Thessaloniki, a taste of Greece

We always think about famous tiny islands when talking about Greece, but is it hidden on the mainland? A glimpse of than can be catch by the visit of Thessaloniki.. a cheap flight from almost every city in Europe might tempt you to visit this curious city

The Chalkidiki peninsula, a region of Greece already explored and rich of tourism, but not very known worldwide. I have visited this place at the end of last summer, with my sisters and my parents. In the region on Macedonia.

White Tower

What we see in every photo representing the city, this cylindrical tower is now its symbol worldwide. Situated on the waterfront, it was built in replace of a Byzantine fortification to fortify the city's harbour. During the period of the Ottoman Rule in Macedonia, the tower became a notorious prison and a scene of mass execution.

"Why do I think that it is not properly white?"

After the massacre of rebellious in order of the ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, the tower got the name of "Red Tower" or "Tower of Blood". Afterwards, during the First Balkan War, Thessaloniki was annexed to the Hellenic State, and the tower was whitewashed as a symbol of purification. The Tower now contains a museum, that explains the story of the city.

Ladadika

Painted with murals and full of restaurants, bars, tavernas and clubs, it's a fascinating place at two steps from the sea. it's the best place to spend the night or dinner.

Ana Poli district

The determination of my mum and her guide brought us towards a walk in the little streets of the northern neighborhood of the old city. Streets written in Greek and an infinity of corners could bring you easily in the wrong direction, so be careful. The final destination, if you search on Maps could be the Vlatadon Monastery (opened every day from 7.30-11.00 & 17.30-20.00) from which you will have an amazing view on the whole city and the port. In the meanwhile you could run into the Ottoman Mausoleum of Musa Baba and after that the rest of the Wall of Heptapyrgion. Turn left passing under the main arch and you will find a lot of little Tavern restaurants, where to have a typical Greek dinner at low prices. If you don't fancy to walk till there or are too tired coming back, you, could simply take an ordinary bus, from Agiou Dimitrou street to the Arch, and vice-versa. Good luck!