Living in Greece Learn about Greek tourism attractions: Thessaloniki is the capital of the Macedonia region and the second-largest city in Greece. It was founded between 316 and 315 BC and named by Cassander of the Kingdom of Macedon after his wife; the name Thessaloniki means "victory in Thessaly." It is said that it was in Thessaloniki that Saint Paul first brought the gospel of Christianity. In 303 AD, Demetrius, a Roman official who was a devout Christian, was martyred and became the patron saint of the city. Today, the entire city celebrates the Feast of Saint Demetrius every October 26th to commemorate him.
The White Tower, built in the 15th century, is the city's most prominent landmark. It was once used by the Turks as a prison and was the site of massacres following a mutiny by the Sultan's Janissaries. Today, the White Tower itself is a museum housing secular and religious artifacts from the Byzantine era. A spiral staircase inside the tower leads directly to the exhibition halls, and from the top platform, one can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront. The Archaeological Museum, located east of the White Tower, houses the Vergina collection excavated from the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Vergina was a capital of Macedon and served as the royal burial site; the museum contains magnificent gold jewelry, ivory figurines, bronze vessels, and, most notably, the king's golden coffin. Thessaloniki still preserves many arches and fortress walls made of brick and marble, making it a center for the study of Byzantine architectural styles. The Rotonda, built in the 3rd century, is the oldest church in the city. It is said to have originally been a mausoleum for King Galerius, who hated Christianity and killed Demetrius. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine converted it into a church, and during the Ottoman Turkish rule in the 15th century, it was converted into a mosque. The period of Turkish occupation left behind several distinctive mosque buildings. The Kastra district, where they resided, is located on the hillside and offers beautiful views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf.
Today, Thessaloniki is a vibrant, modern metropolis with wide streets, parks, and squares, and the city is filled with shopping centers, cinemas, theaters, cafes, and other cultural and entertainment venues. Most of the crowd consists of students from the city's two main universities—Aristotle University and the University of Macedonia. The energy of the youth brings the nights to life, with cafes and bars staying open until the early hours, most of which are concentrated in the Ladadika district. The newly built Thessaloniki Concert Hall is also an excellent venue for enjoying beautiful music. The WorldWay Fair, held annually in September by local universities, showcases various goods from Greece and abroad, making Thessaloniki a new trade hub for the Balkan region. This is followed by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Thessaloniki is also the birthplace of modern Greek basketball and boasts its own basketball superstars. The EuroLeague Final Four was held here in April 2000.
In 1997, Thessaloniki was awarded the title of "European Capital of Culture." Traveling east from Thessaloniki, one finds the famous Mount Athos, where King Constantine once issued a decree prohibiting women (including all female animals) from entering. Many of the monasteries on the Holy Mountain were funded by Byzantine emperors; the spectacular Simonopetra Monastery is perched on the edge of a cliff on three sides, and the frescoes inside are considered world-class. However, it is said that only true religious pilgrims may be granted entry.
Thessaloniki has an officially approved nudist beach—Halkidiki Beach, named "Kavourotrypes." Due to its sparse population, it offers a sense of purity far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.