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The Atat眉rk Museum in Thessaloniki is an important historical site as it marks the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atat眉rk, the renowned figure behind the establishment of modern Turkey, born there in 1881. The building itself, consisting of three floors and a courtyard, dates back to before 1870.

In 1935, the Thessaloniki City Council handed over the property to the Turkish State, which opted to transform it into a museum. Unfortunately, in September 1955, a bomb blast near the nearby Turkish consulate caused some damage to the museum building. Though the damage was relatively minor, it triggered an anti-Greek violence wave in Istanbul. Later on, Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes was ousted, and his government was held responsible for orchestrating the bombing by a Turkish court. Menderes, acknowledging the wrongdoing, offered apologies and compensation, yet he was sentenced to death, with one of the charges being his alleged encouragement of the Istanbul violence. Consequently, the street in front of the house, originally named after Kemal Ataturk, underwent a name change.

The museum underwent restoration in 1981, during which it was repainted its original pink hue. Much of the furniture on display inside is authentic, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The first floor showcases various rooms including a reception area, a sitting room, Kemal's mother's room, and the kitchen. On the second floor, visitors can view the actual room where Kemal was born, along with another room exhibiting some of his personal belongings such as formal attire, smoking accessories, utensils, cups, and more.

The walls are adorned with documents from Kemal's school years and photographs spanning his lifetime. Additionally, a pomegranate tree planted by Kemal's father still stands in the courtyard, adding to the historical ambiance. Additionally, in 1981, a replica of the house was constructed in Ankara, further honoring Kemal Atat眉rk's legacy.

The Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos was originally built in the early 14th century as part of a monastery.

Serbian king Stephen Uros II Milutin sponsored several churches in Thessaloniki and might have sponsored the Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos. Milutin's patron saint, Saint George Gorgos, is depicted in a fresco in the church's main aisle. Another fresco features Saint Clemens of Ohrid, who was often depicted in Serbian churches.

The Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos avoided conversion during Ottoman rule. This is probably because the church is relatively small, humble, and out of the way.

The small, simple church originally had a wooded gabled roof. The exterior features brick and stone in irregular layers. A small walled garden provides a delightful place for contemplation.

The interior features the church's original marble templon. The church's most impressive feature is its original frescoes covering the walls. The frescoes show various narrative scenes showing Christ's life and miracles. The frescoes also feature scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas.

The Trigonion Tower is the Byzantine city wall's most famous tower. It is part of Thessaloniki's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built to reinforce an artillery tower after the Turkish occupation began in 1430. The tower's location was strategically important as this portion of the wall when Thessaloniki faced heavy attacks.

During Ottoman rule, the tower was also called Chain Tower or Belted Tower due to a relief in the central section that looks like a belt. It was used as an artillery tower and an armory. The tower is 22 meters (72.2 feet) tall and 24 meters (78.7 feet) in diameter.

The Trigonion Tower is also known as Thessaloniki's balcony. It provides an excellent view of the city's acropolis. In addition, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the old city and the Gulf of Thermaikos. On clear days, visitors can see Mount Olympus 150 kilometers away. Visitors and locals alike often gather here to watch the sunset.

Visitors can stop at a nearby cafe for refreshments before continuing their walk.

The Walls of Thessaloniki used to encircle the city from the Middle Ages until 1874 when much of them, especially the parts facing the sea, were destroyed during Ottoman renovations of Thessaloniki.

The remaining section of the Walls dates back to around 390 AD, built during the early Byzantine period, with some parts originating from an earlier construction in the late 3rd century. They're made of the typical late Roman style with alternating layers of stone and brick.

Today, the Walls stretch about 4 kilometers, half of their original length of 8 kilometers, and stand up to 10-12 meters tall and 4.5 meters wide. On the northeast side, they climb up the hills and connect with the Acropolis and Heptapyrgion Fortress.

In 1355, Byzantine Empress Anna Palaiologina modified some parts of the Walls, creating two gates known as Doors to the Walls, and another one to the west called "Portara," meaning Great Gate. These gates provided safe passage for citizens to seek refuge in the Acropolis and Heptapyrgion during attacks or sieges.

The Portara, the main gate, is well-preserved, showing layers of brickwork from repairs done over the centuries. The Walls also feature around 50 towers, including some from the Byzantine era like Klaudianos, Relief, Ormisda, and Andronikos Lapardas towers, as well as those from the Ottoman period such as the White Tower and the Chain/Triangle Tower. The Walls of Thessaloniki are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vlatadon Monastery is part of the Ano Poli Upper Town. Its also known as the Monastery of the Vlatades. When it was founded, it was called the Monastery of the Pantocrator. It was built during the 14th century during the end of the Byzantine Empire. It's part of Thessaloniki's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dorotheus and Markus Vlatadon founded the monastery in 1351. Historians believe the monastery was built on the same site that the Apostle Paul preached in AD 51. In 1351, Empress Anna Palaiologos retired to Thessalonica and gave the monastery its royal status.

