the sanctuary. Look for panels showing Saint Demetrios standing frontally, often flanked by clergy, civic officials, or children presenting offerings. Only nine mosaics survived the Great Fire of 1917.
After viewing the mosaics, proceed toward the sanctuary and look for the entrance leading downward. Beneath the sanctuary lies the crypt, traditionally identified as the site of Demetrios’ imprisonment and death. Today, it functions as a museum space, where you can see archaeological remains of the Roman bath complex. Each year on October 26, the feast day of Saint Demetrios, the church becomes the focal point of major religious celebrations.
5) Rotunda of Galerius (must see)
The Rotunda of Galerius is an imposing cylindrical monument and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Thessaloniki. It was commissioned around AD 306 by the Roman co-emperor Galerius, although its original purpose remains debated. Some historians believe it was intended as Galerius’ mausoleum, while others suggest it was designed as a temple. Architecturally, the Rotunda bears strong similarities to the Pantheon in Rome, particularly in its monumental scale and domed interior.
The building’s massive walls have played a crucial role in its survival through centuries of earthquakes. The Rotunda rises to a height of approximately 95 feet and measures about 80 feet in diameter, creating a vast and commanding interior space. In antiquity, a ceremonial road connected the Rotunda to the nearby Arch of Galerius, forming part of Galerius’ imperial complex. During the Early Byzantine period, the Rotunda was converted into a Christian church, with the addition of an eastern sanctuary. It later served as Thessaloniki’s cathedral during the Byzantine era, until the Ottoman conquest. In 1590–1591, the building was converted into a mosque, and a minaret was added. After Thessaloniki’s liberation in 1912, the Rotunda was reconsecrated as a Christian church and dedicated to Saint George.
As you enter, look upward and you’ll see Early Byzantine mosaics with botanical and natural motifs: birds, fruit, flowers, and ornamental patterns. Pause at the southern niche: its vault includes a gold Latin cross set among stars, birds, floral forms, and fruit, one of the most recognizable compositions in the building. Then, return to the center and lift your eyes higher to the ring of standing saints often described as the “martyrs frieze.” Finally, look up to the very top of the dome, where a medallion scene shows angels holding a circular frame. The central figure, traditionally identified as Christ, is heavily damaged, largely because seismic activity took a toll on the highest mosaics over time.
Before leaving, step outside and spot the minaret added during the Ottoman period. It remains one of the very few historic minarets in Thessaloniki still standing at full height, offering a clear reminder of the Rotunda’s layered history across Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
The building’s massive walls have played a crucial role in its survival through centuries of earthquakes. The Rotunda rises to a height of approximately 95 feet and measures about 80 feet in diameter, creating a vast and commanding interior space. In antiquity, a ceremonial road connected the Rotunda to the nearby Arch of Galerius, forming part of Galerius’ imperial complex. During the Early Byzantine period, the Rotunda was converted into a Christian church, with the addition of an eastern sanctuary. It later served as Thessaloniki’s cathedral during the Byzantine era, until the Ottoman conquest. In 1590–1591, the building was converted into a mosque, and a minaret was added. After Thessaloniki’s liberation in 1912, the Rotunda was reconsecrated as a Christian church and dedicated to Saint George.
As you enter, look upward and you’ll see Early Byzantine mosaics with botanical and natural motifs: birds, fruit, flowers, and ornamental patterns. Pause at the southern niche: its vault includes a gold Latin cross set among stars, birds, floral forms, and fruit, one of the most recognizable compositions in the building. Then, return to the center and lift your eyes higher to the ring of standing saints often described as the “martyrs frieze.” Finally, look up to the very top of the dome, where a medallion scene shows angels holding a circular frame. The central figure, traditionally identified as Christ, is heavily damaged, largely because seismic activity took a toll on the highest mosaics over time.
Before leaving, step outside and spot the minaret added during the Ottoman period. It remains one of the very few historic minarets in Thessaloniki still standing at full height, offering a clear reminder of the Rotunda’s layered history across Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
6) Arch of Galerius (must see)
The Arch of Galerius was erected in AD 303 to commemorate the victory of the Roman co-emperor Galerius over the Persian Empire, following his successful campaign against the Sassanids. The monument originally formed part of a grand ceremonial complex and consisted of an eight-pillared structure supporting a triple arch. A processional road linked the Arch with the Rotunda of Galerius and Galerius’ palace complex, reinforcing its role as an imperial statement of power.
Today, only three of the original eight pillars remain standing. Even so, the arch remains one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmarks. Locally known as Kamara, it continues to serve as a popular meeting point and reference marker in the city’s urban life.
