Athens is indeed an incredible place to visit, but if you are looking for something less “classic,” you really should give Thessaloniki a chance.
As Greece’s second-largest city, there are many reasons why Thessaloniki is worth at least a few days on your Greece trip. It is a gorgeous and bustling coastal city with lots to offer regarding history, culture, and nightlife.
The city is packed with ancient buildings and monuments with a history that goes thousands of years back. Here is a list of some of Thessaloniki’s most famous archeological sites.
The very symbol of the city, the White Tower, stands right on the waterside promenade. Built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, this building’s original purpose was to be a fortress, and it has held different functions over time, like being used as a garrison and a prison.
Another unmissable monument in Thessaloniki is the Arch of Galerius, better known as the Kamara. This quadruple arch was built to celebrate the victory of Emperor Galerius over the Persians and was connected to his palace.
The church is large and boasts beautiful features. In particular, don’t miss the mosaics depicting the Saint, the finely-sculpted capitals of the columns, and the marble decorations all around.