Ottoman Turks began occupying the monastery in 1387. The main church was converted into a mosque, and the Turks plastered over the interior frescoes. Turkish troops billeted in the monastery during this time. When the Turks left in 1403, the monastery was returned to its original purpose. The Turks returned in 1430 but did not sequester the monastery again.

The monastery was renovated throughout the 20th century. The Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies operates in the monastery.

Several of the monastery's arches, semi-columns, and pediments are original. Most of the frescoes date to the 14th century. The monastery houses an extensive collection of Byzantine religious icons, scripts, codecs, patriarchal sigillum, and imperial golden seals.

The monastery is 120 meters (394 feet) above sea level and offers beautiful city and sea views.

The Church of Hosios David was built in the 5th century. It was part of the Latomos Monastery during Byzantine times. The church was built in a cross pattern with square bays in the corners.

The Church of Hosios David was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. The Ottomans added a minaret to the converted mosque. Today, only the minaret's base and spiral staircase remain. In 1921, it was reconsecrated as a Greek Orthodox Church. The Church of Hosios David is part of Thessaloniki's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many of the frescoes and decorations have been damaged by earthquakes and the plaster coverings used during Ottoman rule. However, many beautiful mosaics and frescoes remain. For example, the stunning Theophany mosaic features Christ holding a text, surrounded by Evangelists.

Murals from the 12th and 13th centuries depict the nativity, Christ's baptism, our lady of the passion, Christ's entry into Jerusalem, and many decorative panels.

The Tsinari neighborhood, nestled in the historic district of Ano Poli (Upper City) in Thessaloniki, is a captivating part of the city's heritage. Its name, originating from the Turkish word "cinar" meaning plane tree, reflects its deep historical roots. Tsinari stands out for its careful preservation efforts, maintaining the old urban layout and protecting many listed buildings. This dedication to conservation has kept the district's historical character alive, allowing both locals and tourists to experience a glimpse of the past.

Today, Tsinari is famous for its lively tavernas that attract visitors from all over Thessaloniki. These local eateries offer a delightful culinary journey, serving renowned Greek appetizers, fine wines, and traditional music. The ambiance in Tsinari is undeniably nostalgic, with its traditional buildings, stone streets, and an atmosphere that encourages leisurely exploration after visiting the numerous attractions of the Upper Town.

Papadopoulou Street, another highlight of Thessaloniki's urban landscape, captures the city's vibrant essence through its bustling atmosphere. Named after Aggeliki Papadopoulou, a notable Greek politician and activist, the street is not only a commercial center but also a reflection of Thessaloniki's culture and history. Lined with a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, Papadopoulou Street offers a diverse range of experiences to suit every taste.

The street's architectural diversity combines tradition with modernity. Visitors encounter a lively contemporary scene, yet ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman-era buildings within this modern context add layers of historical richness. This blend of old and new enhances the allure of Papadopoulou Street, embodying Thessaloniki's past and present.

Together, the Tsinari area and Papadopoulou Street showcase the distinctive charm of Thessaloniki. Through their vibrant tavernas, diverse commercial offerings, and preservation of historical elements, they exemplify the city's ability to honor its rich heritage while embracing contemporary life.

The Church of Saint Catherine, known locally as Agia Aikaterini, stands as a testament to the rich Byzantine heritage of Thessaloniki. Situated in the north-western part of Ano Poli, within the historic confines of the city and near the ancient fortress walls, this architectural marvel dates back to the late 13th to early 14th centuries.

Originally constructed during the Paleologian era, the precise Byzantine name of the church has been lost to history. However, it is believed to have been the main temple of the monastery of Christ the Almighty, dedicated to Christ himself. The church is particularly notable for housing a relic of Agia Aikaterini, a significant martyr of the Christian faith, in the form of her wrist bone.

Throughout its existence, the Church of Saint Catherine has undergone several transformations. Under Ottoman rule, it was converted into a mosque by Bayezid II. However, efforts to restore its original purpose and grandeur began in earnest in the mid-20th century. Significant restoration work took place between 1947 and 1951, which revealed hidden frescoes dating back to the early 14th century, shedding light on its Byzantine past.

Architecturally, the church is a stunning example of Byzantine design, featuring a cross-domed layout with two symmetrical chapels on its eastern side and five domes, including a central dome atop the main nave and four smaller ones at the corners of the peristyle. The exterior showcases intricate stonework adorned with luxurious ornamentation, such as zigzag passageways, blind arches, half-columns, and ceramic embellishments, all displaying the remarkable construction expertise of the Byzantine era.