The surviving central piers are decorated with sculpted marble relief panels that vividly depict scenes from Galerius’ Persian campaign, including battle sequences and the submission of defeated enemies. Another relief shows the imperial family participating in a ceremonial act of thanksgiving sacrifice. The faces on many figures have been deliberately chiseled away, a form of damnatio memoriae, likely carried out during later political or religious transitions rather than as a commemoration of the dead.
Additional panels emphasize the ideology of the Tetrarchy, a system of government introduced by the Roman emperor Diocletian, portraying Galerius in military attire alongside other rulers, symbolizing unity and shared authority within the late Roman imperial system. The Arch of Galerius forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki, inscribed in 1988.
Today, only three of the original eight pillars remain standing. Even so, the arch remains one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmarks. Locally known as Kamara, it continues to serve as a popular meeting point and reference marker in the city’s urban life.
The surviving central piers are decorated with sculpted marble relief panels that vividly depict scenes from Galerius’ Persian campaign, including battle sequences and the submission of defeated enemies. Another relief shows the imperial family participating in a ceremonial act of thanksgiving sacrifice. The faces on many figures have been deliberately chiseled away, a form of damnatio memoriae, likely carried out during later political or religious transitions rather than as a commemoration of the dead.
Additional panels emphasize the ideology of the Tetrarchy, a system of government introduced by the Roman emperor Diocletian, portraying Galerius in military attire alongside other rulers, symbolizing unity and shared authority within the late Roman imperial system. The Arch of Galerius forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki, inscribed in 1988.
7) White Tower of Thessaloniki (must see)
Rising to a height of approximately 112 feet, the White Tower was constructed by the Ottomans in the 15th century, shortly after their capture of the city in 1430. It formed part of the coastal fortifications and was originally integrated into a broader defensive system that included walls and artillery platforms protecting the harbor.
From the outset, the tower served a military purpose and was incorporated into the city’s defensive perimeter. Over time, it became closely associated with imprisonment and punishment. By the 17th century, it functioned as a garrison and later as a prison. During the Ottoman period, it acquired the grim name Tower of Blood or Red Tower, reflecting its role as a site of executions. In 1826, during the suppression of the Janissaries ordered by the Ottoman sultan Mahmud II, imprisoned Janissaries in Thessaloniki were executed, further cementing the tower’s fearsome reputation.
In 1890, the tower was painted white and officially renamed the White Tower. Many historians interpret this act as a symbolic attempt by the Ottoman authorities to erase—or at least soften—the memory of the tower’s violent past, though no definitive explanation survives. Regardless of intent, the new name endured and became firmly established.
The area around the tower has also witnessed pivotal moments in modern Greek history. In 1913, King George I of Greece was assassinated near the tower, marking another dramatic episode linked to the site. During World War I, the tower was used by Allied forces as a communications center, and the surrounding defensive walls were dismantled. At the same time, the tower served as a secure repository for important antiquities.
Throughout the 20th century, the White Tower continued to serve practical functions. Thessaloniki’s air defense operated from the tower between 1912 and 1983, and it also housed a meteorological laboratory. Today, the tower is home to a museum dedicated to the city’s history, presenting exhibitions that trace Thessaloniki’s development from its founding in 316 BC to the present day. Visitors who climb to the upper level are rewarded with views across the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
From the outset, the tower served a military purpose and was incorporated into the city’s defensive perimeter. Over time, it became closely associated with imprisonment and punishment. By the 17th century, it functioned as a garrison and later as a prison. During the Ottoman period, it acquired the grim name Tower of Blood or Red Tower, reflecting its role as a site of executions. In 1826, during the suppression of the Janissaries ordered by the Ottoman sultan Mahmud II, imprisoned Janissaries in Thessaloniki were executed, further cementing the tower’s fearsome reputation.
In 1890, the tower was painted white and officially renamed the White Tower. Many historians interpret this act as a symbolic attempt by the Ottoman authorities to erase—or at least soften—the memory of the tower’s violent past, though no definitive explanation survives. Regardless of intent, the new name endured and became firmly established.
The area around the tower has also witnessed pivotal moments in modern Greek history. In 1913, King George I of Greece was assassinated near the tower, marking another dramatic episode linked to the site. During World War I, the tower was used by Allied forces as a communications center, and the surrounding defensive walls were dismantled. At the same time, the tower served as a secure repository for important antiquities.
