Sightseeing in Thessalonica
Ancient Greek Monuments
At Sindos town, on the west area of Thessalonica city, a cemetery has been discovered. Mummies and many items of interest such as clay pots and jewelry have been excavated, among them four masks, three of which were golden and one silver, that date back to the 5th century AD.
On the east side of Thessalonica, at Saint Paraskevis area, another cemetery was found dating back to the 6th century AD.
The Roman Forum, a must see, was exactly at the center of Thessalonica and was built at the end of the 2nd century. The Galerian complex is located at the southeast of Thessalonica with the Galerian Arch being the most popular sight. The temple of Rotonda dates back to the early 4th century while, at the historic center of the city, a great area with ancient houses dates back to the 1st century.
The Archaeological Museum of Thessalonica is in the center of the city and contains exhibits from cemeteries, as well as from the Roman period. It is interesting to see the sculptures comprising one of the richest collections in the world. The museum at Vergina is also worth visiting for history buffs and art lovers.
Christian and Byzantine Monuments
The walls of Thessalonica are a unique archaeological finding, as well as the temple of Ahiropoiitos that dates back to the 5th century. There are numerous temples that can be visited and are interesting for the visitor. The Museum of Byzantine Culture, an important sight that consists of eight halls each one holding a different exhibition, offers the visitor a unique experience and history of Byzantine civilization.
The Concert Hall of Thessalonica is an important spot that will soon house the musical library. There is also a Museum of Ancient, Byzantine and Metabyzantine Musical Instruments and the Museum of Modern Art. They sound a little bit out of the ordinary, but some travelers find the Museum of Water Supply and Museum of Technology to be very interesting. There are two universities in Thessalonica: Aristotle University and the University of Macedonia.