Inside, the church is adorned with frescoes dating back to the 14th century. These include depictions of bishops, the assembly of apostles, prophets, angels, and scenes from Christ's miracles. Though some of these artworks have been damaged or destroyed over time, the Church of Saint Catherine remains a treasure trove of Byzantine religious art and history, attracting visitors from around the world to marvel at its beauty and significance within the cultural tapestry of Thessaloniki.

The Church of Prophet Elijah, situated in Thessaloniki, stands as a testament to the city's rich historical and architectural heritage. Dating back to the 14th century, this church holds significance not only for its religious importance but also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally constructed during the Palaiologan period, the church's original dedication remains unknown. During the Ottoman era, it was referred to as the Sarayl谋 Mosque, a name derived from its proximity to a palace or court. However, a misinterpretation of this name led to its modern dedication to the Prophet Elijah.

While traditionally believed to be a catholic monastery, recent research has cast doubt on this assertion. Evidence suggests that the church of Prophet Elijah was converted into a mosque by Badrah Mustafa Pasha soon after the city's capture in 1430. Some scholars propose that it might have been associated with the Akapniou Monastery based on its internal decoration.

Architecturally, the Church of Prophet Elijah showcases a unique variant of the cross-in-square design, known as the "Athonite type." This architectural style, reserved typically for the catholic monastery, distinguishes it from other structures in Thessaloniki. The meticulous masonry, characterized by alternating courses of bricks and white ashlar, reflects influences from Constantinopolitan architecture.

One of the church's notable features is its internal decoration, including fragments of original wall paintings. These artworks, exemplary of late Palaiologan art, have influenced later paintings in regions such as Serbia. Moreover, the architectural features of the church have been interpreted to create an ambient atmosphere conducive to worship, particularly through the distribution of natural light.

Despite the passage of centuries and various transformations, the Church of Prophet Elijah continues to stand as a testament to Thessaloniki's cultural richness and architectural ingenuity.

The Byzantine Bath of Thessaloniki stands as the lone survivor among the city's ancient bathhouses and ranks among Greece's most well-preserved relics from antiquity. Constructed in the late 12th or early 13th century, it remained operational until 1940, when it ceased operations, likely due to the upheavals of World War II and the German occupation of Greece. Originally believed to be part of a monastery complex, during Ottoman rule it came to be known as Kule Hammam, or the "Bath of the Citadel".

Reflecting Roman architectural conventions, the bathhouse features an entrance to the south leading to the frigidarium, or dressing rooms, followed by two tepidarium, or warm rooms, distinguished by their vaulted ceilings, and two caldarium, or hot rooms, both equipped with hypocaust heating systems. Adjacent to the bathhouse to the north was a cistern heated by a hearth beneath it, ensuring a supply of hot water.

Throughout its extensive history of use, the original structure underwent numerous modifications. While in the Byzantine era, it was utilized by both men and women interchangeably, under Ottoman rule, it was partitioned into segregated sections for each gender by blocking off pairs of rooms.

After its closure in 1940, the bathhouse suffered neglect and damage during the earthquakes of 1978, surviving largely due to the efforts of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and protection provided by an external metal sheet. Recognizing its significance, UNESCO added the Bath of Thessaloniki to its list of World Heritage Sites in 1988, alongside other Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments in the city.

Following extensive restoration efforts spanning four years, the bathhouse was reopened to the public in June 2015, serving as both a museum and cultural venue.

The Rotunda of Galerius is an impressive cylindrical structure. Roman co-emperor Galerius built the Rotunda in 306 AD. Some historians believe that Galerius intended the structure to be a mausoleum, while others believe it was a temple.

The Rotunda's walls are over six meters (18 feet) thick and have helped the Rotunda survive earthquakes. The building is over 29 meters (95 feet) tall and 24.5 meters (80 feet) in diameter.

The Rotunda is architecturally similar to the famous Pantheon in Rome.

A road links the Rotunda to the Arch of Galerius. The Rotunda served as a Christian church during the Byzantine Empire era when an additional sanctuary was added to the building.

The interior features mosaics dating to the Early Byzantine period. The Rotunda served as Thessaloniki's cathedral from 1524 to 1591. In 1591, it was converted to a mosque when the Ottoman Empire invaded. The Rotunda served as a mosque until the city's liberation in 1912. After the liberation, the church was dedicated to Saint George.

Visitors will be delighted by the myriad of exceptional mosaics. The mosaics in the barrel vaults feature natural scenes such as birds, flowers, and fruit baskets. The southern niche's mosaic features a gold Latin Cross surrounded by birds, stars, flowers, and fruits.