Throughout the 20th century, the White Tower continued to serve practical functions. Thessaloniki’s air defense operated from the tower between 1912 and 1983, and it also housed a meteorological laboratory. Today, the tower is home to a museum dedicated to the city’s history, presenting exhibitions that trace Thessaloniki’s development from its founding in 316 BC to the present day. Visitors who climb to the upper level are rewarded with views across the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
8) Leoforos Nikis/Nikis (Victory) Avenue
Victory Avenue runs along the historic seafront, stretching from Eleftherias Square and the port area. Often referred to as the Old Waterfront, the avenue forms a continuous coastal axis that has long defined the city’s relationship with the sea.
Rather than a conventional shopping street, Leoforos Nikis is best known for its prestigious seafront properties, historic apartment buildings, cafes, and restaurants overlooking the Thermaic Gulf. Property values here are among the highest in the city, reflecting its central location and uninterrupted sea views. The avenue also hosts several foreign consulates and professional offices. Over time, it has been home to landmark cafes, patisseries, historic cinemas, and notable hotels that played an important role in the city’s social and cultural life.
During the Ottoman period, the street was known as Beyaz Kule Avenue, referencing the nearby White Tower. In the early 20th century, it was renamed Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, a name it retained until 1939. That year, it officially became Nikis Avenue, commemorating Greece’s victory in the Balkan Wars from 1912 to 1913. The name has remained ever since, closely tied to the avenue’s symbolic and historical significance.
As you walk along Victory Avenue, several landmarks stand out. Walking east along the waterfront promenade, you'll find the Alexander the Great Statue. Just beyond the statue, the promenade opens into the landscaped Alexander the Great Garden, part of Thessaloniki’s newer seafront parks. The bronze equestrian sculpture, set against the sea, is one of the most photographed landmarks along the avenue. If instead you turn west, near the end of the seafront, close to Eleftherias Square, visitors encounter the Holocaust Memorial, a sculptural monument shaped as a menorah formed from intertwined human figures.
Today, the wide pedestrian sidewalk along the waterfront is one of Thessaloniki’s most popular promenades. Locals and visitors alike come here to stroll, meet, and enjoy open views of the sea, especially at sunset. While the city’s main retail and nightlife districts lie slightly inland, Victory Avenue continues to function as a social showcase.
Rather than a conventional shopping street, Leoforos Nikis is best known for its prestigious seafront properties, historic apartment buildings, cafes, and restaurants overlooking the Thermaic Gulf. Property values here are among the highest in the city, reflecting its central location and uninterrupted sea views. The avenue also hosts several foreign consulates and professional offices. Over time, it has been home to landmark cafes, patisseries, historic cinemas, and notable hotels that played an important role in the city’s social and cultural life.
During the Ottoman period, the street was known as Beyaz Kule Avenue, referencing the nearby White Tower. In the early 20th century, it was renamed Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, a name it retained until 1939. That year, it officially became Nikis Avenue, commemorating Greece’s victory in the Balkan Wars from 1912 to 1913. The name has remained ever since, closely tied to the avenue’s symbolic and historical significance.
As you walk along Victory Avenue, several landmarks stand out. Walking east along the waterfront promenade, you'll find the Alexander the Great Statue. Just beyond the statue, the promenade opens into the landscaped Alexander the Great Garden, part of Thessaloniki’s newer seafront parks. The bronze equestrian sculpture, set against the sea, is one of the most photographed landmarks along the avenue. If instead you turn west, near the end of the seafront, close to Eleftherias Square, visitors encounter the Holocaust Memorial, a sculptural monument shaped as a menorah formed from intertwined human figures.
Today, the wide pedestrian sidewalk along the waterfront is one of Thessaloniki’s most popular promenades. Locals and visitors alike come here to stroll, meet, and enjoy open views of the sea, especially at sunset. While the city’s main retail and nightlife districts lie slightly inland, Victory Avenue continues to function as a social showcase.
Walking Tours in Thessaloniki, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Thessaloniki
Creating your own self-guided walk in Thessaloniki is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Thessaloniki Upper Town Walking Tour
Thessaloniki’s Upper Town, known locally as Ano Poli, which literally translates as “Upper City” is the city’s oldest continuously inhabited district and the only area to survive the Great Fire of 1917 largely intact. While the lower city was rebuilt along modern, planned lines in the early 20th century, Ano Poli retained its Byzantine street layout, Ottoman-era houses, and defensive... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Thessaloniki Waterfront Tour
The Mediterranean has always been an integral part of Thessaloniki’s appeal. The city's orientation toward the sea is largely due to the vision of Ernest Hébrard, the French urban planner and architect, who redesigned the downtown area after the devastating fire of 1917.
To really get the taste of Thessaloniki you need to visit not just its historical landmarks, but also those spots... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
To really get the taste of Thessaloniki you need to visit not just its historical landmarks, but also those spots... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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