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Thessaloniki The Co-Capital of Greece, A Modern Fusion of its History by Dragos Gontariu via Unsplash

Thessaloniki The Co-Capital of Greece, A Modern Fusion of Its History

Much of the renowned Greek street photography takes place in Thessaloniki, Greece. It has some of the best street arts, adored by camera lenses. This is especially true in its center, which witnessed a lot of history.

Starting with the Roman era in 315 BC which laid its foundation, Thessaloniki continues to present much culture till our present day. It has always been the “second runner up” to Constantinople and now a “co-capital” to Athens. So why Thessaloniki should have much of your attention?

Culture, Culture and Some More Culture

Greece is one of those countries that is bursting with museums and traditions. Moreover, tourists who might be visiting it to solely enjoy the beaches, end up spending hours admiring the historic scenes.

White Tower, Thessaloniki by Dimitris Vetsikas via Pixabay
White Tower, Thessaloniki by Dimitris Vetsikas via Pixabay

When it comes to Thessaloniki, visitors find it home to many splendid sites. Many of these are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites listings. Most notably are the Byzantine Monuments. These played very important roles for the Christian faith in the Near East. Moreover, the Ottoman Turks have also left their mark on the city’s walls and architecture.

Education and Knowledge in Thessaloniki

The city lies in Northern Greece, overlooking mountains and seas. This makes its climate perfect all year round. Nonetheless, with good weather comes astonishing ideas and great thinkers. As a result, Thessaloniki attracted many thought leaders throughout the centuries.

Aristotle square at Thessaloniki, Greece by Binod Kafle via flickr

All of those great minds have assembled in the halls of its historical university, Aristotle University. This university is the largest in Greece and the whole of the Balkans.

It constitutes a great opportunity to study abroad in Europe. While Greek is the main educational medium, also English and other European languages like Italian, French and German prevail in courses for international students.

Tourism and Sightseeing in Thessaloniki

Arch of Galerius, Thessaloniki, Greece by Fil Fil via flickr
Arch of Galerius, Thessaloniki, Greece by Fil Fil via flickr

Minimalism travel lovers will fall in love with the city by simply walking in its streets, while enjoying the view and sniffing the aromas of the delicious food. Moreover, sipping a cocktail in its numerous bars can be a deeply relaxing experience.

For cultural enthusiasts, the Byzantine walls and the Arch of Galerius are there for the taking. History has never got this close to us…

If you are a nature lover, then head to the national park. The Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas Delta National Park with its unique ecosystem is a marvelous experience. It is the natural habitat for some of Europe’s most exotic bird and animal species.

Ground squirrels joyfully run the grass of the park, whereas butterflies and dragonflies magically roam its flowers. Additionally, curious European otters welcome you with a look of glittering scrutiny from a distance.

Thessaloniki Harbour and Ladadika District

A Street in a Ladidaka Neighbourhood of Thessaloniki
Ladidaka Neighbourhood of Thessaloniki by Dee Soriano via flickr

An ottoman Turkish atmosphere softly shadows the area and echoes in its streets. Famous for its virgin olive oil and spices, Ladidaka is a spot worth exploring.

Many bazaar shops are still intact and a stroll there is the perfect walk down memory lane to enjoy the fusion of the past and present.

Culinary Experiences in Thessaloniki

Custard Bougatsa with Greek Coffee by Alpha via flickr
Custard Bougatsa with Greek Coffee by Alpha via flickr

Like all other Greek foods, Thessaloniki delights are healthy and flavoursome. Bougatsa may be one of the most underrated European foods.

Bougatsa is a pastry delicately filled with either custard or cheese. It makes a hearty breakfast when accompanying coffee or tea. Sometimes, a more heavy stuffing like meat can suffice for a brunch. This is similar to Eggs Benedict brunches at most buffets, yet you can only enjoy it perfectly done in Thessaloniki.

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