Earthquakes have damaged the dome's mosaics throughout the centuries. The "martyrs frieze" features mosaics of several saints.

A mosaic medallion is located in the apex of the dome. This mosaic shows angels holding a medallion. Unfortunately, the depiction of a young Christ holding a cross has been heavily damaged.

The semidome of the apse features a painting of the Ascension.

When the Rotunda was converted into a mosque in 1591, a minaret was added. The minaret is one of the few still standing at full height.

The Arch of Galerius was dedicated in 303 AD to celebrate Roman co-emperor Galerius' victory against the Persians. The structure originally featured an eight-pillared gateway that formed a triple arch. A road connected the Arch with the Rotunda and the Palace complex.

Today, only three of the eight pillars survive. However, the Arch of Galerius is still one of Thessaloniki's most distinctive landmarks. Locals know it as Kamara and often use the landmark as a meeting point.

The two central pillars feature sculpted marble slabs, depicting Galerius fighting the Persians. Another marble relief shows the imperial family making a thanksgiving sacrifice. Unfortunately, all faces have been chiseled off the reliefs. This damage was possibly done to commemorate the dead.

Another panel shows the unity of the tetrarchy, with Galerius dressed in armor. The Arch of Galerius is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Palace of Galerius, situated in the heart of Thessaloniki, stands as an impressive example of Roman architecture and history. Built around AD 300 during the reign of the tetrarch Galerius, it was part of a larger urban development showcasing the wealth and power of the Roman Empire.

Today, the ruins of the Palace of Galerius offer visitors a chance to step back in time in Thessaloniki's bustling center. Despite its partial state of decay, the remnants of the palace provide glimpses of its former grandeur. Particularly striking is the Octagon, believed to have been Galerius's throne room, adorned with lavish decorations.

The Palace of Galerius wasn't just a single building but a vast complex covering over 150,000 square meters. It included structures like the Rotonda, Navarino Plaza, and the temple of Agia Sofia, all essential parts of daily life in Roman Thessaloniki. These were connected by the Via Egnatia, highlighting the complex's importance in the Roman trade network.

The palace and its surroundings, including a Basilica and a Nymphaeum, showcased Roman architectural prowess and served various purposes, both religious and monumental. The northern part of the complex, near Kamara, is directly linked to the Via Egnatia. The atrium, with its grand colonnade, mosaics, and statues, exuded power and prosperity.

The Octagon, adjacent to the Basilica, was particularly impressive, likely serving as the tetrarch's throne room due to its ornate decorations and prominent location.

The Galerius Complex played a crucial role in Thessaloniki's social, political, and economic life during Roman times, its scale dwarfing typical Greek constructions.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered remarkable artifacts, many now displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, offering insights into the era's artistry.

Restoration work has been ongoing, allowing the public to visit most parts of the site. Visitors can admire the preserved atrium, arcades, and Basilica, appreciating the restored marble floors and vibrant mosaics. This outdoor museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with Thessaloniki's Roman heritage, making the Palace of Galerius a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Tsimiski Street, located in the heart of Thessaloniki, is an avenue known for its lively activity and cultural significance. Named after Byzantine Emperor Ioannis Tzimiskis, this main street reflects the vibrant urban life and historical depth of Thessaloniki. Today, Tsimiski Street is not just a thoroughfare; it's the heartbeat of the city center, famous for its bustling atmosphere, making it one of the busiest and most dynamic areas in Thessaloniki and Greece as a whole.

At the heart of Tsimiski Street lies its intersection with Aristotelous Square, a meeting point for the people of Thessaloniki. This junction serves as a cultural hub alongside Aristotelous Square, emphasizing the street's significance beyond commerce and traffic. It's where history, culture, and modern life converge, offering a unique experience to both locals and tourists.

Tsimiski Street is renowned for its wide range of shopping options. With numerous fashion shops, boutiques, and international department stores, it's a paradise for shoppers. Fokas, the largest Greek department store in the city center, is a standout, attracting customers with its diverse offerings. Additionally, the presence of global brands adds to the cosmopolitan atmosphere, drawing fashion enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike.

Enhancing the commercial landscape of Tsimiski Street is the Plateia Center Mall, the largest shopping mall in Thessaloniki's city center. It offers more than just shopping, featuring entertainment options such as the Plateia Assos Odeon multiplex, as well as bars, restaurants, a Virgin Music Megastore, and fitness centers, catering to various interests. Moreover, hosting the United States Consulate in Thessaloniki and the liaison office of the Republic of Macedonia adds to its local and international significance.